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Tam CC, Du WX, Wang Y, Flannery AR, He X. Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from Food Matrices Using the CANARY Biosensor Assay. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:325. [PMID: 39057965 PMCID: PMC11281303 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16070325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes a wide spectrum of diseases including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Previously, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and potentially portable assay that identified STEC by detecting Shiga toxin (Stx) using a B-cell based biosensor platform. We applied this assay to detect Stx2 present in food samples that have been implicated in previous STEC foodborne outbreaks (milk, lettuce, and beef). The STEC enrichment medium, modified Tryptone Soy Broth (mTSB), inhibited the biosensor assay, but dilution with the assay buffer relieved this effect. Results with Stx2a toxoid-spiked food samples indicated an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of ≈4 ng/mL. When this assay was applied to food samples inoculated with STEC, it was able to detect 0.4 CFU/g or 0.4 CFU/mL of STEC at 16 h post incubation (hpi) in an enrichment medium containing mitomycin C. Importantly, this assay was even able to detect STEC strains that were high expressors of Stx2 at 8 hpi. These results indicate that the STEC CANARY biosensor assay is a rapid and sensitive assay applicable for detection of STEC contamination in food with minimal sample processing that can complement the current Food Safety Inspection Service (US) methodologies for STEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina C. Tam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Services, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (C.C.T.); (W.-X.D.)
| | - Wen-Xian Du
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Services, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (C.C.T.); (W.-X.D.)
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Smiths Detection, 2202 Lakeside Blvd, Edgewood, MD 21040, USA; (Y.W.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Andrew R. Flannery
- Smiths Detection, 2202 Lakeside Blvd, Edgewood, MD 21040, USA; (Y.W.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Xiaohua He
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Services, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (C.C.T.); (W.-X.D.)
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Vidal RM, Montero DA, Bentancor A, Arellano C, Alvarez A, Cundon C, Blanco Crivelli X, Del Canto F, Salazar JC, Oñate AA. Evaluation of the Humoral Response after Immunization with a Chimeric Subunit Vaccine against Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Pregnant Sows and Their Offspring. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:726. [PMID: 39066363 PMCID: PMC11281613 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) poses a significant public health risk due to its zoonotic potential and association with severe human diseases, such as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Ruminants are recognized as primary reservoirs for STEC, but swine also contribute to the epidemiology of this pathogen, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies across species. Notably, a subgroup of STEC that produces Shiga toxin type 2e (Stx2e) causes edema disease (ED) in newborn piglets, economically affecting pig production. This study evaluates the immunogenicity of a chimeric protein-based vaccine candidate against STEC in pregnant sows and the subsequent transfer of immunity to their offspring. This vaccine candidate, which includes chimeric proteins displaying selected epitopes from the proteins Cah, OmpT, and Hes, was previously proven to be immunogenic in pregnant cows. Our analysis revealed a broad diversity of STEC serotypes within swine populations, with the cah and ompT genes being prevalent, validating them as suitable antigens for vaccine development. Although the hes gene was detected less frequently, the presence of at least one of these three genes in a significant proportion of STEC suggests the potential of this vaccine to target a wide range of strains. The vaccination of pregnant sows led to an increase in specific IgG and IgA antibodies against the chimeric proteins, indicating successful immunization. Additionally, our results demonstrated the effective passive transfer of maternal antibodies to piglets, providing them with immediate, albeit temporary, humoral immunity against STEC. These humoral responses demonstrate the immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate and are preliminary indicators of its potential efficacy. However, further research is needed to conclusively evaluate its impact on STEC colonization and shedding. This study highlights the potential of maternal vaccination to protect piglets from ED and contributes to the development of vaccination strategies to reduce the prevalence of STEC in various animal reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M. Vidal
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (C.A.); (A.A.); (F.D.C.); (J.C.S.)
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - David A. Montero
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (C.A.); (A.A.); (F.D.C.); (J.C.S.)
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Adriana Bentancor
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina; (A.B.); (C.C.)
| | - Carolina Arellano
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (C.A.); (A.A.); (F.D.C.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Alhejandra Alvarez
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (C.A.); (A.A.); (F.D.C.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Cecilia Cundon
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina; (A.B.); (C.C.)
| | - Ximena Blanco Crivelli
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Epidemiología Veterinaria, Cátedra de Microbiología, Buenos Aires C1427CWO, Argentina; (A.B.); (C.C.)
