1
|
Günther E, Moore R, Rautenschlein S. Investigation of Spotty Liver Disease and Campylobacter hepaticus in Layer Flocks-A Field Study. Avian Dis 2023; 67:202-208. [PMID: 37556300 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-22-00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter hepaticus (C. hepaticus) was recently discovered as the causative agent of Spotty Liver Disease (SLD). SLD affects laying hens and causes significant economic losses in egg production in several countries throughout the world. Field observations reveal that cases of SLD appear with a high risk of reoccurrence, specifically in free-range and organic brown-feathered layer lines. Possible factors contributing to the development of SLD still have to be elucidated. In this field study, one free range (Flock 1) and one organic flock (Flock 2) of brown laying hens kept on farms with a history of clinical SLD were monitored for C. hepaticus colonization, clinical signs, and egg production from 16 to 79 wk of age on the first farm and from 17 to 83 wk of age on the other. The flocks showed a significant drop in egg production at 32 to 39 or 56 wk of age, respectively, which was associated with macroscopically visible liver lesions typical for SLD. Interestingly, in both cases observed clinical disease was linked to a stressful event: heat stress for Flock 1 and respiratory symptoms for Flock 2. C. hepaticus was detected by PCR during the acute phase of the disease in Flock 1. At 50 wk after the initial clinical outbreak had waned, C. hepaticus was still able to be isolated by culture in this flock. This clearly demonstrates that C. hepaticus persists either in the birds or their environment. We speculate that this long persistence may favor chronic SLD in affected flocks and the reoccurrence of SLD in subsequent flocks. Clinically less severe SLD outbreaks may be observed after re-exposure of clinically recovered flocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Günther
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rob Moore
- School of Science, RM1T University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Silke Rautenschlein
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Van TTH, Phung C, Anwar A, Wilson TB, Scott PC, Moore RJ. Campylobacter bilis, the second novel Campylobacter species isolated from chickens with Spotty Liver Disease, can cause the disease. Vet Microbiol 2023; 276:109603. [PMID: 36423482 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) is a significant disease of commercial layer hens. It can cause up to 10 % flock mortalities and reduce egg production by 25 %. Campylobacter hepaticus has been identified as the main cause of the disease, although it also appears that predisposing factors, such as some form of stress, may increase the likelihood of clinical disease occurring. Recently, a newly identified species, Campylobacter bilis, was isolated from bile samples of clinical SLD affected chickens. To investigate the pathogenic potential of C. bilis two independent isolates were used in infection trials of layer hens. Within 6 days of oral challenge birds developed typical SLD liver lesions, demonstrating that both strains induced SLD. C. bilis could be recovered from all the challenged birds that developed SLD. Thus, each of the steps in Koch's postulates have been fulfilled, confirming that C. bilis is an additional cause of SLD. A PCR method was developed which can specifically detect C. bilis from samples with complex microbiota. The identification of this newly discovered Campylobacter species as a second cause of SLD and the provision of a rapid method to detect the SLD causing bacterium will help with SLD vaccine development and epidemiology, thus assisting in the control of this important disease of poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thu Hao Van
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Canh Phung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arif Anwar
- Scolexia Pty Ltd., Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Peter C Scott
- Scolexia Pty Ltd., Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert J Moore
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lu Q, Xu H, Zhou L, Zhang R, Li Z, Xu P, Bai T, Wang Z, Wu G, Ren J, Jiao D, Song Y, Zhu R, Li J, Wang W, Liang R, Li L, Ma X, Zu M, Sun Y. Alterations in Faecal Metagenomics and Serum Metabolomics Indicate Management Strategies for Patients With Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:730091. [PMID: 34746022 PMCID: PMC8567795 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.730091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of gut microbiota and serum metabolite levels in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (B-CS) and their importance for guiding clinical management strategies. In total, 214 B-CS patients (93 untreated and 121 treated) and 41 healthy controls were enrolled. Gut microbiota and serum metabolome were analysed using shotgun metagenomics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The gut microbiota of the patients showed abundance of Campylobacter and low levels of Saccharomyces, Deinococcus, and Thiomonas (P < 0.05). Thirty metabolites, including taurocholate and (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, were identified in the patients (VIP > 1, P < 0.05 and FC > 1.2 or FC < 0.83). Random forest (RF) models showed that serum metabolome could effectively identify B-CS from healthy controls and RF-metabolomics exhibited perfect discrimination (AUC = 100%, 95% CI: 100% – 100%), which was significantly higher than that achieved by RF-metagenomics (AUC = 58.48%, 95% CI: 38.46% – 78.5%). Campylobacter concisus