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Köppen K, Fatykhova D, Holland G, Rauch J, Tappe D, Graff M, Rydzewski K, Hocke AC, Hippenstiel S, Heuner K. Ex vivo infection model for Francisella using human lung tissue. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1224356. [PMID: 37492528 PMCID: PMC10365108 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1224356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tularemia is mainly caused by Francisella tularensis (Ft) subsp. tularensis (Ftt) and Ft subsp. holarctica (Ftt) in humans and in more than 200 animal species including rabbits and hares. Human clinical manifestations depend on the route of infection and range from flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia with a mortality rate up to 60% without treatment. So far, only 2D cell culture and animal models are used to study Francisella virulence, but the gained results are transferable to human infections only to a certain extent. Method In this study, we firstly established an ex vivo human lung tissue infection model using different Francisella strains: Ftt Life Vaccine Strain (LVS), Ftt LVS ΔiglC, Ftt human clinical isolate A-660 and a German environmental Francisella species strain W12-1067 (F-W12). Human lung tissue was used to determine the colony forming units and to detect infected cell types by using spectral immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Chemokine and cytokine levels were measured in culture supernatants. Results Only LVS and A-660 were able to grow within the human lung explants, whereas LVS ΔiglC and F-W12 did not replicate. Using human lung tissue, we observed a greater increase of bacterial load per explant for patient isolate A-660 compared to LVS, whereas a similar replication of both strains was observed in cell culture models with human macrophages. Alveolar macrophages were mainly infected in human lung tissue, but Ftt was also sporadically detected within white blood cells. Although Ftt replicated within lung tissue, an overall low induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was observed. A-660-infected lung explants secreted slightly less of IL-1β, MCP-1, IP-10 and IL-6 compared to Ftt LVS-infected explants, suggesting a more repressed immune response for patient isolate A-660. When LVS and A-660 were used for simultaneous co-infections, only the ex vivo model reflected the less virulent phenotype of LVS, as it was outcompeted by A-660. Conclusion We successfully implemented an ex vivo infection model using human lung tissue for Francisella. The model delivers considerable advantages and is able to discriminate virulent Francisella from less- or non-virulent strains and can be used to investigate the role of specific virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Köppen
- Working group “Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens”, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diana Fatykhova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, ZBS 4, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica Rauch
- Research Group Zoonoses, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Research Group Zoonoses, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mareike Graff
- Department for General and Thoracic Surgery, DRK Clinics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Rydzewski
- Working group “Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens”, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas C. Hocke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Heuner
- Working group “Cellular Interactions of Bacterial Pathogens”, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Schütz SD, Liechti N, Altpeter E, Labutin A, Wütrich T, Schmidt KM, Buettcher M, Moser M, Bruggmann R, Wittwer M. Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica and epidemiology of tularemia in Switzerland. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1151049. [PMID: 37113234 PMCID: PMC10126411 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1151049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tularemia, an endemic disease that mainly affects wild animals and humans, is caused by Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica (Fth) in Switzerland. The Swiss Fth population consist of multiple different subclades which are distributed throughout the country. The aim of this study is to characterize the genetic diversity of Fth in Switzerland and to describe the phylogeographic relationship of isolates by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. This analysis is combined with human surveillance data from reported cases over the last 10 years and in vitro and in silico antibiotic resistance tests to provide insight into the epidemiology of tularemia in Switzerland. We sequenced the whole genomes of 52 Fth strains of human or tick origin collected in Switzerland between 2009 and 2022 and analyzed together with all publicly available sequencing data of Swiss and European Fth. Next, we performed a preliminary classification with the established canonical single nucleotide polymorphism nomenclature. Furthermore, we tested 20 isolates from all main Swiss clades for antimicrobial susceptibility against a panel of antimicrobial agents. All 52 sequenced isolates from Switzerland belong to major clade B.6, specifically subclades B.45 and B.46, previously described in Western Europe. We were able to accurately reconstruct the population structure according to the global phylogenetic framework. No resistance to clinically recommended antibiotics could be identified in vitro or in silico in the western B.6 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Doina Schütz