| | - Felipe Del Canto
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (C.A.); (A.A.); (F.D.C.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Juan C. Salazar
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (C.A.); (A.A.); (F.D.C.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Angel A. Oñate
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
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Ikeuchi S, Hirose S, Shimada K, Koyama A, Ishida S, Katayama N, Suzuki T, Tokairin A, Tsukamoto M, Tsue Y, Yamaguchi K, Osako H, Hiwatashi S, Chiba Y, Akiyama H, Hayashidani H, Hara-Kudo Y. Isolation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from the Surfaces of Beef Carcasses in Slaughterhouses in Japan. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100263. [PMID: 38484844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100263] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen worldwide. It is necessary to control and prevent STEC contamination on beef carcasses in slaughterhouses because STEC infection is associated with beef consumption. However, the frequencies of STEC contamination of beef carcasses in various slaughterhouses in Japan are not well known. Herein, we investigated the contamination of beef carcasses with STEC in slaughterhouses to assess the potential risks of STEC. In total, 524 gauze samples were collected from the surfaces of beef carcasses at 12 domestic slaughterhouses from November 2020 to February 2023. The samples were measured for aerobic plate counts and tested for pathogenic genes (stx and eae) and major O-serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157) by real-time PCR screening. Subsequently, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) was performed on samples positive for stx, eae, and at least one of the seven O-serogroups of STEC. Isolation process without IMS was performed on samples positive for stx, including those subjected to IMS. STEC O157:H7 and stx-positive E. coli other than serotype O157:H7 were isolated from 0.6% and 4.6% of beef carcass surfaces, respectively. Although the STEC O157:H7 isolation rate was low and stx-positive E. coli other than serotype O157:H7 belonged to minor O-serogroups, the results mean a risk of foodborne illness. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between aerobic plate counts and detection rates of stx-positive samples by real-time PCR screening. The STEC O157:H7 isolated facilities showed higher values on aerobic plate counts and detection rates of stx-positive samples than the mean values of total samples. Therefore, these results suggest that it is important to evaluate hygiene treatments against beef carcasses for the reduction of STEC contamination risk, particularly in facilities with high aerobic plate counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Ikeuchi
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Shouhei Hirose
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Kohei Shimada
- Section of Meat Inspection, Division of Food Hygiene, Bureau of Health and Safety, Department of Health and Welfare, Hokkaido Government, Kita 3-jo, Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8588, Japan
| | - Ayako Koyama
- Higashimokoto Meat Inspection Center, 72-1, Chigusa, Higashimokoto, Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3231, Japan
| | - Shoji Ishida
- Hokkaido Hayakita Meat Inspection Center, 695, Toasa, Abira-cho, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 059-1433, Japan
| | - Naoto Katayama
- Tokushima Prefectural Meat Inspection Centre, 2-140-3 Fudohon-machi, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-0063, Japan
| | - Takehiko Suzuki
- Hokkaido Obihiro Meat Inspection Center, North 2, West 25, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-2465, Japan
| | - Akiko Tokairin
- Towada Meat Inspection Center, 1-13, Sambongi Nozaki, Towada, Aomori 034-0001, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tsukamoto
- Gifu Prefectural Hida Meat Inspection Office, 17-1 Maehara-machi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0048, Japan
| | - Yuki Tsue
- Miyazaki Prefecture Tsuno Meat Inspection Center, 15530, Kawakita, Tsuno-cho, Koyu-gun, Miyazaki 889-1201, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yamaguchi
- Akita City Meat Hygiene Inspection Office, 2-6 Dosaka, Jinnai, Kawabe, Akita, Akita 019-2631, Japan
| | - Hideo Osako
- Kumamoto Prefectural Meat Inspection Office, 1341 Sozaki, Shichijyo-machi, Kikuchi, Kumamoto 861-1344, Japan
| | - Sachiko Hiwatashi
- Nagasaki Prefectural Isahaya Meat Inspection Station, 79-20 Saiwai-machi, Isahaya, Nagasaki 854-0022, Japan
| | - Yumi Chiba
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Akiyama
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayashidani
- Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hara-Kudo
- Division of Microbiology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
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Sallam KI, Abd-Elrazik Y, Raslan MT, Imre K, Morar A, Herman V, Zaher HA. Cefotaxime-, Ciprofloxacin-, and Extensively Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 and O55:H7 in Camel Meat. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071443. [PMID: 37048264 PMCID: PMC10094314 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore for the first time the occurrence and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli O157:H7 and O55:H7 isolates in camel meat in Egypt. Among the 110 camel meat samples examined using standardized microbiological techniques, 10 (9.1%) and 32 (29.1%) were positive for E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O55:H7, respectively. In total, 24 isolates were verified as E. coli O157:H7, while 102 isolates were confirmed serologically as E. coli O55:H7. Multiplex PCR revealed the existence of eaeA, stx1, stx2, and EHEC-hlyA among E. coli O157:H7 and O55:H7 isolates (n = 126) at various percentages. According to their resistance against 14 antibiotics, 16.7% and 83.3% of O157:H7 isolates and 8.6% and 76.5% of O55:H7 isolates were classified into extensively drug-resistant and multi-drug-resistant, respectively, whereas 29.4% and 22.2% of E. coli isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The study results emphasize that camel meat may be a vehicle for multi- and extensively drug-resistant E. coli O157:H7 and O55:H7 strains, indicating a potential threat to public health. Further studies based on the molecular evidence of the antimicrobial resistance genes and enrolling a larger number of samples are recommended for a better understanding of the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon of camel-meat-originating pathogenic E. coli strains.
