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Palillo MB, Mishkin N, Aydin M, Mourino A, Ricart Arbona RJ, Lipman NS. Examining Intercage Transmission of Chlamydia muridarum : Impact of Barrier Husbandry and Cage Sanitization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.19.590256. [PMID: 38659756 PMCID: PMC11042296 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.19.590256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) has reemerged as a prevalent bacterial contaminant of academic research mouse colonies. A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of husbandry and cage sanitization methods in preventing intercage transmission of Cm. To assess intercage transmission during cage change, a cage housing 2 Cm-free Swiss Webster (Tac:SW; SW) sentinel mice was placed randomly on each of 12 individually ventilated cage racks, housing cages with Cm-shedding mice, located in 1 of 2 animal holding rooms. Husbandry staff blinded to the study cages, changed all cages in the animal holding rooms weekly using microisolator cage technique. PCR testing performed 180 days post-placement confirmed all mice remained negative for Cm. To assess the effectiveness of cage sanitization to eliminate Cm, we investigated transmission of Cm to a naïve Cm-free SW and NOD.Cg- Prkdc scid Il2rg tm1Wjl /SzJ (NSG) mouse co-housed for 7 days (repeated weekly for 4 weeks) in cages assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n=10 pairs of mice/group). Cages that previously housed 2 Cm-shedding BALB/c mice were either washed in a tunnel washer (82.2°C [180°F] final rinse for an average of 16 seconds per run; n=10) with and without post-washing autoclaving (121°C for 20 minutes; n=10), or were untreated (bedding change only; n=10). Pre- and post-sanitization swabs of each cage were assayed for Cm by PCR. All pre-treatment swabs tested positive, while post-treatment swabs from all cages (excluding bedding change) tested negative. All SW and NSG mice, irrespective of group, remained negative for Cm as determined by PCR. These findings suggest that infectious Cm does not persist in untreated cages nor after mechanical washing with and without autoclaving. Collectively, these findings suggest that neither husbandry nor inadequate cage sanitization methods likely contributed to the observed prevalence of Cm in contemporary research mouse colonies.
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Xie G, Hu Q, Cao X, Wu W, Dai P, Guo W, Wang O, Wei L, Ren R, Li Y. Clinical identification and microbiota analysis of Chlamydia psittaci- and Chlamydia abortus- pneumonia by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1157540. [PMID: 37434780 PMCID: PMC10331293 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1157540] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recently, the incidence of chlamydial pneumonia caused by rare pathogens such as C. psittaci or C. abortus has shown a significant upward trend. The non-specific clinical manifestations and the limitations of traditional pathogen identification methods determine that chlamydial pneumonia is likely to be poorly diagnosed or even misdiagnosed, and may further result in delayed treatment or unnecessary antibiotic use. mNGS's non-preference and high sensitivity give us the opportunity to obtain more sensitive detection results than traditional methods for rare pathogens such as C. psittaci or C. abortus. Methods In the present study, we investigated both the pathogenic profile characteristics and the lower respiratory tract microbiota of pneumonia patients with different chlamydial infection patterns using mNGS. Results More co-infecting pathogens were found to be detectable in clinical samples from patients infected with C. psittaci compared to C. abortus, suggesting that patients infected with C. psittaci may have a higher risk of mixed infection, which in turn leads to more severe clinical symptoms and a longer disease course cycle. Further, we also used mNGS data to analyze for the first time the characteristic differences in the lower respiratory tract microbiota of patients with and without chlamydial pneumonia, the impact of the pattern of Chlamydia infection on the lower respiratory tract microbiota, and the clinical relevance of these characteristics. Significantly different profiles of lower respiratory tract microbiota and microecological diversity were found among different clinical subgroups, and in particular, mixed infections with C. psittaci and C. abortus resulted in lower lung microbiota diversity, suggesting that chlamydial infections shape the unique lung microbiota pathology, while mixed infections with different Chlamydia may have important effects on the composition and diversity of the lung microbiota. Discussion The present study provides possible evidences supporting the close correlation between chlamydial infection, altered microbial diversity in patients' lungs and clinical parameters associated with infection or inflammation in patients, which also provides a new research direction to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary infections caused by Chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongxun Xie
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Hu
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuefang Cao
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjie Wu
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Penghui Dai
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ouxi Wang
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Wei
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruotong Ren
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Foshan Branch, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Brewer N, McKenzie MS, Melkonjan N, Zaky M, Vik R, Stoffolano JG, Webley WC. Persistence and Significance of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Housefly, Musca domestica L. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:854-863. [PMID: 34520263 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Ocular infection by the obligate intracellular pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis, causes the eyelashes to turn in and scratch the cornea, leading to blindness if left untreated. The disease is most prevalent in poor, rural communities that lack the infrastructure for basic hygiene, clean water, and proper sanitation. Infection is often spread through infected clothes, contaminated hands, and face seeking flies. The goal of this research was to understand the biological role of Musca domestica flies in the transmission of C. trachomatis. PCR, tissue culture, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to determine the presence, viability, and the anatomical location of C. trachomatis within the digestive tract of M. domestica. Flies were fed with C. trachomatis and then harvested at various time intervals after feeding. The data confirmed the presence of C. trachomatis DNA and viable elementary bodies (EBs) in fly crops, up to 24 h postfeeding. C. trachomatis DNA was also isolated from the upper portions of the alimentary tract of flies up to 48 h postfeeding. In addition, DNA was isolated from the regurgitation material from fly crops up to 12 h postfeeding. The viability of isolated C. trachomatis EBs was repeatedly confirmed between 12 and 48 h and up to 7 days in ex vivo crops stored at room temperature. Our data suggest that eye-seeking flies such as M. domestica can ingest C. trachomatis during regular feeding. Because M. sorbens does not occur in continental United States, we did not use it in any of our studies. These data also confirm, for the first time, that ingested chlamydia remains viable inside the flies for 24-48 h postfeeding. We further show that these flies can regurgitate and transmit the trachoma agent at their next feeding. We believe that these findings reveal an opportunity for efficient intervention strategies through fly vector control, especially as we near new target date for global elimination of trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Brewer
- Microbiology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marcus S McKenzie
- Microbiology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nsan Melkonjan
- Microbiology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mina Zaky
- Microbiology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - RoseAnn Vik
- Microbiology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John G Stoffolano
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Transcriptional Landscape of Waddlia chondrophila Aberrant Bodies Induced by Iron Starvation. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121848. [PMID: 33255276 PMCID: PMC7760296 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiales order are related to the formation of persistent developmental forms called aberrant bodies (ABs), which undergo DNA replication without cell division. These enlarged bacteria develop and persist upon exposure to different stressful conditions such as β-lactam antibiotics, iron deprivation and interferon-γ. However, the mechanisms behind ABs biogenesis remain uncharted. Using an RNA-sequencing approach, we compared the transcriptional profile of ABs induced by iron starvation to untreated bacteria in the Chlamydia-related species Waddliachondrophila, a potential agent of abortion in ruminants and miscarriage in humans. Consistent with the growth arrest observed following iron depletion, our results indicate a significant reduction in the expression of genes related to energy production, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and cell wall/envelope biogenesis, compared to untreated, actively replicating bacteria. Conversely, three putative toxin-antitoxin modules were among the most up-regulated genes upon iron starvation, suggesting that their activation might be involved in growth arrest in adverse conditions, an uncommon feature in obligate intracellular bacteria. Our work represents the first complete transcriptomic profile of a Chlamydia-related species in stressful conditions and sets the grounds for further investigations on the mechanisms underlying chlamydial persistence.