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bern, Switzerland
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Liechti
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
| | | | - Anton Labutin
- Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tsering Wütrich
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Maria Schmidt
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Michael Buettcher
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Children’s Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michel Moser
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Rémy Bruggmann
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Wittwer
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Matthias Wittwer,
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3
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Jan HE, Tsai CS, Lee NY, Tsai PF, Wang LR, Chen PL, Ko WC. The first case of Francisella novicida infection in Taiwan: bacteraemic pneumonia in a haemodialysis adult. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:310-313. [PMID: 34986740 PMCID: PMC8786238 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2026199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis). Human infection is rare and can be life-threatening. F. tularensis subsp. novicida used to be a subspecies of F. tularensis, is now considered a different species, F. novicida. Though less virulent, F. novicida can cause morbidity and mortality among debilitated or immunocompromised patients. We reported that an adult with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis and a history of melioidotic aortic aneurysm developed F. novicida bacteraemic pneumonia, which was uneventfully treated by antimicrobial therapy. The microbiological confirmation of F. novicida infection relies on 16S rRNA sequencing. It is the first case of F. novicida infection in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-En Jan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Rong Wang
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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4
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Zhou H, Yang Q, Shen L, Yao Y, Xu J, Ye J, Wu X, Yu Y, Li Z, Zhou J, Yang S. Seawater-Associated Highly Pathogenic Francisella hispaniensis Infections Causing Multiple Organ Failure. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:2424-2428. [PMID: 32946719 PMCID: PMC7510699 DOI: 10.3201/eid2610.190844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A rare case of Francisella hispaniensis infection associated with seawater exposure occurred in a deep-sea diving fisherman in Zhejiang, China. He had skin and soft tissue infection that progressed to bacteremia and multiple organ failure. Moxifloxacin treatment cleared the infections, but the patient suffered a sequela of heart damage.
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5
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Kassinger SJ, van Hoek ML. Genetic Determinants of Antibiotic Resistance in Francisella. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:644855. [PMID: 34054749 PMCID: PMC8149597 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.644855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis, is endemic to the northern hemisphere. This zoonotic organism has historically been developed into a biological weapon. For this Tier 1, Category A select agent, it is important to expand our understanding of its mechanisms of antibiotic resistance (AMR). Francisella is unlike many Gram-negative organisms in that it does not have significant plasmid mobility, and does not express AMR mechanisms on plasmids; thus plasmid-mediated resistance does not occur naturally. It is possible to artificially introduce plasmids with AMR markers for cloning and gene expression purposes. In this review, we survey both the experimental research on AMR in Francisella and bioinformatic databases which contain genomic and proteomic data. We explore both the genetic determinants of intrinsic AMR and naturally acquired or engineered antimicrobial resistance as well as phenotypic resistance in Francisella. Herein we survey resistance to beta-lactams, monobactams, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, polymyxins, macrolides, rifampin, fosmidomycin, and fluoroquinolones. We also highlight research about the phenotypic AMR difference between planktonic and biofilm Francisella. We discuss newly developed methods of testing antibiotics against Francisella which involve the intracellular nature of Francisella infection and may better reflect the eventual clinical outcomes for new antibiotic compounds. Understanding the genetically encoded determinants of AMR in Francisella is key to optimizing the treatment of patients and potentially developing new antimicrobials for this dangerous intracellular pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
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6