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Ray R, Singh P. Prevalence and Implications of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Farm and Wild Ruminants. Pathogens 2022; 11:1332. [PMID: 36422584 PMCID: PMC9694250 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a food-borne pathogen that causes human gastrointestinal infections across the globe, leading to kidney failure or even death in severe cases. E. coli are commensal members of humans and animals' (cattle, bison, and pigs) guts, however, may acquire Shiga-toxin-encoded phages. This acquisition or colonization by STEC may lead to dysbiosis in the intestinal microbial community of the host. Wildlife and livestock animals can be asymptomatically colonized by STEC, leading to pathogen shedding and transmission. Furthermore, there has been a steady uptick in new STEC variants representing various serotypes. These, along with hybrids of other pathogenic E. coli (UPEC and ExPEC), are of serious concern, especially when they possess enhanced antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, etc. Recent studies have reported these in the livestock and food industry with minimal focus on wildlife. Disturbed natural habitats and changing climates are increasingly creating wildlife reservoirs of these pathogens, leading to a rise in zoonotic infections. Therefore, this review comprehensively surveyed studies on STEC prevalence in livestock and wildlife hosts. We further present important microbial and environmental factors contributing to STEC spread as well as infections. Finally, we delve into potential strategies for limiting STEC shedding and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
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Sokolovic M, Šimpraga B, Amšel-Zelenika T, Berendika M, Krstulović F. Prevalence and Characterization of Shiga Toxin Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Animal Feed in Croatia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1839. [PMID: 36144441 PMCID: PMC9505133 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091839] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A survey on prevalence and number of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli (STEC) in animal feed was carried out over a period of nine years in the Republic of Croatia. A total of 1688 feed samples were collected from feed factories and poultry farms. Analysis included two standard procedures: sample enrichment and (a) immunomagnetic separation and plating on two selective media; or (b) plating on two selective media. Confirmation of STEC included morphological examination, biochemical tests, serotyping, and polymerase chain reaction. Morphological and biochemical characterization revealed 629 E. coli strains. Further serological screening method revealed 78 STEC and EPEC serotypes, while only 27 strains were confirmed as STEC with PCR. All positive samples (1.6%) originated from poultry farms and contained combination of virulence genes: eaeA, stx1, and/or stx2. Since the presence of stx (especially stx2) and eae are identified as risk factors for development of severe diseases in humans, results of this survey indicate that avian sources of STEC infections might be one of those "undefined sources" of human illnesses. Further research is necessary for evaluation of risks posed by contaminated feed, poultry, and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Sokolovic
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Poultry Centre, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Borka Šimpraga
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Poultry Centre, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Comparison of enrichment methods for isolating Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in kimchi. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 200:106543. [PMID: 35870537 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106543] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the efficiency of four enrichment methods of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli by using the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and a predictive model. Four different methods (US FDA, ISO, Japan Food Hygiene Association and Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) were used to enrich EHEC in kimchi inoculated with cocktails of EHEC strains (NCCP 13720, NCCP 13721, and NCCP 14134). The maximum growth rate (μmax) and lag phase duration (LPD) were compared using the Baranyi model, and 16S rRNA targeted sequencing was performed with samples at the end of the exponential phase. As a result, the μmax and LPD values of Baranyi model developed for the four enriched media ranged from 0.82 to 0.92 and from 2.35 to 2.68, respectively, suggesting that the growth of EHEC was similar in all four enrichment media. As for the relative abundance of the bacterial composition at the family level, Enterobacteriaceae was identified as the major component (>50%) in all four enriched media. The relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was highest (>90%) in the two enriched media with 20 mg/L novobiocin, demonstrating that significant growth of non-targeted bacteria takes place in enrichment broths utilizing <20 mg/L novobiocin or different antibiotics. In conclusion, this study suggests that all four enrichment broth are suitable for growing EHEC in kimchi and the use and concentration of antibiotics such as novobiocin in enrichment media may have a critical role in species diversity.
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Risk factors of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in livestock raised on diversified small-scale farms in California. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e125. [PMID: 35641482 PMCID: PMC9274804 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of diversified small-scale farms (DSSF) that raise outdoor-based livestock in the USA reflects growing consumer demand for sustainably produced food. Diversified farms are small scale and raise a combination of multiple livestock species and numerous produce varieties. This 2015–2016 cross-sectional study aimed to describe the unique characteristics of DSSF in California, estimate the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in livestock and evaluate the association between risk factors and the presence of STEC in livestock, using generalised linear mixed models. STEC prevalence was 13.62% (76/558). Significant variables in the mixed-effect logistic regression model included daily maximum temperature (OR 0.95; CI95% 0.91–0.98), livestock sample source (cattle (OR 4.61; CI95% 1.64–12.96) and sheep (OR 5.29; CI95% 1.80–15.51)), multiple species sharing the same barn (OR 6.23; CI95% 1.84–21.15) and livestock having contact with wild areas (OR 3.63; CI95% 1.37–9.62). Identification of STEC serogroups of public health concern (e.g. O157:H7, O26, O103) in this study indicated the need for mitigation strategies to ensure food safety by evaluating risk factors and management practices that contribute to the spread and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in a pre-harvest environment on DSSF.