and taurocholate showed significant positive correlation in patients with clinical manifestations (P < 0.05). Actinobacteria levels were significantly higher in untreated patients than in treated patients (P < 0.05). Campylobacter and Veillonella levels were significantly higher in treated patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). We identified major alterations in the gut microbiota and serum metabolome of patients with B-CS. Faecal metagenomics- and serum metabolomics-guided management strategies are required for patients with B-CS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinwei Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Digestive, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruifang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dechao Jiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rongtao Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruopeng Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiuxian Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Maoheng Zu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Laconi A, Drigo I, Palmieri N, Carraro L, Tonon E, Franch R, Bano L, Piccirillo A. Genomic analysis of extra-intestinal Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from commercial chickens. Vet Microbiol 2021; 259:109161. [PMID: 34214907 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli have commonly been considered harmless commensal inhabitants of the chicken gut; however, these Campylobacter spp. are known to be able to multiply in the gut and invade other tissues, negatively affecting host health and performance. In this study, fourteen Campylobacter spp. were isolated from chickens showing foci of necrosis on the liver surface resembling lesions observed in cases of avian vibrionic hepatitis/spotty liver disease. The whole genome sequences of the fourteen isolates were analysed and their virulomes compared to those of Campylobacter reference sequences, aiming to investigate the possible association between virulence genes and the observed pathological lesions. Nine C. jejuni and five C. coli were studied. These Campylobacter shared twelve virulence factors with other isolates originated from chicken livers and hosted a higher number of virulence-associated genes in comparison to the reference genomes, including genes encoding for factors involved in adherence to and invasion of the intestinal epithelial cells. Our findings seem to point out that these twelve common virulence-associated genes, together with the presence of a high number of virulence factors involved in adherence, invasion and motility, might be responsible for the extra-intestinal spread of our isolates and the colonization of parenchymatous tissues, possibly causing the pathological lesions observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Laconi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy
| | - Ilenia Drigo
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 31020 Villorba (TV), Italy
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- University Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Lisa Carraro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy
| | - Elena Tonon
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 31020 Villorba (TV), Italy
| | - Raffaela Franch
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy
| | - Luca Bano
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 31020 Villorba (TV), Italy
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Young P, Tarce P, Adhikary S, Connolly J, Crawshaw T, Ghorashi SA. Evaluation of high-resolution melt curve analysis for rapid differentiation of Campylobacter hepaticus from other species in birds. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251328. [PMID: 33984000 PMCID: PMC8118346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotty liver disease (SLD) is a bacterial disease of chicken, causing mortalities and reduction in egg production, hence, contributing to economic loss in the poultry industry. The causative agent of SLD has only recently been identified as a novel Campylobacter species, Campylobacter hepaticus. Specific primers were designed from the hsp60 gene of Campylobacter hepaticus and PCR followed by high-resolution melt curve analysis was optimised to detect and differentiate three species of Campylobacter (Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter hepaticus). The three Campylobacter species produced a distinct curve profile and was differentiated using HRM curve analysis. The potential of the PCR-HRM curve analysis was shown in the genotyping of 37 Campylobacter isolates from clinical specimens from poultry farms. PCR-HRM curve analysis of DNA extracts from bile samples or cultures from bile samples, were identified as Campylobacter hepaticus and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The DNA sequence analysis of selected samples from each of the three HRM distinctive curves patterns showed that each DNA sequence was associated with a unique melt profile. The potential of the PCR-HRM curve analysis in genotyping of Campylobacter species was also evaluated using faecal specimens from 100 wild birds. The results presented in this study indicate that PCR followed by HRM curve analysis provides a rapid and robust technique for genotyping of Campylobacter species using either bacterial cultures or clinical specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petrina Young
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pol Tarce
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sadhana Adhikary
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Connolly
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Crawshaw