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Yeni DK, Büyük F, Ashraf A, Shah MSUD. Tularemia: a re-emerging tick-borne infectious disease. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2021; 66:1-14. [PMID: 32989563 PMCID: PMC7521936 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-020-00827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is a bacterial disease of humans, wild, and domestic animals. Francisella tularensis, which is a Gram-negative coccobacillus-shaped bacterium, is the causative agent of tularemia. Recently, an increase in the number of human tularemia cases has been noticed in several countries around the world. It has been reported mostly from North America, several Scandinavian countries, and certain Asian countries. The disease spreads through vectors such as mosquitoes, horseflies, deer flies, and ticks. Humans can acquire the disease through direct contact of sick animals, consumption of infected animals, drinking or direct contact of contaminated water, and inhalation of bacteria-loaded aerosols. Low infectious dose, aerosol route of infection, and its ability to induce fatal disease make it a potential agent of biological warfare. Tularemia leads to several clinical forms, such as glandular, ulceroglandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, respiratory, and typhoidal forms. The disease is diagnosed through the use of culture, serology, or molecular methods. Quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides are frequently used in the treatment of tularemia. No licensed vaccine is available in the prophylaxis of tularemia and this is need of the time and high-priority research area. This review mostly focuses on general features, importance, current status, and preventive measures of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Karataş Yeni
- Veterinary Control Central Research Institute, Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Büyük
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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7
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Öhrman C, Sahl JW, Sjödin A, Uneklint I, Ballard R, Karlsson L, McDonough RF, Sundell D, Soria K, Bäckman S, Chase K, Brindefalk B, Sozhamannan S, Vallesi A, Hägglund E, Ramirez-Paredes JG, Thelaus J, Colquhoun D, Myrtennäs K, Birdsell D, Johansson A, Wagner DM, Forsman M. Reorganized Genomic Taxonomy of Francisellaceae Enables Design of Robust Environmental PCR Assays for Detection of Francisella tularensis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:146. [PMID: 33440900 PMCID: PMC7826819 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing diversity of species has been recognized within the family Francisellaceae. Unfortunately, novel isolates are sometimes misnamed in initial publications or multiple sources propose different nomenclature for genetically highly similar isolates. Thus, unstructured and occasionally incorrect information can lead to confusion in the scientific community. Historically, detection of Francisella tularensis in environmental samples has been challenging due to the considerable and unknown genetic diversity within the family, which can result in false positive results. We have assembled a comprehensive collection of genome sequences representing most known Francisellaceae species/strains and restructured them according to a taxonomy that is based on phylogenetic structure. From this structured dataset, we identified a small number of genomic regions unique to F. tularensis that are putatively suitable for specific detection of this pathogen in environmental samples. We designed and validated specific PCR assays based on these genetic regions that can be used for the detection of F. tularensis in environmental samples, such as water and air filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Öhrman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (J.W.S.); (R.B.); (R.F.M.); (K.S.); (D.B.); (D.M.W.)
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Ingrid Uneklint
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Rebecca Ballard
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (J.W.S.); (R.B.); (R.F.M.); (K.S.); (D.B.); (D.M.W.)
| | - Linda Karlsson
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Ryelan F. McDonough
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (J.W.S.); (R.B.); (R.F.M.); (K.S.); (D.B.); (D.M.W.)
| | - David Sundell
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Kathleen Soria
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (J.W.S.); (R.B.); (R.F.M.); (K.S.); (D.B.); (D.M.W.)
| | - Stina Bäckman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Kitty Chase
- US Army Medical Research Institute, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Björn Brindefalk
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Shanmuga Sozhamannan
- Logistics Management Institute supporting Defense Biological Product Assurance Office (DBPAO) Joint Project Lead, CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies (JPL CBRND EB), Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Adriana Vallesi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Emil Hägglund
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Jose Gustavo Ramirez-Paredes
- Ridgeway Biologicals Limited a Ceva Santé Animale Company, Units 1-3 Old Station Business Park, Compton, Berkshire, England RG20 6NE, UK;
| | - Johanna Thelaus
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Duncan Colquhoun
- Fish Health Research Group, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Pb 750 Sentrum, 23 N-0106 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Kerstin Myrtennäs
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Dawn Birdsell
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (J.W.S.); (R.B.); (R.F.M.); (K.S.); (D.B.); (D.M.W.)
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Bacteriology, and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - David M. Wagner
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; (J.W.S.); (R.B.); (R.F.M.); (K.S.); (D.B.); (D.M.W.)
| | - Mats Forsman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, SE 901 82 Umeå, Sweden; (C.Ö.); (A.S.); (I.U.); (L.K.); (D.S.); (S.B.); (B.B.); (E.H.); (J.T.); (K.M.)