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Yamasaki E, Fukumoto S. Prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Yezo sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in the Tokachi sub-prefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:770-776. [PMID: 35387920 PMCID: PMC9246679 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0591] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In food hygiene, the surveillance of foodborne pathogens in wild animals is indispensable because we cannot control hygienic status of them. Yezo sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis), which are found only on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, are the most common game animal in the country. In this study, we analyzed the incidence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Yezo sika deer hunted in the Tokachi sub-prefecture, which is one of the densest zones for the sub-species. Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing detected STEC in 18.3% of fecal samples (59/323) collected from deer hunted between 2016 and 2017, whereas no Shigella and Salmonella markers were detected. No correlation was found between STEC detection from fecal samples and characteristics of carcasses, such as hunting area, age, and fascioliasis. From 59 STEC-positive fecal samples, we isolated 37 STEC strains, including 34 O- and H-genotyped strains, in which 16 different serogroups were detected. Genetic analysis revealed that our isolates included various stx gene types (stx1+/stx2-, stx1+/stx2+, and stx1-/stx2+) and carried eae. This study demonstrated that STEC strains with various features colonized the Yezo sika deer, similar to other subspecies of sika deer. We conclude that continuous surveillance activity is important to monitor the suitability of game animals as a food source and to assess the validity of the food safety management system for game meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiki Yamasaki
- Division of Food Hygiene, Department of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Shinya Fukumoto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
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Henrique IDM, Sacerdoti F, Ferreira RL, Henrique C, Amaral MM, Piazza RMF, Luz D. Therapeutic Antibodies Against Shiga Toxins: Trends and Perspectives. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:825856. [PMID: 35223548 PMCID: PMC8866733 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.825856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxins (Stx) are AB5-type toxins, composed of five B subunits which bind to Gb3 host cell receptors and an active A subunit, whose action on the ribosome leads to protein synthesis suppression. The two Stx types (Stx1 and Stx2) and their subtypes can be produced by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains and some Shigella spp. These bacteria colonize the colon and induce diarrhea that may progress to hemorrhagic colitis and in the most severe cases, to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which could lead to death. Since the use of antibiotics in these infections is a topic of great controversy, the treatment remains supportive and there are no specific therapies to ameliorate the course. Therefore, there is an open window for Stx neutralization employing antibodies, which are versatile molecules. Indeed, polyclonal, monoclonal, and recombinant antibodies have been raised and tested in vitro and in vivo assays, showing differences in their neutralizing ability against deleterious effects of Stx. These molecules are in different phases of development for which we decide to present herein an updated report of these antibody molecules, their source, advantages, and disadvantages of the promising ones, as well as the challenges faced until reaching their applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia Sacerdoti
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay-CONICET), Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Camila Henrique
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Marta Amaral
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay-CONICET), Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roxane Maria Fontes Piazza
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Roxane Maria Fontes Piazza, ; Daniela Luz,
| | - Daniela Luz
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Roxane Maria Fontes Piazza, ; Daniela Luz,
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Virulence determinants and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from bovine clinical mastitis in some selected dairy farms of Bangladesh. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:6317-6323. [PMID: 34759751 PMCID: PMC8568714 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
E. coli is one of the major significant pathogens causing mastitis, the most complex and costly diseases in the dairy industry worldwide. Present study was undertaken to isolate, detect the virulence factors, phylogroup, antimicrobial susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance genes in E. coli from cows with clinical mastitis. A total of 68 milk samples comprising 53 from clinical mastitis and 15 from apparently healthy cattle were collected from four different established dairy farms in Bangladesh. E. coli was isolated from the milk samples and identified by PCR targeting malB gene and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. E. coli isolates were screened by PCR for the detection of major virulence genes (stx, eae and cdt) of diarrheagenic E. coli followed by phylogenetic grouping. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the E. coli isolates was determined by disk diffusion test and E. coli showing resistance was further screened for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. E. coli was isolated from 35.8% of the mastitis milk samples but none from the apparently healthy cattle milk. All the E. coli isolates were negative for stx, eae and cdt genes and belonged to the phylogenetic groups A and B1 which comprising of commensal E. coli. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed 84.2% (16/19) of the isolates as multidrug resistant. Highest resistance was observed against amoxicillin (94.5%) followed by ampicillin (89.5%) and tetracycline (89.5%). E. coli were found resistant against all the classes of antimicrobials used at the farm level. Tetracycline resistance gene (tetA) was detected in 100% of the tetracycline resistant E. coli and blaTEM-1 was present in 38.9% of the E. coli isolates. Findings of this study indicate a potential threat of developing antimicrobial resistance in commensal E. coli and their association with clinical mastitis. Occurrence of multidrug resistant E. coli might be responsible for the failure of antibiotic therapies in clinical mastitis as well as pose potential threat of transmitting and development of antibiotic resistance in human.