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Laroucau K, Ortega N, Vorimore F, Aaziz R, Mitura A, Szymanska-Czerwinska M, Cicerol M, Salinas J, Sachse K, Caro MR. Detection of a novel Chlamydia species in captive spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) in southeastern Spain and proposal of Candidatus Chlamydia testudinis. Syst Appl Microbiol 2020; 43:126071. [PMID: 32085936 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2020.126071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is an endangered Mediterranean tortoise that lives in North Africa, Southern Europe and Southwest Asia. In the wake of recent legislation making their keeping as domestic animals illegal, many of these animals have been returned to wildlife recovery centers in Spain. In the present study, a population of such tortoises showing signs of ocular disease and nasal discharge was examined for the presence of Chlamydia spp. Cloacal, conjunctival and/or choanal swabs were collected from 58 animals. Using a real-time PCR specific for the family Chlamydiaceae, 57/58 animals tested positive in at least one sample. While only a few samples proved positive for C. pecorum, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a sequence identical to previously published sequences from specimens of German and Polish tortoises. Whole-genome sequences obtained from two conjunctival swab samples, as well as ANIb, TETRA values and a scheme based on 9 taxonomic marker genes revealed that the strain present in the Spanish tortoises represented a new yet non-classified species, with C. pecorum being its closest relative. We propose to designate the new species Candidatus Chlamydia testudinis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Laroucau
- University Paris-Est, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit. Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - N Ortega
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | - F Vorimore
- University Paris-Est, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit. Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - R Aaziz
- University Paris-Est, ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit. Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - A Mitura
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases/Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, Poland
| | - M Szymanska-Czerwinska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases/Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, Poland
| | - M Cicerol
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | - J Salinas
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | - K Sachse
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut f. Bioinformatik, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - M R Caro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Regional de Excelencia internacional, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
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Vogler BR, Trinkler M, Marti H, Borel N, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Hoop R, Mattmann P, Albini S. Survey on Chlamydiaceae in cloacal swabs from Swiss turkeys demonstrates absence of Chlamydia psittaci and low occurrence of Chlamydia gallinacean. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226091. [PMID: 31821353 PMCID: PMC6903705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Switzerland, domestic turkey meat is a niche product. Turkeys are fattened on mixed family-based farms scattered across the country, with most providing access to an uncovered outdoor pasture for the birds. Swiss fattening turkeys may therefore get infected with Chlamydiaceae via wild birds or their faeces, potentially shedding these bacteria at a later stage. The aim of the present study was to acquire baseline data about the shedding of Chlamydiaceae in clinically unremarkable Swiss fattening turkeys at slaughter, potentially exposing slaughterhouse workers to infection. In this large-scale study, 1008 cloacal swabs of Swiss turkeys out of 53 flocks from 28 different grow-out farms with uncovered outdoor pasture were collected over the course of 14 months and examined for the occurrence of Chlamydiaceae by a family-specific 23S-rRNA real-time PCR. Positive samples were further analyzed by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci)-specific real-time PCR and the Arraymate DNA Microarray for species identification. All samples were negative for C. psittaci, but seven swabs out of one flock were tested positive for Chlamydia gallinacea (0.7%). Although turkeys with access to pasture may have contact with Chlamydiaceae-harbouring wild birds or their faeces, the infection rate in Swiss turkeys was shown to be low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Renate Vogler
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michal Trinkler
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard Hoop
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Prisca Mattmann
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Albini
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Blandford MI, Taylor-Brown A, Schlacher TA, Nowak B, Polkinghorne A. Epitheliocystis in fish: An emerging aquaculture disease with a global impact. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:1436-1446. [PMID: 29790651 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epitheliocystis is a skin and gill disease in fish caused by pathogenic intracellular bacteria. The disease has been reported in at least 90 species of marine and freshwater fish in both the southern and northern hemispheres. It affects a number of commercially important aquaculture species, including salmon, kingfish and bream. In infected fish, cysts typically develop in the gill epithelia, promoting the fusion of gill lamellae. Infections can lead to respiratory distress and death, particularly in cultured and juvenile fish with cases rarely reported in wild fish. Modern molecular techniques are challenging the conventional wisdoms regarding the epidemiology of epitheliocystis, showing now that a number of distinct bacterial pathogens from completely different phyla can cause this disease. Here, we review the state of knowledge, including updates on aetiology, host range, diagnosis and treatments. Traditionally, bacteria from the phylum Chlamydiae were the only known pathogenic agents of epitheliocystis, but aetiology is now recognized as being more complex, including a range of Proteobacteria. Notwithstanding recent advances in identifying the pathogens, the reservoirs and modes of transmission remain largely unknown. Recent genome sequencing of the growing number of epitheliocystis agents suggests that many bacteria causing this disease are unique to individual species of fish. Environmental conditions that approach or exceed animals' physiological tolerances (e.g. atypical temperature, salinity or pH levels) are thought to contribute to disease development and progression. Empirical data and evidence concerning epidemiology, aetiology and treatments are, however, in many cases limited, highlighting the need for more work to better characterize this disease across the different hosts and locales affected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alyce Taylor-Brown
- USC Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore D.C., QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas A Schlacher
- USC Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore D.C., QLD, Australia.,School of Science & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore D.C., QLD, Australia
| | - Barbara Nowak
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Newnham, TAS, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- USC Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore D.C., QLD, Australia
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8
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Rojas MDC, Fort M, Bettermann S, Entrocassi C, Costamagna SR, Sachse K, Rodríguez Fermepin M. [Detection of Chlamydia abortus in bovine reproductive losses in the province of La Pampa, Argentina]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2018; 50:269-274. [PMID: 29352599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive losses linked to an infectious etiology in bovine cattle are a major economic concern worldwide. In Argentina, more than 50% of abortion cases have unknown causes. Species belonging to Chlamydiaceae family are frequent etiologic agents of abortion around the world; however, there is yet no information on their prevalence in Argentina. The objective of this work was to identify Chlamydia spp., and particularly C. abortus in reproductive losses from bovine cattle in La Pampa, Argentina. Real time PCR targeting Chlamydiaceae-specific DNA fragments was performed on 251 samples obtained from bovine abortions and stillborns, and ArrayTube was used for species identification on positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 12 samples of aborted fetuses (4.78%), 83.33% (10/12) accounting for abortions and 16.66% (2/12) for stillborns. C. abortus was detected by ArrayTube in 5 cases (1.99% of all samples, and 41.67% of Chlamydiaceae positive samples). This study shows the first detection of Chlamydiaceae and C. abortus DNA on reproductive losses of bovine cattle in Argentina, and the described prevalence value (4.78%) should be taken as baseline value due to the type of samples analyzed. Detection of genetic material from Chlamydiaceae not matching any of the studied species could be due to intraspecies variants or local species not yet described. Further research on Chlamydia infections in bovine cattle in Argentina is imperative to describe their range, to analyze their economic and zoonotic implications and to make recommendations about prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del C Rojas
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil, Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Fort
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil, Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Simone Bettermann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Alemania
| | - Carolina Entrocassi
- Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sixto R Costamagna
- Cátedra de Parasitología Clínica, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Konrad Sachse
- Department RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Alemania
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez Fermepin
- Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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9
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Ebani VV. Domestic reptiles as source of zoonotic bacteria: A mini review. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017; 10:723-728. [PMID: 28942820 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive reptiles, always more often present in domestic environment as pets, may harbor and excrete a large variety of zoonotic pathogens. Among them, Salmonella is the most well-known agent, whereas there are very scant data about infections by mycobacteria, chlamydiae and leptospirae in cold-blooded animals. However, the investigations that found antibody reactions and/or the bacteria in samples collected from free-ranging and captive reptiles show that herpetofauna may be involved in the epidemiology of these infections. The present review reports the updated knowledge about salmonellosis, mycobacteriosis, chlamydiosis and leptospirosis in reptiles and underlines the risk of infection to which people, mainly children, are exposed.