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Dietrich EA, Kingry LC, Kugeler KJ, Levy C, Yaglom H, Young JW, Mead PS, Petersen JM. Francisella opportunistica sp. nov., isolated from human blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:1145-1151. [PMID: 31860434 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two isolates of a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming coccobacillus cultured from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of immunocompromised patients in the United States were described previously. Biochemical and phylogenetic analyses revealed that they belong to a novel species within the Francisella genus. Here we describe a third isolate of this species, recovered from blood of a febrile patient with renal failure, and formally name the Francisella species. Whole genome comparisons indicated the three isolates display greater than 99.9 % average nucleotide identity (ANI) to each other and are most closely related to the tick endosymbiont F. persica, with only 88.6-88.8 % ANI to the type strain of F. persica. Based on biochemical, metabolic and genomic comparisons, we propose that these three isolates should be recognized as Francisella opportunistica sp. nov, with the type strain of the species, PA05-1188T, available through the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen (DSM 107100) and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC BAA-2974).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Dietrich
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Laboratory Leadership Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Luke C Kingry
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kiersten J Kugeler
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Craig Levy
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hayley Yaglom
- Present address: Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.,Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - John W Young
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Paul S Mead
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jeannine M Petersen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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9
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Siebert C, Villers C, Pavlou G, Touquet B, Yakandawala N, Tardieux I, Renesto P. Francisella novicida and F. philomiragia biofilm features conditionning fitness in spring water and in presence of antibiotics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228591. [PMID: 32023304 PMCID: PMC7001994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are currently considered as a predominant lifestyle of many bacteria in nature. While they promote survival of microbes, biofilms also potentially increase the threats to animal and public health in case of pathogenic species. They not only facilitate bacteria transmission and persistence, but also promote spreading of antibiotic resistance leading to chronic infections. In the case of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, biofilms have remained largely enigmatic. Here, applying live and static confocal microscopy, we report growth and ultrastructural organization of the biofilms formed in vitro by these microorganisms over the early transition from coccobacillary into coccoid shape during biofilm assembly. Using selective dispersing agents, we provided evidence for extracellular DNA (eDNA) being a major and conserved structural component of mature biofilms formed by both F. subsp. novicida and a human clinical isolate of F. philomiragia. We also observed a higher physical robustness of F. novicida biofilm as compared to F. philomiragia one, a feature likely promoted by specific polysaccharides. Further, F. novicida biofilms resisted significantly better to ciprofloxacin than their planktonic counterparts. Importantly, when grown in biofilms, both Francisella species survived longer in cold water as compared to free-living bacteria, a trait possibly associated with a gain in fitness in the natural aquatic environment. Overall, this study provides information on survival of Francisella when embedded with biofilms that should improve both the future management of biofilm-related infections and the design of effective strategies to tackle down the problematic issue of bacteria persistence in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corinne Villers
- TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525-UGA CNRS, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Université de Caen Normandie, EA4655 U2RM, Caen, France
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Bastien Touquet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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10
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Teixeira P, Brandão J, Silva S, Babič MN, Gunde‐Cimerman N, Pires J, Costa S, Valério E. Microbiological and chemical quality of ice used to preserve fish in Lisbon marketplaces. J Food Saf 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Teixeira
- Bromatology and Water LaboratoryEnergy, Environment and Green Structure Department Lisbon Municipality, Lisbon Portugal
- CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine StudiesUniversity of Aveiro Aveiro Portugal
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Environmental HealthNational Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge Lisbon Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- Department of EpidemiologyNational Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge Lisbon Portugal
| | - Monika Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of Ljubljana Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Nina Gunde‐Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical FacultyUniversity of Ljubljana Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Joana Pires
- FCUL—Faculty of SciencesUniversity of Lisbon Lisbon Portugal
| | - Sílvia Costa
- Bromatology and Water LaboratoryEnergy, Environment and Green Structure Department Lisbon Municipality, Lisbon Portugal
| | - Elisabete Valério
- Department of Environmental HealthNational Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge Lisbon Portugal
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11