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12
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Seleem A, Sabry MA, Abdel-Moein KA. Migratory birds as a potential overseas transmitter of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Int J Vet Sci Med 2021; 9:52-58. [PMID: 34754878 PMCID: PMC8555544 DOI: 10.1080/23144599.2021.1989937] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has a great public health importance. This study was conducted to investigate the potential role of migratory birds in the transmission of STEC. For this purpose, cloacal swabs were collected from 349 migratory birds (209 ducks and 140 quails) from Damietta governorate, Egypt. The collected swabs were cultured for isolation of STEC using the STEC CHROMagar. STEC isolates were identified based on colonial characteristics, Gram's stain, conventional biochemical tests and molecular detection of stx1, stx2 and eae genes. Positive isolates were serotyped and examined for their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Furthermore, gene sequencing was performed for genes stx1and stx2. Of the examined birds, two STEC isolates were a obtained with an overall occurrence rate 0.57% (2/349), one isolate carried stx2 gene from a migratory quail 0.71% (1/140), and another isolate from a migratory duck carried stx1 gene 0.48% (1/209), whereas both isolates were negative for eae gene. Moreover, the duck isolate was serotyped O86, while the quail isolate was serotyped O125; both isolates were multidrug resistant. The phylogenetic analysis of the obtained stx1 and stx2 genes revealed high genetic relatedness to those isolated from human cases in the countries where such birds either lived or were in their migratory pathway. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of migratory birds in transmitting multidrug-resistant STEC across their migratory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Seleem
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha A Sabry
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled A Abdel-Moein
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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13
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Zhang H, Yamamoto E, Murphy J, Carrillo C, Locas A. Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and STEC-Associated Virulence Genes in Raw Ground Pork in Canada. J Food Prot 2021; 84:1956-1964. [PMID: 34197587 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7/nonmotile and some non-O157 STEC strains are foodborne pathogens. In response to pork-associated O157 STEC outbreaks in Canada, we investigated the occurrence of STEC in Canadian retail raw ground pork during the period of 1 November 2014 to 31 March 2016. Isolated STEC strains were characterized to determine the Shiga toxin gene (stx) subtype and the presence of virulence genes encoding intimin (eae) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli hemolysin (hlyA). O157 STEC and non-O157 STEC strains were isolated from 1 (0.11%) of 879 and 13 (2.24%) of 580 pork samples, respectively. STEC virulence gene profiles containing both eae and hlyA were found only in the O157 STEC (stx2a, eae, hlyA) isolate. The eae gene was absent from all non-O157 STEC isolates. Of the 13 non-O157 STEC isolates, two virulence genes of stx1a and hlyA were found in four (30.8%) O91:H14 STEC isolates, whereas one virulence gene of stx2e, stx1a, and stx2a was identified in five (38.5%), two (15.4%), and one (7.7%) STEC isolates, respectively, of various serotypes. The remaining non-O157 STEC isolate carried stx2, but the subtype is unknown because this isolate could not be recovered for sequencing. O91:H14 STEC (stx1a, hlyA) was previously reported in association with diarrheal illnesses, whereas the other non-O157 STEC isolates identified in this study are not known to be associated with severe human illnesses. Virulence gene profiles identified in this study indicate that the occurrence of non-O157 STEC capable of causing severe human illness is rare in Canadian retail pork. However, O157 STEC in ground pork can occasionally occur; therefore, education regarding the potential risks associated with STEC contamination of pork would be beneficial for the public and those in the food industry to help reduce foodborne illnesses. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Zhang
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
| | - Etsuko Yamamoto
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
| | - Johanna Murphy
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
| | - Catherine Carrillo
- Research and Development, Ottawa Laboratory (Carling), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Building 22, CEF 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
| | - Annie Locas
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
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14
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Carroll KJ, Jenkins C, Harvey-Vince L, Mohan K, Balasegaram S. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli diagnosed by Stx PCR: assessing the public health risk of non-O157 strains. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:576-582. [PMID: 33411922 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation by diagnostic laboratories in England of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen faecal specimens for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has resulted in a significant increase in notifications mainly due to non-O157 strains. The purpose of this study was to develop an approach to public health risk assessment that prioritizes follow-up to cases caused by haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) associated E. coli (HUSEC) strains and minimizes unnecessary actions. METHODS Epidemiological and microbiological data were prospectively collected from 1 November 2013 to 31 March 2017 and used to compare three risk assessment approaches. RESULTS A history of HUS/bloody diarrhoea/age under 6 years and faecal specimens positive for stx-predicted HUSEC with a diagnostic accuracy of 84% (95% CI; 81-88%). STEC isolated by Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) and stx2 and eae positive predicted HUSEC with a diagnostic accuracy of 99% (95% CI; 98-100%). Risk assessment combining these two tests predicts the most efficient use of resources, predicting that 18% (97/552) of cases would be eligible for follow-up at some stage, 16% (86/552) following local stx PCR results, 1% (7/552) following GBRU results of stx2 and eae status and 0.7% (4/552) following whole-genome sequencing. Follow-up could be stopped in 78% (76/97) of these cases, 97% (74/76) following second stage risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS This three-stage risk assessment approach prioritizes follow-up to HUSEC and minimizes unnecessary public health actions. We developed it into the algorithm for public health actions included in the updated PHE Guidance for management of STEC published in August 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Carroll
- Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Team, Public Health England South East, Horsham, UK
| | - C Jenkins
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - L Harvey-Vince
- Surrey County Council Public Health Department, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK
| | - K Mohan
- Thames Valley Health Protection Team, Public Health England South East, Chilton, UK
| | - S Balasegaram
- Field Service South East & London, Public Health England, London, UK
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15
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Diversity of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Cattle from Central and Southern Chile. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082388. [PMID: 34438845 PMCID: PMC8388633 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082388] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cattle are the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), foodborne pathogens that cause severe disease and outbreaks. However, not all STEC cause human illnesses or have the same virulence potential. Characterizing strains isolated worldwide allows insights into how strains spread and which isolates have a more significant risk potential. This study described STEC isolation rates from cattle in Chile and characterized 30 isolates. We obtained 93 STEC isolates from 56/446 (12.6%) fecal cattle samples. Then, 30 non-O157 STEC isolates were selected for complete characterization; we found isolates of 16 different sequence types and 17 serotypes. One isolate was resistant to tetracycline and carried resistance genes against the drug. Surveyed virulence genes (n = 31) were present from 13% to 100% of isolates, and one isolate carried 26/31 virulence genes. Most isolates (90%; 27/30) carried the stx2 gene, which is frequently linked to strains causing severe disease. A phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated that isolates clustered based on serotypes, independent of their geographical origin (Central or Southern Chile). These results indicate that cattle in Chile carry a wide diversity of STEC potentially pathogenic for humans based on the presence of virulence genes. Abstract Cattle are the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), one of the world’s most important foodborne pathogens. The pathogen causes severe human diseases and outbreaks. This study aimed to identify and characterize non-O157 STEC isolated from cattle feces from central and southern Chile. We analyzed 446 cattle fecal samples and isolated non-O157 STEC from 12.6% (56/446); a total of 93 different isolates were recovered. Most isolates displayed β-glucuronidase activity (96.8%; 90/93) and fermented sorbitol (86.0%; 80/93), whereas only 39.8% (37/93) were resistant to tellurite. A subgroup of 30 representative non-O157 STEC isolates was selected for whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. In silico analysis showed that they grouped into 16 different sequence types and 17 serotypes; the serotypes most frequently identified were O116:H21 and O168:H8 (13% each). A single isolate of serotype O26:H11 was recovered. One isolate was resistant to tetracycline and carried resistance genes tet(A) and tet(R); no other isolate displayed antimicrobial resistance or carried antimicrobial resistance genes. The intimin gene (eae) was identified in 13.3% (4/30) of the genomes and 90% (27/30) carried the stx2 gene. A phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated that the isolates clustered based on serotypes, independent of geographical origin. These results indicate that cattle in Chile carry a wide diversity of STEC potentially pathogenic for humans based on the presence of critical virulence genes.
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16
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Hua Y, Chromek M, Frykman A, Jernberg C, Georgieva V, Hansson S, Zhang J, Marits AK, Wan C, Matussek A, Bai X. Whole-genome characterization of hemolytic uremic syndrome-causing Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Sweden. Virulence 2021; 12:1296-1305. [PMID: 33939581 PMCID: PMC8096335 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1922010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, a foodborne bacterial pathogen, has been linked to a broad spectrum of clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic carriage to fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Here, we collected clinical data and STEC strains from HUS patients from 1994 through 2018, whole-genome sequencing was performed to molecularly characterize HUS-associated STEC strains, statistical analysis was conducted to identify bacterial genetic factors associated with severe outcomes in HUS patients. O157:H7 was the most predominant serotype (57%) among 54 HUS-associated STEC strains, followed by O121:H19 (19%) and O26:H11 (7%). Notably, some non-predominant serotypes such as O59:H17 (2%) and O109:H21 (2%) also caused HUS. All O157:H7 strains with one exception belonged to clade 8. During follow-up at a median of 4 years, 41% of the patients had renal sequelae. Fifty-nine virulence genes were found to be statistically associated with severe renal sequelae, these genes encoded type II and type III secretion system effectors, chaperones, and other factors. Notably, virulence genes associated with severe clinical outcomes were significantly more prevalent in O157:H7 strains. In contrast, genes related to mild symptoms were evenly distributed across all serotypes. The whole-genome phylogeny indicated high genomic diversity among HUS-STEC strains. No distinct cluster was found between HUS and non-HUS STEC strains. The current study showed that O157:H7 remains the main cause of STEC-associated HUS, despite the rising importance of other non-O157 serotypes. Besides, O157:H7 is associated with severe renal sequelae in the follow-up, which could be a risk factor for long-term prognosis in HUS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hua
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Milan Chromek
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne Frykman
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Valya Georgieva
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverker Hansson
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ji Zhang
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Ann Katrine Marits
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chengsong Wan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andreas Matussek
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping Region County, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.,Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Xiangning Bai
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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17