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Purssell A, Lau R, Boggild AK. Azithromycin and Doxycycline Attenuation of Acanthamoeba Virulence in a Human Corneal Tissue Model. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1303-1311. [PMID: 27578848 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amoebic keratitis is a potentially blinding eye infection caused by ubiquitous, free-living, environmental acanthamoebae, which are known to harbor bacterial endosymbionts. A Chlamydia-like endosymbiont has previously enhanced Acanthamoeba virulence in vitro. We investigated the potential effect of Acanthamoeba-endosymbiont coinfection in a human corneal tissue model representing clinical amoebic keratitis infection. Methods Environmental and corneal Acanthamoeba isolates from the American Type Culture Collection were screened for endosymbionts by amplifying and sequencing bacterial 16S as well as Chlamydiales-specific DNA. Each Acanthamoeba isolate was used to infect EpiCorneal cells, a 3-dimensional human corneal tissue model. EpiCorneal cells were then treated with azithromycin, doxycycline, or control medium to determine whether antibiotics targeting common classes of bacterial endosymbionts attenuated Acanthamoeba virulence, as indicated by decreased observed cytopathic effect and inflammatory biomarker production. Results A novel endosymbiont closely related to Mycobacterium spp. was identified in Acanthamoeba polyphaga 50495. Infection of EpiCorneal cells with Acanthamoeba castellanii 50493 and A. polyphaga 50372 led to increased production of inflammatory cytokines and cytopathic effects visible under microscopy. These increases were attenuated by azithromycin and doxycycline. Conclusions Our findings suggest that azithromycin and doxycycline may be effective adjuvants to standard antiacanthamoebal chemotherapy by potentially abrogating virulence-enhancing properties of bacterial endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Purssell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | | | - Andrea K Boggild
- Public Health Ontario Laboratories.,Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bou Khalil JY, Benamar S, Di Pinto F, Blanc-Tailleur C, Raoult D, La Scola B. Protochlamydia phocaeensis sp. nov., a new Chlamydiales species with host dependent replication cycle. Microbes Infect 2017; 19:343-350. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Escallón C, Becker MH, Walke JB, Jensen RV, Cormier G, Belden LK, Moore IT. Testosterone levels are positively correlated with cloacal bacterial diversity and the relative abundance of Chlamydiae in breeding male rufous‐collared sparrows. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Escallón
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech 2119 Derring Hall Blacksburg Virginia 24061 USA
| | - Matthew H. Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech 2119 Derring Hall Blacksburg Virginia 24061 USA
| | - Jenifer B. Walke
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech 2119 Derring Hall Blacksburg Virginia 24061 USA
| | - Roderick V. Jensen
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech 2119 Derring Hall Blacksburg Virginia 24061 USA
| | - Guy Cormier
- Georgia Advanced Computing Resource Center The University of Georgia 4098C Stegeman Coliseum Athens Georgia 30602 USA
| | - Lisa K. Belden
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech 2119 Derring Hall Blacksburg Virginia 24061 USA
| | - Ignacio T. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech 2119 Derring Hall Blacksburg Virginia 24061 USA
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Borel N, Thoma R, Spaeni P, Weilenmann R, Teankum K, Brugnera E, Zimmermann DR, Vaughan L, Pospischil A. Chlamydia-related abortions in Cattle from Graubunden, Switzerland. Vet Pathol 2016; 43:702-8. [PMID: 16966448 DOI: 10.1354/vp.43-5-702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2001, the first case of bovine chlamydial abortion was reported in canton Graubunden, Switzerland. In this region, Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus is endemic in small ruminants. Hence, we aimed to investigate the incidence of chlamydia-related abortions in cattle from Graubunden. During breeding seasons of 2003-2004, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded placenta specimens ( n = 235) from late-term abortions in cattle were analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry with a Chlamydiaceae-specific monoclonal antibody against chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and 2 different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods (16 S ribosomal ribonucleic acid [rRNA] PCR, intergenic spacer [IGS-S] PCR), followed by PCR product sequencing. In 149 of 235 cases (63.4%), histopathologic lesions such as purulent and/or necrotizing placentitis were observed. Chlamydial antigen was clearly demonstrated in immunohistochemistry in only 1 of 235 cases (0.4%). Cp. abortus or Cp. psittaci was found in 12 of 235 (5.1%) and 10 of 235 cases (4.2%) by 16 S rRNA PCR and IGS-S PCR, respectively. However, we detected, by 16 S rRNA PCR, 43 of 235 cases (18.3%) to be positive for chlamydia-like organisms. In contrast to the situation in small ruminants in the canton Graubunden, bovine abortion from Cp. abortus seems not to play an important role. Nevertheless, zoonotic potential should be taken into account when handling abortion material from cattle. The significance of chlamydia-like isolates other than Waddlia chondrophila remains an open question in abortion and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Di Ianni F, Dodi PL, Cabassi CS, Pelizzone I, Sala A, Cavirani S, Parmigiani E, Quintavalla F, Taddei S. Conjunctival flora of clinically normal and diseased turtles and tortoises. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:91. [PMID: 25889261 PMCID: PMC4397695 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0405-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In captive breed turtles and tortoises conjunctival disease is common. Our aim was to investigate the bacterial and fungal flora present in the eyes of healthy and pathological chelonians and to compare findings in turtles with those in tortoises. RESULTS Samples were taken from the conjunctival sacs of 34, diseased and healthy, chelonians (18 tortoises and 16 turtles) and submitted to bacterial and fungal investigation. All samples showed bacterial growth. Thirteen animals (38%), harboured a single bacterial species as sole isolate and twenty-one animals (62%) harboured more than one species. Detection of multiple bacterial infection was clearly greater in tortoises compared to turtles. Most frequently isolated bacterial species were Bacillus spp. (13 isolates), Staphylococcus xylosus (10 isolates), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (6 isolates), Staphylococcus sciuri and Aeromonas hydrophila/caviae (each 5 isolates), Ochrobactrum anthropi (3 isolates), Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas luteola (each 2 isolates). Only one isolate of Kocuria varians/rosea, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus lentus, Morganella morganii, Pasteurella multocida, Pasteurella pneumotropica/haemolytica, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas putida, Salmonella enterica ssp. arizonae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Vibrio parahaemolyticus was evidenced. The presence in 8 animals of Mycoplasma spp. and in 1 animal with severe conjunctivitis of Chlamydia spp. was detected by PCR. Candida spp. was also isolated from two healthy animals. CONCLUSIONS A clear predominance of Gram positive isolates in tortoises and Gram negative isolates in turtles was found. However, we cannot ascribe the observed difference to the diversity of animal species, as other factors, including especially different characteristics of the living environments, may play a role. Almost all bacterial species isolated may have clinical significance, mostly as opportunistic pathogens, both for humans and animals. That chelonians are often carrier of bacteria with zoonotic potential is a well-known fact, in particular with regard to Salmonella spp. Therefore, it is not surprising the detection of a strain of Salmonella enterica ssp. arizonae in the eye of one of the animals tested. Worthy of note is the finding of Chlamydia spp. in a severe case of conjunctivitis, though we cannot epidemiologically assess a cause-effect relationship between presence of chlamydia and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Ianni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Pier Luigi Dodi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Clotilde Silvia Cabassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Igor Pelizzone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Sala
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Sandro Cavirani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Enrico Parmigiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Fausto Quintavalla
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Simone Taddei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
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15
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Mojica SA, Hovis KM, Frieman MB, Tran B, Hsia RC, Ravel J, Jenkins-Houk C, Wilson KL, Bavoil PM. SINC, a type III secreted protein of Chlamydia psittaci, targets the inner nuclear membrane of infected cells and uninfected neighbors. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 26:1918-34. [PMID: 25788290 PMCID: PMC4436835 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-11-1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