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Seyed A. Ghorashi
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Noormohammadi AH. Welfare implications of bacterial and viral infectious diseases for laying hens. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial and viral infectious diseases are significant welfare concerns as they cause a range of clinical signs and mortality depending on the body system(s) affected and severity of the disease. Basic skills in the detection of the clinical signs in poultry and provisional diagnosis of the infectious disease is important for the immediate course of action that needs to be taken to eliminate or reduce the impact of the disease on bird’s welfare. Therefore, in this chapter, bacterial and viral diseases of laying hens (chickens) have been described on the basis of their clinical signs and lesions, as opposed to the classes of infecting bacterial or viral agents. Diseases causing sudden death, respiratory illness, ill thrift, diarrhoea, lameness or recumbency, and reduced egg production and quality are discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Ma X, Qiao X, Yang P, Sheng Q, Zhou M, Yue T. Perspectives for Recognition and Rapid Detection of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Based on Electrochemical Sensors. EFOOD 2021. [DOI: 10.2991/efood.k.210621.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
8
|
Muralidharan C, Anwar A, Wilson TB, Scott PC, Moore RJ, Van TTH. Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting Campylobacter hepaticus specific antibodies in chicken sera - a key tool in Spotty Liver Disease screening and vaccine development. Avian Pathol 2020; 49:658-665. [PMID: 32835491 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2020.1813252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) is an emerging disease of serious concern in the egg production industry, as it causes significant egg loss and mortality in layer hens. The causative agent is a newly identified Gram-negative bacterium, Campylobacter hepaticus, and knowledge about C. hepaticus pathogenesis and the potential for vaccine development is still in its infancy. Current detection methods for SLD, such as PCR and culturing, only detect an active infection and will not give any indication of a past infection from which the bacteria have been cleared. An immunological assay, on the other hand, can provide information on previous infections and therefore is crucial in vaccine development against SLD. In the present study, we have developed the first immunoassay capable of detecting C. hepaticus-specific antibodies present in the sera of infected birds. The assay uses C. hepaticus total protein extract (TPE) as the antigen coating on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates. The cross reactivity of C. hepaticus antibodies with closely related C. jejuni and C. coli antigens was successfully overcome by pre-absorbing the sera using C. jejuni cell extracts. The assay was validated using sera samples from both naturally- and experimentally-infected birds, birds vaccinated with formalin-killed bacteria, and serum samples from SLD-negative birds (control group). The optimized ELISA assay had 95.5% specificity and 97.6% sensitivity. The immunoassay provides a useful tool for monitoring the exposure of poultry flocks to C. hepaticus infection and can be used to direct and support vaccine development. HIGHLIGHTS The first immunoassay developed for Spotty Liver Disease (SLD). A useful method for detecting C. hepaticus-specific antibodies in birds. Highly specific (95.5%) and sensitive (97.6%) assay. A key tool for use in epidemiological studies and vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arif Anwar
- Scolexia Pty Ltd., Moonee Ponds, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Azinheiro S, Carvalho J, Prado M, Garrido-Maestu A. Multiplex Detection of Salmonella spp., E. coli O157 and L. monocytogenes by qPCR Melt Curve Analysis in Spiked Infant Formula. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1359. [PMID: 32899815 PMCID: PMC7564587 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Food poisoning continue to be a threat in the food industry showing a need to improve the detection of the pathogen responsible for the hospitalization cases and death. DNA-based techniques represent a real advantage and allow the detection of several targets at the same time, reducing cost and time of analysis. The development of new methodology using SYBR Green qPCR for the detection of L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157 simultaneously was developed and a non-competitive internal amplification control (NC-IAC) was implemented to detect reaction inhibition. The formulation and supplementation of the enrichment medium was also optimized to allow the growth of all pathogens. The limit of detection (LoD) 95% obtained was <1 CFU/25 g for E. coli O157, and 2 CFU/25 g for Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes and regarding the multiplex detection a LoD 95% of 1.7 CFU/25 g was observed. The specificity, relative sensitivity and accuracy of full methodology were 100% and the use of the NC-IAC allowed the reliability of the results without interfering with the sensitivity of the methodology. The described study proved to obtain results comparable to those of probe-based qPCR, and more economically than classical high resolution melting qPCR, being both important aspects for its implementation in the food industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Azinheiro
- Food Quality and Safety Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal; (S.A.); (J.C.); (M.P.)