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Identification, Shiga toxin subtypes and prevalence of minor serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in feedlot cattle feces. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8601. [PMID: 33883564 PMCID: PMC8060326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87544-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens that cause illnesses in humans ranging from mild to hemorrhagic enteritis with complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome and even death. Cattle are a major reservoir of STEC, which reside in the hindgut and are shed in the feces, a major source of food and water contaminations. Seven serogroups, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145 and O157, called ‘top-7’, are responsible for the majority of human STEC infections in North America. Additionally, 151 serogroups of E. coli are known to carry Shiga toxin genes (stx). Not much is known about fecal shedding and prevalence and virulence potential of STEC other than the top-7. Our primary objectives were to identify serogroups of STEC strains, other than the top-7, isolated from cattle feces and subtype stx genes to assess their virulence potential. Additional objective was to develop and validate a novel multiplex PCR assay to detect and determine prevalence of six serogroups, O2, O74, O109, O131, O168, and O171, in cattle feces. A total of 351 strains, positive for stx gene and negative for the top-7 serogroups, isolated from feedlot cattle feces were used in the study. Of the 351 strains, 291 belonged to 16 serogroups and 60 could not be serogrouped. Among the 351 strains, 63 (17.9%) carried stx1 gene and 300 (82.1%) carried stx2, including 12 strains positive for both. The majority of the stx1 and stx2 were of stx1a (47/63; 74.6%) and stx2a subtypes (234/300; 78%), respectively, which are often associated with human infections. A novel multiplex PCR assay developed and validated to detect six serogroups, O2, O74, O109, O131, O168, and O171, which accounted for 86.9% of the STEC strains identified, was utilized to determine their prevalence in fecal samples (n = 576) collected from a commercial feedlot. Four serogroups, O2, O109, O168, and O171 were identified as the dominant serogroups prevalent in cattle feces. In conclusion, cattle shed in the feces a number of STEC serogroups, other than the top-7, and the majority of the strains isolated possessed stx2, particularly of the subtype 2a, suggesting their potential risk to cause human infections.
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18
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Bording-Jorgensen M, Tyrrell H, Lloyd C, Chui L. Comparison of Common Enrichment Broths Used in Diagnostic Laboratories for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030503. [PMID: 33673617 PMCID: PMC7997271 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute gastroenteritis caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) affects more than 4 million individuals in Canada. Diagnostic laboratories are shifting towards culture-independent diagnostic testing; however, recovery of STEC remains an important aspect of surveillance programs. The objective of this study was to compare common broth media used for the enrichment of STEC. Clinical isolates including O157:H7 as well as non-O157 serotypes were cultured in tryptic soy (TSB), MacConkey (Mac), and Gram-negative (GN) broths and growth was compared using culture on sheep’s blood agar and real-time PCR (qPCR). In addition, a selection of the same isolates was spiked into negative stool and enriched in the same three broths, which were then evaluated using culture on CHROMagarTM STEC agar and qPCR. TSB was found to provide the optimal enrichment for growth of isolates with and without stool. The results from this study suggest that diagnostic laboratories may benefit from enriching STEC samples in TSB as a first line enrichment instead of GN or Mac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bording-Jorgensen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.B.-J.); (H.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Hannah Tyrrell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.B.-J.); (H.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Colin Lloyd
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.B.-J.); (H.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Linda Chui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.B.-J.); (H.T.); (C.L.)
- Alberta Precision Laboratories-Public Health Laboratory (ProvLab), Edmonton, AB T6G 2J2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(780)407-8951
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19
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Blankenship HM, Mosci RE, Dietrich S, Burgess E, Wholehan J, McWilliams K, Pietrzen K, Benko S, Gatesy T, Rudrik JT, Soehnlen M, Manning SD. Population structure and genetic diversity of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) clinical isolates from Michigan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4461. [PMID: 33627701 PMCID: PMC7904848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-O157 STEC are increasingly linked to foodborne infections, yet little is known about the diversity and molecular epidemiology across locations. Herein, we used whole genome sequencing to examine genetic variation in 894 isolates collected from Michigan patients between 2001 and 2018. In all, 67 serotypes representing 69 multilocus sequence types were identified. Serotype diversity increased from an average of four (2001-2006) to 17 (2008-2018) serotypes per year. The top six serogroups reported nationally caused > 60% of infections in 16 of the 18 years; serogroups O111 and O45 were associated with hospitalization as were age ≥ 65 years, diarrhea with blood and female sex. Phylogenetic analyses of seven multilocus sequence typing (MLST) loci identified three clades as well as evidence of parallel evolution and recombination. Most (95.5%) isolates belonged to one clade, which could be further differentiated into seven subclades comprising isolates with varying virulence gene profiles and serotypes. No association was observed between specific clades and the epidemiological data, suggesting that serogroup- and serotype-specific associations are more important predictors of disease outcomes than lineages defined by MLST. Molecular epidemiological studies of non-O157 STEC are important to enhance understanding of circulating strain distributions and traits, genetic variation, and factors that may impact disease risk and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Blankenship
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories, Lansing, MI, 48906, USA
| | - Rebekah E Mosci
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Stephen Dietrich
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories, Lansing, MI, 48906, USA
| | - Elizabeth Burgess
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories, Lansing, MI, 48906, USA
| | - Jason Wholehan
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories, Lansing, MI, 48906, USA
| | - Karen McWilliams
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Karen Pietrzen
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Scott Benko
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Ted Gatesy