SINC, a new type III secreted protein of the avian and human pathogen Chlamydia psittaci, uniquely targets the nuclear envelope of C. psittaci-infected cells and uninfected neighboring cells. Digitonin-permeabilization studies of SINC-GFP-transfected HeLa cells indicate that SINC targets the inner nuclear membrane. SINC localization at the nuclear envelope was blocked by importazole, confirming SINC import into the nucleus. Candidate partners were identified by proximity to biotin ligase-fused SINC in HEK293 cells and mass spectrometry (BioID). This strategy identified 22 candidates with high confidence, including the nucleoporin ELYS, lamin B1, and four proteins (emerin, MAN1, LAP1, and LBR) of the inner nuclear membrane, suggesting that SINC interacts with host proteins that control nuclear structure, signaling, chromatin organization, and gene silencing. GFP-SINC association with the native LEM-domain protein emerin, a conserved component of nuclear "lamina" structure, or with a complex containing emerin was confirmed by GFP pull down. Our findings identify SINC as a novel bacterial protein that targets the nuclear envelope with the capability of globally altering nuclear envelope functions in the infected host cell and neighboring uninfected cells. These properties may contribute to the aggressive virulence of C. psittaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Mojica
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Kelley M Hovis
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Matthew B Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 20201
| | - Bao Tran
- Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Ru-ching Hsia
- Core Imaging Facility and Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 20201
| | - Clifton Jenkins-Houk
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Katherine L Wilson
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Patrik M Bavoil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201
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16
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Corsaro D, Venditti D. Detection of novel Chlamydiae and Legionellales from human nasal samples of healthy volunteers. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2015; 60:325-34. [PMID: 25697709 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-015-0378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiae are intracellular bacterial parasites of eukaryotes, ranging from amoebae to humans. They comprise many novel members and are investigated as emerging pathogens. Environmental studies highlighted similarities between the ecologies of chlamydiae and legionellae, both groups being important agents of respiratory infections. Herein, we analyzed nasal samples from healthy persons, searching for the presence of amoebae, chlamydiae and legionellae. From a total of 25 samples, we recovered by PCR eight samples positive to chlamydiae and six samples positive to legionellae. Among these samples, four were positive to both organisms. The sequencing of 16S rDNAs allowed to identify (i) among Chlamydiae: Parachlamydia acanthamoebae, Chlamydophila psittaci, Chlamydophila felis, and members of Rhabdochlamydiaceae, Simkaniaceae and E6 lineage and (ii) among Legionellaceae: Legionella longbeachae, Legionella bozemanii and Legionella impletisoli. Unexpectedly, we also recovered Diplorickettsia sp. Amoebae collected from nasal mucosae, Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba, were endosymbiont-free, and chlamydiae revealed refractory to amoeba coculture. This study shows common exposure to chlamydiae and legionellae and suggests open air activities like gardening as a probable additional source of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS Chlamydia Research Association, 12 rue du Maconnais, 54500, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France,
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17
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Kostanjšek R, Pirc Marolt T. Pathogenesis, tissue distribution and host response to Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis infection in rough woodlouse Porcellio scaber. J Invertebr Pathol 2015; 125:56-67. [PMID: 25593037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis is a known intracellular pathogen in digestive glands of the terrestrial isopod crustacean Porcellio scaber. To describe the pathogenesis, tissue distribution and host response to R. porcellionis, we conducted microscopic observations and localization of infection in tissues by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH). Digestive glands were confirmed as the primary site of infection. From there, R. porcellionis disseminates either through the apical membrane of infected cells into the lumen of digestive glands and further throughout the digestive tract or into the surrounding hemocoel by rupture of the basal membrane and lamina of infected digestive gland cells. Once in the hemocoel, R. porcellionis infects hindgut cells, hemocytes and hemopoetic tissues while the ventral nerve cord and gonads seem to be devoid of infection despite the presence of rhabdochlamydia on the surface of these organs. The host response to R. porcellionis includes aggregation of hemocytes around the infected cells and formation of multilayered melanized nodules exhibiting endogenous fluorescence. The structure of nodules is asymmetric when hemocytes are deposited on the basal side of infected gut and digestive glands cells, or symmetric, when nodules entrapping clusters of rhabdochlamydiae are deposited on other organs in the hemocoel. The study also revealed a high prevalence of infection in P. scaber populations (up to 27%) and confirmed its detrimental effect on the host. Although agility, behavior and molting cycle of infected animals appear unaffected, in the later stages R. porcellionis infection manifests as severe damage to the digestive system and decreased feeding, which eventually lead to the death of the host organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Kostanjšek
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tinkara Pirc Marolt
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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18
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Kemege KE, Hickey JM, Barta ML, Wickstrum J, Balwalli N, Lovell S, Battaile KP, Hefty PS. Chlamydia trachomatis protein CT009 is a structural and functional homolog to the key morphogenesis component RodZ and interacts with division septal plane localized MreB. Mol Microbiol 2014; 95:365-82. [PMID: 25382739 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cell division in Chlamydiae is poorly understood as apparent homologs to most conserved bacterial cell division proteins are lacking and presence of elongation (rod shape) associated proteins indicate non-canonical mechanisms may be employed. The rod-shape determining protein MreB has been proposed as playing a unique role in chlamydial cell division. In other organisms, MreB is part of an elongation complex that requires RodZ for proper function. A recent study reported that the protein encoded by ORF CT009 interacts with MreB despite low sequence similarity to RodZ. The studies herein expand on those observations through protein structure, mutagenesis and cellular localization analyses. Structural analysis indicated that CT009 shares high level of structural similarity to RodZ, revealing the conserved orientation of two residues critical for MreB interaction. Substitutions eliminated MreB protein interaction and partial complementation provided by CT009 in RodZ deficient Escherichia coli. Cellular localization analysis of CT009 showed uniform membrane staining in Chlamydia. This was in contrast to the localization of MreB, which was restricted to predicted septal planes. MreB localization to septal planes provides direct experimental observation for the role of MreB in cell division and supports the hypothesis that it serves as a functional replacement for FtsZ in Chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle E Kemege
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Haworth Hall, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
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19
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Stride MC, Polkinghome A, Nowak BF. Chlamydial infections of fish: diverse pathogens and emerging causes of disease in aquaculture species. Vet Microbiol 2014; 171:258-66. [PMID: 24932463 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydial infections of fish are emerging as an important cause of disease in new and established aquaculture industries. To date, epitheliocystis, a skin and gill disease associated with infection by these obligate intracellular pathogens, has been described in over 90 fish species, including hosts from marine and fresh water environments. Aided by advances in molecular detection and typing, recent years have seen an explosion in the description of these epitheliocystis-related chlamydial pathogens of fish, significantly broadening our knowledge of the genetic diversity of the order Chlamydiales. Remarkably, in most cases, it seems that each new piscine host studied has revealed the presence of a phylogenetically unique and novel chlamydial pathogen, providing researchers with a fascinating opportunity to understand the origin, evolution and adaptation of their traditional terrestrial chlamydial relatives. Despite the advances in this area, much still needs to be learnt about the epidemiology of chlamydial infections in fish if these pathogens are to be controlled in farmed environments. The lack of in vitro methods for culturing of chlamydial pathogens of fish is a major hindrance to this field. This review provides an update on our current knowledge of the taxonomy and diversity of chlamydial pathogens of fish, discusses the impact of these infections on the health, and highlights further areas of research required to understand the biology and epidemiology of this important emerging group of fish pathogens of aquaculture species.