- College of Pharmacy/School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Joana Carvalho
- Food Quality and Safety Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal; (S.A.); (J.C.); (M.P.)
- College of Pharmacy/School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marta Prado
- Food Quality and Safety Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal; (S.A.); (J.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Alejandro Garrido-Maestu
- Food Quality and Safety Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal; (S.A.); (J.C.); (M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Phung C, Vezina B, Anwar A, Wilson T, Scott PC, Moore RJ, Van TTH. Campylobacter hepaticus, the Cause of Spotty Liver Disease in Chickens: Transmission and Routes of Infection. Front Vet Sci 2020; 6:505. [PMID: 32010715 PMCID: PMC6974796 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) was investigated by assaying 1,840 samples collected from layer chickens and the environment in poultry farms across Australia for the presence of Campylobacter hepaticus, the agent responsible SLD in chickens. A C. hepaticus specific PCR and bacterial culture were used. Results showed that birds could be infected with C. hepaticus up to 8 weeks before clinical SLD was manifested. In addition, birds could be infected long before laying starts, as young as 12 weeks old, but the peak period for SLD outbreaks was when the birds were 26-27 weeks old. Campylobacter hepaticus DNA was detected in motile organisms such as wild birds and rats and so these organisms may be vectors for C. hepaticus dissemination. Moreover, water, soil, mites, flies, and dust samples from SLD infected farms were also found to be PCR-positive for C. hepaticus DNA. However, it still remains to be determined whether these environmental sources carry any viable C. hepaticus. The indications from this study are that environmental sources are a likely transmission source of C. hepaticus. Therefore, biosecurity practices need to be strictly followed to prevent the spread of SLD amongst and between flocks. Also, a rapid, molecular detection method such as PCR should be used as to monitor for C. hepaticus presence in flocks before clinical disease is apparent, and therefore inform the use of biosecurity and therapeutic measures to help prevent SLD outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Canh Phung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Vezina
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Arif Anwar
- Scolexia Pty Ltd., Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Robert J Moore
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Thi Thu Hao Van
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Crawshaw T. A review of the novel thermophilic Campylobacter, Campylobacter hepaticus, a pathogen of poultry. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1481-1492. [PMID: 31081981 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In 2015, a novel thermophilic Campylobacter was isolated from cases of spotty liver disease in laying hens in the UK. In 2016, it was isolated from laying hens in Australia where it was formally named Campylobacter hepaticus and confirmed as the cause of spotty liver disease. It has also been isolated from laying hens in America. It is fastidious, grows slowly on first isolation and does not grow on media used to routinely isolate Campylobacter. Spotty liver disease is an acute, randomly distributed, focal, necrotic hepatitis causing mortality in up to 10% of a flock and a 10%-15% fall in egg production. It occurs mainly in free-range hens or hens reared on the ground at around the time of peak lay. The incidence of the disease has increased in countries where there is an increase in keeping free-range laying hens. It is similar to the condition avian vibrionic hepatitis which was reported in America, Europe and Australasia in the 1950s to 1970s and the agent isolated from cases of avian vibrionic hepatitis and C. hepaticus appear to be very similar. It is not known if C. hepaticus is zoonotic but whole genome sequencing shows that it is most closely related to the known zoonotic campylobacters Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Human exposure to C. hepaticus is likely through similar exposure routes. Analysis of the whole genome showed a reduction in the genes for iron metabolism compared to C. jejuni. A requirement for iron was confirmed as it showed reduced growth in an iron depletion assay and this may explain its tissue tropism. With a move towards free-range egg production in many countries, the incidence of C. hepaticus hepatitis is likely to increase, but the identification of the causal agent will provide opportunities for the development of control methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Crawshaw
- Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, North Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moore RJ, Scott PC, Van TTH. Spotlight on avian pathology: Campylobacter hepaticus, the cause of Spotty Liver Disease in layers. Avian Pathol 2019; 48:285-287. [PMID: 30942612 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2019.1602247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter hepaticus was recently identified as the aetiological agent of Spotty Liver Disease (SLD). SLD causes significant health and productivity losses in the Australian egg industry and the disease is present in other countries. Following the isolation and characterization of C. hepaticus, molecular tools and refined culturing methods have been developed to identify the pathogen. It is suspected that the application of these tools will lead to identification of the pathogen in many poultry production systems throughout the world. As C. hepaticus has only recently been identified, little is known about the mechanisms of pathogenesis and, hence, new research needs to be directed towards understanding SLD epidemiology and C. hepaticus virulence mechanisms to inform efforts to develop intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Moore