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Guo W, Cronk R, Scherer E, Oommen R, Brogan J, Sarr M, Bartram J. A systematic scoping review of environmental health conditions in penal institutions. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:790-803. [PMID: 31078437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.05.001] [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: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adequate environmental health conditions in penal institutions are necessary to protect and promote the health of prisoners and prison workers. We conducted a scoping systematic review to: describe the environmental health conditions in penal institutions and the associated exposures and health outcomes; identify effective approaches to prevent environmental health concerns; and identify evidence gaps on environmental health in penal institution populations. PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and ProQuest were searched. Peer-reviewed studies that reported original data and on environmental health conditions and/or exposures in penal institutions were included. Seventy-three studies met these criteria. The most common risk factor identified was contaminated food and/or beverages prepared or handled in the institution's kitchen. Overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and a lack of, or sharing of, soap and other hygiene products increased the risk of adverse health outcomes. Common responses included isolating infectious patients, educating prisoners and prison staff on improved sanitation and hygiene practices, improving ventilation, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces and/or water sources. Inadequate environmental health conditions in penal institutions are common, and adversely impact the health of prisoners and prison staff, yet are preventable. Few studies have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries, biasing our results. The development and implementation of national guidelines for essential environmental health in prisons, monitoring of conditions, and greater accountability of facility managers are needed to secure the health, rights, and well-being of prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Guo
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ryan Cronk
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Elissa Scherer
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rachel Oommen
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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12
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Global Analysis of Genes Essential for Francisella tularensis Schu S4 Growth In Vitro and for Fitness during Competitive Infection of Fischer 344 Rats. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00630-18. [PMID: 30642993 PMCID: PMC6416918 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00630-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly virulent intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium that has a wide host range, including humans, and is the causative agent of tularemia. To identify new therapeutic drug targets and vaccine candidates and investigate the genetic basis of Francisella virulence in the Fischer 344 rat, we have constructed an F. tularensis Schu S4 transposon library. This library consists of more than 300,000 unique transposon mutants and represents a transposon insertion for every 6 bp of the genome. A transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) approach was used to identify 453 genes essential for growth in vitro Many of these essential genes were mapped to key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, peptidoglycan synthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Additionally, 163 genes were identified as required for fitness during colonization of the Fischer 344 rat spleen. This in vivo selection screen was validated through the generation of marked deletion mutants that were individually assessed within a competitive index study against the wild-type F. tularensis Schu S4 strain.IMPORTANCE The intracellular bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis causes a disease in humans characterized by the rapid onset of nonspecific symptoms such as swollen lymph glands, fever, and headaches. F. tularensis is one of the most infectious bacteria known and following pulmonary exposure can have a mortality rate exceeding 50% if left untreated. The low infectious dose of this organism and concerns surrounding its potential as a biological weapon have heightened the need for effective and safe therapies. To expand the repertoire of targets for therapeutic development, we initiated a genome-wide analysis. This study has identified genes that are important for F. tularensis under in vitro and in vivo conditions, providing candidates that can be evaluated for vaccine or antibacterial development.
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13
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Hennebique A, Boisset S, Maurin M. Tularemia as a waterborne disease: a review. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:1027-1042. [PMID: 31287787 PMCID: PMC6691783 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1638734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium causing the zoonosis tularemia. This highly infectious microorganism is considered a potential biological threat agent. Humans are usually infected through direct contact with the animal reservoir and tick bites. However, tularemia cases also occur after contact with a contaminated hydro-telluric environment. Water-borne tularemia outbreaks and sporadic cases have occurred worldwide in the last decades, with specific clinical and epidemiological traits. These infections represent a major public health and military challenge. Human contaminations have occurred through consumption or use of F. tularensis-contaminated water, and various aquatic activities such as swimming, canyoning and fishing. In addition, in Sweden and Finland, mosquitoes are primary vectors of tularemia due to infection of mosquito larvae in contaminated aquatic environments. The mechanisms of F. tularensis survival in water may include the formation of biofilms, interactions with free-living amoebae, and the transition to a 'viable but nonculturable' state, but the relative contribution of these possible mechanisms remains unknown. Many new aquatic species of Francisella have been characterized in recent years. F. tularensis likely shares with these species an ability of long-term survival in the aquatic environment, which has to be considered in terms of tularemia surveillance and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hennebique
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Sandrine Boisset
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
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14