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20
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Stride M, Polkinghorne A, Nowak B. Chlamydial infections of fish: Diverse pathogens and emerging causes of disease in aquaculture species. Vet Microbiol 2014; 170:19-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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21
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Croxatto A, Rieille N, Kernif T, Bitam I, Aeby S, Péter O, Greub G. Presence of Chlamydiales DNA in ticks and fleas suggests that ticks are carriers of Chlamydiae. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:359-65. [PMID: 24698831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Chlamydiales order includes the Chlamydiaceae, Parachlamydiaceae, Waddliaceae, Simkaniaceae, Criblamydiaceae, Rhabdochlamydiaceae, Clavichlamydiaceae, and Piscichlamydiaceae families. Members of the Chlamydiales order are obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate within eukaryotic cells of different origins including humans, animals, and amoebae. Many of these bacteria are pathogens or emerging pathogens of both humans and animals, but their true diversity is largely underestimated, and their ecology remains to be investigated. Considering their potential threat on human health, it is important to expand our knowledge on the diversity of Chlamydiae, but also to define the host range colonized by these bacteria. Thus, using a new pan-Chlamydiales PCR, we analyzed the prevalence of Chlamydiales DNA in ticks and fleas, which are important vectors of several viral and bacterial infectious diseases. To conduct this study, 1340 Ixodes ricinus ticks prepared in 192 pools were collected in Switzerland and 55 other ticks belonging to different tick species and 97 fleas belonging to different flea species were harvested in Algeria. In Switzerland, the prevalence of Chlamydiales DNA in the 192 pools was equal to 28.1% (54/192) which represents an estimated prevalence in the 1340 individual ticks of between 4.0% and 28.4%. The pan-Chlamydiales qPCR was positive for 45% (25/55) of tick samples collected in Algeria. The sequencing of the positive qPCR amplicons revealed a high diversity of Chlamydiales species. Most of them belonged to the Rhabdochlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae families. Thus, ticks may carry Chlamydiales and should thus be considered as possible vectors for Chlamydiales propagation to both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Croxatto
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Rieille
- Institut Central des Hôpitaux Valaisans, Infectious Diseases, Sion, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sébastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Péter
- Institut Central des Hôpitaux Valaisans, Infectious Diseases, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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22
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Identification of Sphingomyelinase on the Surface of Chlamydia pneumoniae: Possible Role in the Entry into Its Host Cells. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2014; 2014:412827. [PMID: 24757444 PMCID: PMC3976853 DOI: 10.1155/2014/412827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently suggested a novel mechanism, autoendocytosis, for the entry of certain microbes into their hosts, with a key role played by the sphingomyelinase-catalyzed topical conversion of sphingomyelin to ceramide, the differences in the biophysical properties of these two lipids providing the driving force. The only requirement for such microbes to utilize this mechanism is that they should have a catalytically active SMase on their outer surface while the target cells should expose sphingomyelin in the external leaflet of their plasma membrane. In pursuit of possible microbial candidates, which could utilize this putative mechanism, we conducted a sequence similarity search for SMase. Because of the intriguing cellular and biochemical characteristics of the poorly understood entry of Chlamydia into its host cells these microbes were of particular interest. SMase activity was measured in vitro from isolated C. pneumoniae elementary bodies (EB) and in the lysate from E. coli cells transfected with a plasmid expressing CPn0300 protein having sequence similarity to SMase. Finally, pretreatment of host cells with exogenous SMase resulting in loss plasma membrane sphingomyelin attenuated attachment of EB.
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23
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Sixt BS, Kostanjšek R, Mustedanagic A, Toenshoff ER, Horn M. Developmental cycle and host interaction of Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis, an intracellular parasite of terrestrial isopods. Environ Microbiol 2013; 15:2980-93. [PMID: 24024954 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Environmental chlamydiae are a diverse group of obligate intracellular bacteria related to well-known pathogens of humans. To date, only very little is known about chlamydial species infecting arthropods. In this study, we used cocultivation with insect cells for recovery and maintenance of Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis, a parasite of the crustacean host Porcellio scaber. In vitro, the infection cycle of R. porcellionis was completed within 7 days, resulting in the release of infectious particles by host cell lysis. Lack of apoptosis induction during the entire course of infection, combined with a reduced sensitivity of infected cultures to experimentally induced programmed cell death, indicates that R. porcellionis like its human pathogenic relatives counteracts this host defence mechanism. Interestingly, the rod-shaped variant of R. porcellionis, proposed to represent their mature infective stage, was not detected in cell culture, suggesting that its development may require prolonged maturation or may be triggered by specific conditions encountered only in the animal host. This first cell culture-based system for the cultivation and investigation of an arthropod-associated chlamydial species will help to better understand the biology of a so far neglected group of chlamydiae and its recently suggested potential to cause disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara S Sixt
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rok Kostanjšek
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Azra Mustedanagic
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena R Toenshoff
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Horn
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Molecular characterization and ultrastructure of a new amoeba endoparasite belonging to the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex. Exp Parasitol 2013; 133:383-90. [PMID: 23298539 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria and Acanthamoeba spp. were recovered from biofilm of a flushing cistern in a lavatory and both were found to be infected by rod-shaped bacteria enclosed within a vacuole. These intracellular bacteria behave like parasites, causing lysis of host amoebae. The bacteria proved unculturable on bacteriological media, and but could be maintained as endocytobionts within Acanthamoeba on agar plates. A marked differential host preference was observed in co-culture assays with various strains of amoebae. Molecular phylogenetic analyses performed on almost complete 16S rDNA sequences showed that the bacteria emerged as an atypical rapidly-evolving strain within the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex (Gamma-Proteobacteria, Xanthomonadales).
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25
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Corsaro D, Müller KD, Wingender J, Michel R. "Candidatus Mesochlamydia elodeae" (Chlamydiae: Parachlamydiaceae), a novel chlamydia parasite of free-living amoebae. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:829-38. [PMID: 23224611 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3213-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Vannella sp. isolated from waterweed Elodea sp. was found infected by a chlamydia-like organism. This organism behaves like a parasite, causing the death through burst of its host. Once the vannellae degenerated, the parasite was successfully kept in laboratory within a Saccamoeba sp. isolated from the same waterweed sample, which revealed in fine through electron microscopy to harbor two bacterial endosymbionts: the chlamydial parasite we introduce and another endosymbiont initially and naturally present in the host. Herein, we provide molecular-based identification of both the amoeba host and its two endosymbionts, with special focus on the chlamydia parasite. High sequence similarity values of the 18S rDNA permitted to assign the amoeba to the species Saccamoeba lacustris (Amoebozoa, Tubulinea). The bacterial endosymbiont naturally harbored by the host belonged to Sphingomonas koreensis (Alpha-Proteobacteria). The chlamydial parasite showed a strict specificity for Saccamoeba spp., being unable to infect a variety of other amoebae, including Acanthamoeba, and it was itself infected by a bacteriophage. Sequence similarity values of the 16S rDNA and phylogenetic analysis indicated that this strain is a new member of the family Parachlamydiaceae, for which we propose the name "Candidatus Mesochlamydia elodeae."
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- Chlamydia Research Association, 12 rue du Maconnais, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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26
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The chlamydiales pangenome revisited: structural stability and functional coherence. Genes (Basel) 2012; 3:291-319. [PMID: 24704919 PMCID: PMC3899948 DOI: 10.3390/genes3020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The entire publicly available set of 37 genome sequences from the bacterial order Chlamydiales has been subjected to comparative analysis in order to reveal the salient features of this pangenome and its evolutionary history. Over 2,000 protein families are detected across multiple species, with a distribution consistent to other studied pangenomes. Of these, there are 180 protein families with multiple members, 312 families with exactly 37 members corresponding to core genes, 428 families with peripheral genes with varying taxonomic distribution and finally 1,125 smaller families. The fact that, even for smaller genomes of Chlamydiales, core genes represent over a quarter of the average protein complement, signifies a certain degree of structural stability, given the wide range of phylogenetic relationships within the group. In addition, the propagation of a corpus of manually curated annotations within the discovered core families reveals key functional properties, reflecting a coherent repertoire of cellular capabilities for Chlamydiales. We further investigate over 2,000 genes without homologs in the pangenome and discover two new protein sequence domains. Our results, supported by the genome-based phylogeny for this group, are fully consistent with previous analyses and current knowledge, and point to future research directions towards a better understanding of the structural and functional properties of Chlamydiales.