- a School of Science, RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia
| | | | - T T Hao Van
- a School of Science, RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Van TTH, Lacey JA, Vezina B, Phung C, Anwar A, Scott PC, Moore RJ. Survival Mechanisms of Campylobacter hepaticus Identified by Genomic Analysis and Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of in vivo and in vitro Derived Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:107. [PMID: 30804905 PMCID: PMC6371046 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chickens infected with Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli are largely asymptomatic, however, infection with the closely related species, Campylobacter hepaticus, can result in Spotty Liver Disease (SLD). C. hepaticus has been detected in the liver, bile, small intestine and caecum of SLD affected chickens. The survival and colonization mechanisms that C. hepaticus uses to colonize chickens remain unknown. In this study, we compared the genome sequences of 14 newly sequenced Australian isolates of C. hepaticus, isolates from outbreaks in the United Kingdom, and reference strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, with the aim of identifying virulence genes associated with SLD. We also carried out global comparative transcriptomic analysis between C. hepaticus recovered from the bile of SLD infected chickens and C. hepaticus grown in vitro. This revealed how the bacteria adapt to proliferate in the challenging host environment in which they are found. Additionally, biochemical experiments confirmed some in silico metabolic predictions. We found that, unlike other Campylobacter sp., C. hepaticus encodes glucose and polyhydroxybutyrate metabolism pathways. This study demonstrated the metabolic plasticity of C. hepaticus, which may contribute to survival in the competitive, nutrient and energy-limited environment of the chicken. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that gene clusters associated with glucose utilization, stress response, hydrogen metabolism, and sialic acid modification may play an important role in the pathogenicity of C. hepaticus. An understanding of the survival and virulence mechanisms that C. hepaticus uses will help to direct the development of effective intervention methods to protect birds from the debilitating effects of SLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thu Hao Van
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Jake A Lacey
- Doherty Department, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Vezina
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Canh Phung
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Arif Anwar
- Scolexia Pty Ltd., Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Robert J Moore
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Geng Y, Liu G, Liu L, Deng Q, Zhao L, Sun XX, Wang J, Zhao B, Wang J. Real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of Campylobacter jejuni in food samples. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 157:31-36. [PMID: 30576752 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), a foodborne pathogen, is a major contributor to human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and detrimental to public health. It is crucial for initiating appropriate outbreak control strategies to rapidly detect C. jejuni. As a novel isothermal gene amplification technique, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has been developed for the molecular detection of diverse pathogens. In this study, we developed a real-time RPA assay so as to achieve the rapid and efficient detection of C. jejuni by targeting the hipO gene. The specificity and senstivity of real-time RPA was validated and the practical applicability of the method for the detection of C. jejuni in artificially contaminated milk and chicken breast samples was proved by comparing their reaction time, sensitivity, and efficacy with those of real-time PCR and culture-based methods. Based on the real-time RPA assay, analysis time was reduced to approximately 13 mins from 60 mins and the results were as reliable as those of the real-time PCR assay. Taken together, in terms of the detection of C. jejuni, the real-time RPA method was simple, rapid, sensitive, and reliable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No.326 South Xinshi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050200, People's Republic of China; College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Road E. 2nd Ring South, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guanhui Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 178 Zhonghua South Street, Handan, Hebei 056038, People's Republic of China
| | - Libing Liu
- Center of Inspection and Quarantine, Hebei Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Academy of Inspection and Quarantine Science and Technology, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoen Deng
- The Eighth Hospital of Shjiazhuang, No. 620, Xinhua Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050081, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No.326 South Xinshi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050200, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Xia Sun
- Center of Inspection and Quarantine, Hebei Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Academy of Inspection and Quarantine Science and Technology, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Center of Inspection and Quarantine, Hebei Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Academy of Inspection and Quarantine Science and Technology, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohua Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Road E. 2nd Ring South, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianchang Wang
- Center of Inspection and Quarantine, Hebei Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Academy of Inspection and Quarantine Science and Technology, No. 318 Hepingxilu Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|