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Matz LM, Kamdar KY, Holder ME, Metcalf GA, Weissenberger GM, Meng Q, Vee V, Han Y, Muzny DM, Gibbs RA, Johnson CL, Revell PA, Petrosino JF. Challenges of Francisella classification exemplified by an atypical clinical isolate. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 90:241-247. [PMID: 29329757 PMCID: PMC5857240 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of sequenced Francisella strains has made it increasingly apparent that the 16S rRNA gene alone is not enough to stratify the Francisella genus into precise and clinically useful classifications. Continued whole-genome sequencing of isolates will provide a larger base of knowledge for targeted approaches with broad applicability. Additionally, examination of genomic information on a case-by-case basis will help resolve outstanding questions regarding strain stratification. We report the complete genome sequence of a clinical isolate, designated here as F. novicida-like strain TCH2015, acquired from the lymph node of a 6-year-old male. Two features were atypical for F. novicida: exhibition of functional oxidase activity and additional gene content, including proposed virulence determinants. These differences, which could potentially impact virulence and clinical diagnosis, emphasize the need for more comprehensive methods to profile Francisella isolates. This study highlights the value of whole-genome sequencing, which will lead to a more robust database of environmental and clinical genomes and inform strategies to improve detection and classification of Francisella strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Matz
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - K Y Kamdar
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M E Holder
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G A Metcalf
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G M Weissenberger
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Q Meng
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - V Vee
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C L Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P A Revell
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J F Petrosino
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Challacombe JF, Pillai S, Kuske CR. Shared features of cryptic plasmids from environmental and pathogenic Francisella species. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183554. [PMID: 28837612 PMCID: PMC5570271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Francisella genus includes several recognized species, additional potential species, and other representatives that inhabit a range of incredibly diverse ecological niches, but are not closely related to the named species. Francisella species have been obtained from a wide variety of clinical and environmental sources; documented species include highly virulent human and animal pathogens, fish pathogens, opportunistic human pathogens, tick endosymbionts, and free-living isolates inhabiting brackish water. While more than 120 Francisella genomes have been sequenced to date, only a few contain plasmids, and most of these appear to be cryptic, with unknown benefit to the host cell. We have identified several putative cryptic plasmids in the sequenced genomes of three Francisella novicida and F. novicida-like strains (TX07-6608, AZ06-7470, DPG_3A-IS) and two new Francisella species (F. frigiditurris CA97-1460 and F. opportunistica MA06-7296). These plasmids were compared to each other and to previously identified plasmids from other Francisella species. Some of the plasmids encoded functions potentially involved in replication, conjugal transfer and partitioning, environmental survival (transcriptional regulation, signaling, metabolism), and hypothetical proteins with no assignable functions. Genomic and phylogenetic comparisons of these new plasmids to the other known Francisella plasmids revealed some similarities that add to our understanding of the evolutionary relationships among the diverse Francisella species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean F. Challacombe
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Segaran Pillai
- Office of Laboratory Science and Safety, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cheryl R. Kuske
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
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16
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Brenz Y, Winther-Larsen HC, Hagedorn M. Expanding Francisella models: Pairing up the soil amoeba Dictyostelium with aquatic Francisella. Int J Med Microbiol 2017; 308:32-40. [PMID: 28843671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial genus Francisella comprises highly pathogenic species that infect mammals, arthropods, fish and protists. Understanding virulence and host defense mechanisms of Francisella infection relies on multiple animal and cellular model systems. In this review, we want to summarize the most commonly used Francisella host model platforms and highlight novel, alternative model systems using aquatic Francisella species. Established mouse and macrophage models contributed extensively to our understanding of Francisella infection. However, murine and human cells display significant differences in their response to Francisella infection. The zebrafish and the amoeba Dictyostelium are well-established model systems for host-pathogen interactions and open up opportunities to investigate bacterial virulence and host defense. Comparisons between model systems using human and fish pathogenic Francisella species revealed shared virulence strategies and pathology between them. Hence, zebrafish and Dictyostelium might complement current model systems to find new vaccine candidates and contribute to our understanding of Francisella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Brenz
- Department of Parasitology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Hanne C Winther-Larsen
- Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME) and Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Oslo, Sem Sælands vei 3, 0371 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monica Hagedorn
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
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17