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Corsaro D, Work TM. Candidatus Renichlamydia lutjani, a Gram-negative bacterium in internal organs of blue-striped snapper Lutjanus kasmira from Hawaii. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2012; 98:249-254. [PMID: 22535875 DOI: 10.3354/dao02441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The blue-striped snapper Lutjanus kasmira (Perciformes, Lutjanidae) are cosmopolitan in the Indo-Pacific but were introduced into Oahu, Hawaii, USA, in the 1950s and have since colonized most of the archipelago. Studies of microparasites in blue-striped snappers from Hawaii revealed chlamydia-like organisms (CLO) infecting the spleen and kidney, characterized by intracellular basophilic granular inclusions containing Gram-negative and Gimenez-positive bacteria similar in appearance to epitheliocysts when seen under light microscopy. We provide molecular evidence that CLO are a new member of Chlamydiae, i.e. Candidatus Renichlamydia lutjani, that represents the first reported case of chlamydial infection in organs other than the gill in fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS Chlamydia Research Association, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Tavares Clemente ML, Bragança Barahona MJ, Capela Andrade MF, Botelho AR, Vicari N. Diagnosis by PCR-REA of Chlamydophila species infections in late-term abortions of domestic ruminants. Vet Rec 2011; 168:619. [PMID: 21565881 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Tavares Clemente
- Laboratório Nacional de Investigação Veterinária, Estrada de Benfica 701, 1549-011 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Zhu H, Wang HP, Jiang Y, Hou SP, Liu YJ, Liu QZ. Mutations in 23S rRNA and ribosomal protein L4 account for resistance in Chlamydia trachomatis strains selected in vitro by macrolide passage. Andrologia 2010; 42:274-80. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2009.01019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Corsaro D, Pages GS, Catalan V, Loret JF, Greub G. Biodiversity of amoebae and amoeba-associated bacteria in water treatment plants. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:158-66. [PMID: 20403728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we enlarged our previous investigation focusing on the biodiversity of chlamydiae and amoebae in a drinking water treatment plant, by the inclusion of two additional plants and by searching also for the presence of legionellae and mycobacteria. Autochthonous amoebae were recovered onto non-nutritive agar, identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing, and screened for the presence of bacterial endosymbionts. Bacteria were also searched for by Acanthamoeba co-culture. From a total of 125 samples, we recovered 38 amoebae, among which six harboured endosymbionts (three chlamydiae and three legionellae). In addition, we recovered by amoebal co-culture 11 chlamydiae, 36 legionellae (no L. pneumophila), and 24 mycobacteria (all rapid-growers). Two plants presented a similar percentage of samples positive for chlamydiae (11%), mycobacteria (20%) and amoebae (27%), whereas in the third plant the number of recovered bacteria was almost twice higher. Each plant exhibited a relatively high specific microbiota. Amoebae were mainly represented by various Naegleria species, Acanthamoeba species and Hartmannella vermiformis. Parachlamydiaceae were the most abundant chlamydiae (8 strains in total), and in this study we recovered a new genus-level strain, along with new chlamydiae previously reported. Similarly, about 66% of the recovered legionellae and 47% of the isolated mycobacteria could represent new species. Our work highlighted a high species diversity among legionellae and mycobacteria, dominated by putative new species, and it confirmed the presence of chlamydiae in these artificial water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- Center for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medecine, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Binet R, Maurelli AT. The chlamydial functional homolog of KsgA confers kasugamycin sensitivity to Chlamydia trachomatis and impacts bacterial fitness. BMC Microbiol 2009; 9:279. [PMID: 20043826 PMCID: PMC2807437 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background rRNA adenine dimethyltransferases, represented by the Escherichia coli KsgA protein, are highly conserved phylogenetically and are generally not essential for growth. They are responsible for the post-transcriptional transfer of two methyl groups to two universally conserved adenosines located near the 3'end of the small subunit rRNA and participate in ribosome maturation. All sequenced genomes of Chlamydia reveal a ksgA homolog in each species, including C. trachomatis. Yet absence of a S-adenosyl-methionine synthetase in Chlamydia, the conserved enzyme involved in the synthesis of the methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine, raises a doubt concerning the activity of the KsgA homolog in these organisms. Results Lack of the dimethylated adenosines following ksgA inactivation confers resistance to kasugamycin (KSM) in E. coli. Expression of the C. trachomatis L2 KsgA ortholog restored KSM sensitivity to the E. coli ksgA mutant, suggesting that the chlamydial KsgA homolog has specific rRNA dimethylase activity. C. trachomatis growth was sensitive to KSM and we were able to isolate a KSM resistant mutant of C. trachomatis containing a frameshift mutation in ksgA, which led to the formation of a shorter protein with no activity. Growth of the C. trachomatis ksgA mutant was negatively affected in cell culture highlighting the importance of the methylase in the development of these obligate intracellular and as yet genetically intractable pathogens. Conclusion The presence of a functional rRNA dimethylase enzyme belonging to the KsgA family in Chlamydia presents an excellent chemotherapeutic target with real potential. It also confirms the existence of S-adenosyl-methionine - dependent methylation reactions in Chlamydia raising the question of how these organisms acquire this cofactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Binet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F, Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA.
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Corsaro D, Feroldi V, Saucedo G, Ribas F, Loret JF, Greub G. NovelChlamydialesstrains isolated from a water treatment plant. Environ Microbiol 2009; 11:188-200. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2008.01752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria, parasites of a variety of eukaryotes ranging from amoebae to humans. Among them, the family Parachlamydiaceae comprises endosymbionts of amoebae, mainly Acanthamoeba, currently investigated as emerging pathogens of humans and other vertebrates. 16S rDNA-based PCR culture-independent studies in environmental samples have demonstrated the presence of Chlamydiales in various types of nonmedical habitats. Here we reviewed the biology of the Parachlamydiaceae, and more particularly those studies reporting molecular evidences for their presence in the environment, with a re-analysis of the 16S rDNA phylotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS Chlamydia Research Association, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Karlsen M, Nylund A, Watanabe K, Helvik JV, Nylund S, Plarre H. Characterization of 'Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola': an intracellular bacterium infecting salmonid fish. Environ Microbiol 2007; 10:208-18. [PMID: 17894816 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01445.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The phylum Chlamydiae contains obligate intracellular bacteria, several of which cause disease in their hosts. Morphological studies have suggested that this group of bacteria may be pathogens of fish, causing cysts in epithelial tissue - epitheliocystis. Recently, the first genetic evidence of a chlamydial aetiology of this disease in seawater reared Atlantic salmon from Norway and Ireland was presented, and the agent was given the name 'Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis'. In this article we present molecular evidence for the existence of a novel Chlamydiae that also may cause epitheliocystis in Norwegian salmonids. This novel Chlamydiae has been found in salmonid fish from freshwater, and based on its partial 16S rRNA gene, it may constitute a third genus in the family Chlamydiaceae, or a closely related sister family. By using whole-mount RNA-RNA hybridization we demonstrate how infected cells are distributed in a patchy manner on a gill arch. The morphology of the novel Chlamydiae includes the characteristic head-and-tail cells that have been described earlier from salmonid fish suffering from epitheliocystis. We propose the name 'Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola' for this agent of epitheliocystis in freshwater salmonids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Karlsen
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway.