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Kinkead LC, Fayram DC, Allen LAH. Francisella novicida inhibits spontaneous apoptosis and extends human neutrophil lifespan. J Leukoc Biol 2017; 102:815-828. [PMID: 28550119 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.4ma0117-014r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella novicida is a Gram-negative bacterium that is closely related to the highly virulent facultative intracellular pathogen, Francisella tularensis Data published by us and others demonstrate that F. tularensis virulence correlates directly with its ability to impair constitutive apoptosis and extend human neutrophil lifespan. In contrast, F. novicida is attenuated in humans, and the mechanisms that account for this are incompletely defined. Our published data demonstrate that F. novicida binds natural IgG that is present in normal human serum, which in turn, elicits NADPH oxidase activation that does not occur in response to F. tularensis As it is established that phagocytosis and oxidant production markedly accelerate neutrophil death, we predicted that F. novicida may influence the neutrophil lifespan in an opsonin-dependent manner. To test this hypothesis, we quantified bacterial uptake, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, and changes in nuclear morphology, as well as the kinetics of procaspase-3, -8, and -9 processing and activation. To our surprise, we discovered that F. novicida not only failed to accelerate neutrophil death but also diminished and delayed apoptosis in a dose-dependent, but opsonin-independent, manner. In keeping with this, studies of conditioned media (CM) showed that neutrophil longevity could be uncoupled from phagocytosis and that F. novicida stimulated neutrophil secretion of CXCL8. Taken together, the results of this study reveal shared and unique aspects of the mechanisms used by Francisella species to manipulate neutrophil lifespan and as such, advance understanding of cell death regulation during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Kinkead
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Drew C Fayram
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lee-Ann H Allen
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; .,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; and
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18
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Buse HY, Schaefer III FW, Rice EW. Enhanced survival but not amplification of Francisella spp. in the presence of free-living amoebae. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2017; 64:17-36. [PMID: 27929353 DOI: 10.1556/030.63.2016.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transmission of Francisella tularensis, the etiologic agent of tularemia, has been associated with various water sources. Survival of many waterborne pathogens within free-living amoeba (FLA) is well documented; however, the role of amoebae in the environmental persistence of F. tularensis is unclear. In this study, axenic FLA cultures of Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, and Vermamoeba vermiformis were each inoculated with virulent strains of F. tularensis (Types A and B), the attenuated live vaccine strain, and Francisella novicida. Experimental parameters included low and high multiplicity of infection and incubation temperatures of 25 and 30 °C for 0-10 days. Francisella spp. survival was enhanced by the presence of FLA; however, bacterial growth and protozoa infectivity were not observed. In contrast, co-infections of A. polyphaga and Legionella pneumophila, used as an amoeba pathogen control, resulted in bacterial proliferation, cytopathic effects, and amoebal lysis. Collectively, even though short-term incubation with FLA was beneficial, the long-term effects on Francisella survival are unknown, especially given the expenditure of available amoebal derived nutrients and the fastidious nature of Francisella spp. These factors have clear implications for the role of FLA in Francisella environmental persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Y. Buse
- 1 National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Frank W. Schaefer III
- 1 National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Eugene W. Rice
- 1 National Homeland Security Research Center, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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19
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Whole-Genome Relationships among Francisella Bacteria of Diverse Origins Define New Species and Provide Specific Regions for Detection. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.02589-16. [PMID: 27881415 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02589-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent zoonotic pathogen that causes tularemia and, because of weaponization efforts in past world wars, is considered a tier 1 biothreat agent. Detection and surveillance of F. tularensis may be confounded by the presence of uncharacterized, closely related organisms. Through DNA-based diagnostics and environmental surveys, novel clinical and environmental Francisella isolates have been obtained in recent years. Here we present 7 new Francisella genomes and a comparison of their characteristics to each other and to 24 publicly available genomes as well as a comparative analysis of 16S rRNA and sdhA genes from over 90 Francisella strains. Delineation of new species in bacteria is challenging, especially when isolates having very close genomic characteristics exhibit different physiological features-for example, when some are virulent pathogens in humans and animals while others are nonpathogenic or are opportunistic pathogens. Species resolution within Francisella varies with analyses of single genes, multiple gene or protein sets, or whole-genome comparisons of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. Analyses focusing on single genes (16S rRNA, sdhA), multiple gene sets (virulence genes, lipopolysaccharide [LPS] biosynthesis genes, pathogenicity island), and whole-genome comparisons (nucleotide and protein) gave congruent results, but with different levels of discrimination confidence. We designate four new species within the genus; Francisella opportunistica sp. nov. (MA06-7296), Francisella salina sp. nov. (TX07-7308), Francisella uliginis sp. nov. (TX07-7310), and Francisella frigiditurris sp. nov. (CA97-1460). This study provides a robust comparative framework to discern species and virulence features of newly detected Francisella bacteria. IMPORTANCE DNA-based detection and sequencing methods have identified thousands of new bacteria in the human body and the environment. In most cases, there are no cultured isolates that correspond to these sequences. While DNA-based approaches are highly sensitive, accurately assigning species is difficult without known near relatives for comparison. This ambiguity poses challenges for clinical cases, disease epidemics, and environmental surveillance, for which response times must be short. Many new Francisella isolates have been identified globally. However, their species designations and potential for causing human disease remain ambiguous. Through detailed genome comparisons, we identified features that differentiate F. tularensis from clinical and environmental Francisella isolates and provide a knowledge base for future comparison of Francisella organisms identified in clinical samples or environmental surveys.
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20
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Chou AY, Kennett NJ, Melillo AA, Elkins KL. Murine survival of infection with Francisella novicida and protection against secondary challenge is critically dependent on B lymphocytes. Microbes Infect 2016; 19:91-100. [PMID: 27965147 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infection of mice with Francisella novicida has recently been used as a model for the highly virulent human pathogen Francisella tularensis. Similar to F. tularensis, even small doses of F. novicida administered by respiratory routes are lethal for inbred laboratory mice. This feature obviously limits study of infection-induced immunity. Parenteral sublethal infections of mice with F. novicida are feasible, but the resulting immune responses are incompletely characterized. Here we use parenteral intradermal (i.d.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) F. novicida infections of C57BL/6J mice to determine the role of B cells in controlling primary and secondary F. novicida infections. Despite developing comparable levels of F. novicida-primed T cells, B cell knockout mice were much more susceptible to both primary i.d. infection and secondary i.p. challenge than wild type (normal) C57BL/6J mice. Transfer of F. novicida-immune sera to either wild type C57BL/6J mice or to B cell knockout mice did not appreciably impact survival of subsequent lethal F. novicida challenge. However, F. novicida-immune mice that were depleted of T cells after priming but just before challenge survived and cleared secondary i.p. F. novicida challenge. Collectively these results indicate that B cells, if not serum antibodies, play a major role in controlling F. novicida infections in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Y Chou
- Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, United States
| | - Nikki J Kennett
- Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, United States
| | - Amanda A Melillo
- Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, United States
| | - Karen L Elkins
- Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, United States.
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21
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Finished Genome Assembly of Warm Spring Isolate Francisella novicida DPG 3A-IS. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:3/5/e01046-15. [PMID: 26383665 PMCID: PMC4574370 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01046-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We sequenced the complete genome of Francisella novicida DPG 3A-IS to closed and finished status. This is a warm spring isolate recovered from Hobo Warm Spring (Utah, USA). The final assembly is available in NCBI under accession number CP012037.
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22
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Silvestri EE, Perkins SD, Rice EW, Stone H, Schaefer FW. Review of processing and analytical methods for Francisella tularensis in soil and water. ANN MICROBIOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-015-1144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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23
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Alarmin function of galectin-9 in murine respiratory tularemia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123573. [PMID: 25898318 PMCID: PMC4405590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a complex immune disorder that is characterized by systemic hyperinflammation. Alarmins, which are multifunctional endogenous factors, have been implicated in exacerbation of inflammation in many immune disorders including sepsis. Here we show that Galectin-9, a host endogenous β-galactoside binding lectin, functions as an alarmin capable of mediating inflammatory response during sepsis resulting from pulmonary infection with Francisella novicida, a Gram negative bacterial pathogen. Our results show that this galectin is upregulated and is likely released during tissue damage in the lungs of F. novicida infected septic mice. In vitro, purified recombinant galectin-9 exacerbated F. novicida-induced production of the inflammatory mediators by macrophages and neutrophils. Concomitantly, Galectin-9 deficient (Gal-9-/-) mice exhibited improved lung pathology, reduced cell death and reduced leukocyte infiltration, particularly neutrophils, in their lungs. This positively correlated with overall improved survival of F. novicida infected Gal-9-/- mice as compared to their wild-type counterparts. Collectively, these findings suggest that galectin-9 functions as a novel alarmin by augmenting the inflammatory response in sepsis development during pulmonary F. novicida infection.
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