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Abstract
In this short review, new data on the taxonomy of Chlamydia and the association of these pathogens with various ocular diseases are presented. Clinical diagnosis and laboratory tests for ocular C. trachomatis infection are discussed. The actual therapy consists in oral azithromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Behrens-Baumann
- Universitätsaugenklinik Magdeburg, 39120, Leibziger Strasse 44, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Epitheliocystis is a condition affecting the gills and skin of fish, which has been reported from more than 50 freshwater and marine species. It is caused by intracellular Gram-negative bacteria. Mortalities have been associated with epitheliocystis infections in cultured fish. This review provides an update of our current understanding of this condition, including characterization of the pathogen using immunohistochemical and molecular studies. In most fish species the epitheliocystis agent was negative to an antibody specific for chlamydial genus-specific lipopolysaccharide antigen. Recently, four epitheliocystis agents from four different fish species have been characterized using molecular analysis. While they all belong to the order Chlamydiales, in a lineage separate from the Chlamydiaceae, they are distinct organisms and similarity analysis showed that they had highest similarity values with other chlamydia-like bacteria isolated from various sources, including humans or pig. This confirms the high diversity and host specificity of the pathogen. Further molecular analysis should result in an increased understanding of this condition. To date the pathogen has not been cultured, making experimental studies difficult. High stocking densities, presence of nutrients, season, temperature and fish age have been identified as potential risk factors for the manifestation of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F Nowak
- School of Aquaculture, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
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Corsaro D, Thomas V, Goy G, Venditti D, Radek R, Greub G. 'Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia crassificans', an intracellular bacterial pathogen of the cockroach Blatta orientalis (Insecta: Blattodea). Syst Appl Microbiol 2006; 30:221-8. [PMID: 16934426 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2006.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2005] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The genus Rickettsiella comprises various intracellular bacterial pathogens of arthropods, exhibiting a chlamydia-like developmental cycle. Species may be divided into two main groups, the R. popilliae-R. grylli group and the R. chironomi group. Previous phylogenetic studies based on the 16S ribosomal RNA encoding gene showed that two Rickettsiella species, one from each group, belong in reality to two distantly related lineages, the gamma-Proteobacteria (R. grylli) and the Chlamydiales ('Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis', a pathogen of terrestrial isopods). In the present work, the 16S rDNA sequence of another Rickettsiella-like species, causing abdominal swelling to its cockroach host Blatta orientalis, was determined and phylogenetic analysis performed. Identical 16S rDNA sequences of 1495 nucleotides were obtained from fat body and ovary tissues of both healthy and diseased cockroach individuals. The sequence shared only 73% of similarity with R. grylli, but 82-87% with most Chlamydiales, and even 96.3% with 'Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia porcellionis'. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the affiliation of the cockroach pathogen within the order Chlamydiales, and based on ultrastructural characteristics and genetic analyses, we propose its inclusion in the 'Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia' as a distinct taxon, 'Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia crassificans'. These results extend our knowledge of the phylogenetic diversity of the Chlamydiales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- CHLAREAS Chlamydia Research Association, 12 rue du Maconnais, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
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Corsaro D, Greub G. Pathogenic potential of novel Chlamydiae and diagnostic approaches to infections due to these obligate intracellular bacteria. Clin Microbiol Rev 2006; 19:283-97. [PMID: 16614250 PMCID: PMC1471994 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.19.2.283-297.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel chlamydiae are newly recognized members of the phylum Chlamydiales that are only distantly related to the classic Chlamydiaceae, i.e., Chlamydia and Chlamydophila species. They also exhibit an obligate biphasic intracellular life cycle within eukaryote host cells. Some of these new chlamydiae are currently considered potential emerging human and/or animal pathogens. Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Simkania negevensis are both emerging respiratory human pathogens, Waddlia chondrophila could be a novel abortigenic bovine agent, and Piscichlamydia salmonis has recently been identified as an agent of the gill epitheliocystis in the Atlantic salmon. Fritschea spp. and Rhabdochlamydia spp. seem to be confined to arthropods, but some evidence for human exposure exists. In this review, we first summarize the data supporting a pathogenic potential of the novel chlamydiae for humans and other vertebrates and the interactions that most of these chlamydiae have with free-living amoebae. We then review the diagnostic approaches to infections potentially due to the novel chlamydiae, especially focusing on the currently available PCR-based protocols, mammalian cell culture, the amoebal coculture system, and serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- Chlamydia Research Association, 12, rue du Maconnais, 54500 Vandoeuvres-les-Nancy, France
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McCoy AJ, Maurelli AT. Building the invisible wall: updating the chlamydial peptidoglycan anomaly. Trends Microbiol 2006; 14:70-7. [PMID: 16413190 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2005.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Revised: 11/25/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The existence of peptidoglycan (PG) in chlamydiae has long been debated. Genome sequencing of members of the Chlamydiaceae family and Protochlamydia amoebophila has uncovered a nearly complete pathway for PG synthesis in these organisms. The recent use of microarray and proteomic analysis methods has revealed that PG synthesis genes are expressed primarily during reticulate body development and division. Furthermore, key genes in the chlamydial PG synthesis pathway encode functional PG synthesis enzymes, some of which provide the basis for the susceptibility of chlamydiae to PG inhibitors. Recent studies shed light on how the construction of a cell wall in chlamydiae is taking shape and why the wall is being built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J McCoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA
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Griffiths E, Ventresca MS, Gupta RS. BLAST screening of chlamydial genomes to identify signature proteins that are unique for the Chlamydiales, Chlamydiaceae, Chlamydophila and Chlamydia groups of species. BMC Genomics 2006; 7:14. [PMID: 16436211 PMCID: PMC1403754 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-7-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2005] [Accepted: 01/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydiae species are of much importance from a clinical viewpoint. Their diversity both in terms of their numbers as well as clinical involvement are presently believed to be significantly underestimated. The obligate intracellular nature of chlamydiae has also limited their genetic and biochemical studies. Thus, it is of importance to develop additional means for their identification and characterization. Results We have carried out analyses of available chlamydiae genomes to identify sets of unique proteins that are either specific for all Chlamydiales genomes, or different Chlamydiaceae family members, or members of the Chlamydia and Chlamydophila genera, or those unique to Protochlamydia amoebophila, but which are not found in any other bacteria. In total, 59 Chlamydiales-specific proteins, 79 Chlamydiaceae-specific proteins, 20 proteins each that are specific for both Chlamydia and Chlamydophila and 445 ORFs that are Protochlamydia-specific were identified. Additionally, 33 cases of possible gene loss or lateral gene transfer were also detected. Conclusion The identified chlamydiae-lineage specific proteins, many of which are highly conserved, provide novel biomarkers that should prove of much value in the diagnosis of these bacteria and in exploration of their prevalence and diversity. These conserved protein sequences (CPSs) also provide novel therapeutic targets for drugs that are specific for these bacteria. Lastly, functional studies on these chlamydiae or chlamydiae subgroup-specific proteins should lead to important insights into lineage-specific adaptations with regards to development, infectivity and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Griffiths
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Michael S Ventresca
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Radhey S Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
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Binet R, Maurelli AT. Fitness cost due to mutations in the 16S rRNA associated with spectinomycin resistance in Chlamydia psittaci 6BC. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 49:4455-64. [PMID: 16251283 PMCID: PMC1280162 DOI: 10.1128/aac.49.11.4455-4464.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The fitness cost of a resistance determinant is the primary parameter that determines its frequency in vivo. As a model for analysis of the impact of drug resistance mutations on the intracellular life cycle of Chlamydia spp., we studied the growth of four genetically defined spectinomycin-resistant (Spc(r)) clonal variants of Chlamydia psittaci 6BC isolated in the plaque assay. The development of each variant was monitored over 46 h postinfection in the absence of drug, either in pure culture or in 1:1 competition with the parent strain. Spc(r) mutations in the 16S rRNA gene at positions 1191 and 1193 were associated with a marked impairment of C.psittaci biological fitness, and the bacteria were severely out-competed by the wild-type parent. In contrast, mutations at position 1192 had minor effects on the bacterial life cycle, allowing the resistant isolates to compete more efficiently with the wild-type strain. Thus, mutations with a wide range of fitness costs can be selected in the plaque assay, providing a new strategy for prediction and monitoring of the emergence of antibiotic resistance in chlamydiae. So far, drug resistance has not been a serious threat for the treatment of chlamydial infections. Tetracycline is an effective antichlamydial drug that targets 16S rRNA. Attempts to isolate spontaneous tetracycline-resistant mutants of C. psittaci 6BC revealed a frequency <3 x 10(-9). We suggest that the rarity of genotypic antibiotic resistance among chlamydial clinical isolates reflects the deleterious effects of such mutations on the fitness of these obligate intracellular bacteria in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Binet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA
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Wernegreen JJ. For better or worse: genomic consequences of intracellular mutualism and parasitism. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2005; 15:572-83. [PMID: 16230003 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2005.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2005] [Accepted: 09/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria that replicate within eukaryotic host cells include a variety of pathogenic and mutualistic species. Early genome data for these intracellular associates suggested they experience continual gene loss, little if any gene acquisition, and minimal recombination in small, isolated populations. This view of reductive evolution is itself evolving as new genome sequences clarify mechanisms and outcomes of diverse intracellular associations. Recently sequenced genomes have confirmed a trajectory of gene loss and exceptional genome stability in long-term, nutritional mutualists and certain pathogens. However, new genome data for the Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales indicate more repeated DNA, a greater abundance of mobile DNA elements, and more labile genome dynamics than previously suspected for ancient intracellular lineages. Surprising discoveries of conjugation machinery in the parasite Rickettsia felis and the amoebae symbiont Parachlamydia sp. suggest that DNA transfer might play key roles in some intracellular taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Wernegreen
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
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Goodwin AE, Park E, Nowak BF. Successful treatment of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (L.), with epitheliocystis hyperinfection. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2005; 28:623-5. [PMID: 16302956 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2761.2005.00662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A E Goodwin
- Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA.
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Binet R, Maurelli AT. Frequency of spontaneous mutations that confer antibiotic resistance in Chlamydia spp. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2005; 49:2865-73. [PMID: 15980362 PMCID: PMC1168699 DOI: 10.1128/aac.49.7.2865-2873.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in rRNA genes (rrn) that confer resistance to ribosomal inhibitors are typically recessive or weakly codominant and have been mostly reported for clinical strains of pathogens possessing only one or two rrn operons, such as Helicobacter pylori and Mycobacterium spp. An analysis of the genome sequences of several members of the Chlamydiaceae revealed that these obligate intracellular bacteria harbor only one or two sets of rRNA genes. To study the contribution of rRNA mutations to the emergence of drug resistance in the Chlamydiaceae, we used the sensitivities of Chlamydia trachomatis L2 (two rrn operons) and Chlamydophila psittaci 6BC (one rrn operon) to the aminoglycoside spectinomycin as a model. Confluent cell monolayers were infected in a plaque assay with about 10(8) wild-type infectious particles and then treated with the antibiotic. After a 2-week incubation time, plaques formed by spontaneous spectinomycin-resistant (Spc(r)) mutants appeared with a frequency of 5 x 10(-5) for C. psittaci 6BC. No Spc(r) mutants were isolated for C. trachomatis L2, although the frequencies of rifampin resistance were in the same range for both strains (i.e., 10(-7)). The risk of emergence of Chlamydia strains resistant to tetracyclines and macrolides, the ribosomal drugs currently used to treat chlamydial infections, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Binet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799,USA
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Griffiths E, Petrich AK, Gupta RS. Conserved indels in essential proteins that are distinctive characteristics of Chlamydiales and provide novel means for their identification. Microbiology (Reading) 2005; 151:2647-2657. [PMID: 16079343 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.28057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
All known chlamydiae are either proven human or animal pathogens or possess such potential. Due to increasing reports of chlamydiae diversity in the environment, it is important to develop reliable means for identifying and characterizing Chlamydiales species. The identification of environmental chlamydiae at present relies on their branching pattern in 16S rRNA trees, as well as 16S/23S consensus motifs which display variability. At present, no reliable molecular signatures are known which are unique to all Chlamydiales species. Besides the rRNAs, sequence information for different Chlamydiales is not available for any other gene sequence. In this report, a number of molecular signatures are described that consist of conserved inserts and deletions (indels), in widely distributed proteins [RNA polymerase α subunit (RpoA), elongation factor (EF)-Tu, EF-P, DNA gyrase B subunit (GyrB) and lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS)], that are distinctive characteristics of all available chlamydiae homologues (from Chlamydiaeceae species and Parachlamydiae sp. UWE25) and not found in any other bacteria. Using PCR primers for highly conserved regions in these proteins, the corresponding fragments of these genes from Simkania negevensis, Waddlia chondrophila, and in a number of cases for Neochlamydia hartmanellae, covering all families within the phylum Chlamydiae, have been cloned and sequenced. The shared presence of the identified signatures in these species provides strong evidence that these molecular signatures are distinctive characteristics of the entire order Chlamydiales and can be used to reliably determine the presence of chlamydiae or chlamydia-related organisms in environmental samples. The sequence information for these protein fragments was also used to determine the interrelationships among chlamydiae species. In a phylogenetic tree based on a combined dataset of sequences from RpoA, EF-Tu, EF-P and GyrB, the environmental chlamydiae (i.e. Simkania, Waddlia and Parachlamydia) and the traditional Chlamydiaceae (i.e. Chlamydophila and Chlamydia) formed two distinct clades. Similar relationships were also observed in individual protein phylogenies, as well as in a 16S rRNA tree for the same species. These results provide evidence that the divergence between the traditional Chlamydiaceae species and the other chlamydiae families occurred very early in the evolution of this group of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Griffiths
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Astrid K Petrich
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Radhey S Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton L8N 3Z5, Canada
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Chua PKB, Corkill JE, Hooi PS, Cheng SC, Winstanley C, Hart CA. Isolation of Waddlia malaysiensis, a novel intracellular bacterium, from fruit bat (Eonycteris spelaea). Emerg Infect Dis 2005; 11:271-7. [PMID: 15752446 PMCID: PMC3320453 DOI: 10.3201/eid1102.040746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel obligate intracellular bacterium was isolated from urine samples from fruit bats (Eonycterisspelaea) in peninsular Malaysia. An obligate intracellular bacterium was isolated from urine samples from 7 (3.5%) of 202 fruit bats (Eonycteris spelaea) in peninsular Malaysia. The bacterium produced large membrane-bound inclusions in human, simian, and rodent cell lines, including epithelial, fibroblastlike, and lymphoid cells. Thin-section electron microscopy showed reticulate bodies dividing by binary fission and elementary bodies in the inclusions; mitochondria surrounded the inclusions. The inclusions were positive for periodic acid-Schiff stain but could not be stained by fluorescein-labeled anti–Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein monoclonal antibody. The bacterium was resistant to penicillin and streptomycin (MICs >256 mg/L) but susceptible to tetracycline (MIC = 0.25 mg/L) and chloramphenicol (MIC = 0.5 mg/L). Sequence analysis of the 16SrRNA gene indicated that it was most closely related to 2 isolates of Waddlia chondrophila (94% and 96% identity). The 16S and 23S rRNA gene signatures were only 91% identical. We propose this novel bacterium be called W. malaysiensis.
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MESH Headings
- 3T3 Cells
- Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine/analogs & derivatives
- Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine/chemistry
- Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine/genetics
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
- Base Sequence
- Chiroptera/microbiology
- Chiroptera/urine
- Chlamydiales/drug effects
- Chlamydiales/genetics
- Chlamydiales/isolation & purification
- Chlamydiales/ultrastructure
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Cricetinae
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests
- Microscopy, Electron
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- Sequence Alignment
- Vero Cells
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