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - James T Rudrik
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories, Lansing, MI, 48906, USA
| | - Marty Soehnlen
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories, Lansing, MI, 48906, USA
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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20
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Remfry SE, Amachawadi RG, Shi X, Bai J, Tokach MD, Dritz SS, Goodband RD, Derouchey JM, Woodworth JC, Nagaraja TG. Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Feces of Finisher Pigs: Isolation, Identification, and Public Health Implications of Major and Minor Serogroups†. J Food Prot 2021; 84:169-180. [PMID: 33411931 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are major foodborne human pathogens that cause mild to hemorrhagic colitis, which could lead to complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Seven serogroups, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157, account for the majority of the STEC illnesses in the United States. Shiga toxins 1 and 2, encoded by stx1 and stx2, respectively, and intimin, encoded by eae gene, are major virulence factors. Cattle are a major reservoir of STEC, but swine also harbor them in the hindgut and shed STEC in the feces. Our objectives were to use a culture method to isolate and identify major and minor serogroups of STEC in finisher pig feces. Shiga toxin genes were subtyped to assess public health implications of STEC. Fecal samples (n = 598) from finisher pigs, collected from 10 pig flows, were enriched in E. coli broth and tested for stx1, stx2, and eae by a multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay. Samples positive for stx1 or stx2 gene were subjected to culture methods, with or without immunomagnetic separation and plating on selective or nonselective media, for isolation and identification of stx-positive isolates. The culture method yielded a total of 178 isolates belonging to 23 serogroups. The three predominant serogroups were O8, O86, and O121. The 178 STEC strains included 26 strains with stx1a and 152 strains with stx2e subtypes. Strains with stx1a, particularly in association with eae (O26 and O103), have the potential to cause severe human infections. All stx2-positive isolates carried the subtype stx2e, a subtype that causes edema disease in swine, but is rarely involved in human infections. Several strains were also positive for genes that encode for enterotoxins, which are involved in neonatal and postweaning diarrhea in swine. In conclusion, our study showed that healthy finisher pigs harbored and shed several serogroups of E. coli carrying virulence genes involved in neonatal diarrhea, postweaning diarrhea, and edema disease, but prevalence of STEC of public health importance was low. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Remfry
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - R G Amachawadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA.,Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA.,(ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9689-1124 [R.G.A.])
| | - X Shi
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - J Bai
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - M D Tokach
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - S S Dritz
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - R D Goodband
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - J M Derouchey
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - J C Woodworth
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
| | - T G Nagaraja
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA
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21
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Hua Y, Bai X, Zhang J, Jernberg C, Chromek M, Hansson S, Frykman A, Yang X, Xiong Y, Wan C, Matussek A. Molecular characteristics of eae-positive clinical Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Sweden. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:2562-2570. [PMID: 33179570 PMCID: PMC7733975 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1850182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause a wide range of symptoms from asymptomatic carriage, mild diarrhea to bloody diarrhea (BD) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Intimin, encoded by the eae gene, also plays a critical role in STEC pathogenesis. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of eae among clinical STEC isolates from patients with diarrhea, BD, HUS as well as from asymptomatic STEC-positive individuals in Sweden with whole-genome sequencing. We found that 173 out of 239 (72.4%) of clinical STEC strains were eae positive. Six eae subtypes (ϵ1, γ1, β3, θ, ζ and ρ) were identified eae and its subtype γ1 were significantly overrepresented in O157:H7 strains isolated from BD and HUS patients. ϵ1 was associated with O121:H19 and O103:H2 strains, and β3 to O26:H11 strains. The combination of eae subtype γ1 and stx subtype (stx 2 or stx 1+stx 2) is more likely to cause severe disease, suggesting the possibility of using eae genotypes in risk assessment of STEC infection. In summary, this study demonstrated a high prevalence of eae in clinical STEC strains and considerable genetic diversity of eae in STEC strains in Sweden from 1994 through 2018, and revealed association between eae subtypes and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hua
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Xiangning Bai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhang
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Milan Chromek
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverker Hansson
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Frykman
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwen Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengsong Wan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Andreas Matussek
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping Region County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Hughes AC, Patfield S, Rasooly R, He X. Validation of a Cell-Based Assay for Detection of Active Shiga Toxins Produced by Escherichia coli in Water. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217901. [PMID: 33126550 PMCID: PMC7663042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes a wide spectrum of diseases, including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Almost 5% of STEC infections result from waterborne exposures, yet there is no test listed in the EPA's current Selected Analytical Methods for the detection of active Shiga toxins (Stxs) in water. In this study, a HeLa cell-based assay is validated for the detection of metabolically active Stxs produced by STEC in water, including tap, bottled, and pond water. Active Stxs are detected even when the number of Stx-producing bacteria is less than 0.4 CFU/mL and the assay performance is not affected by background flora or chlorine in the water. This assay is not only as simple and affordable as cell-free assays but also detects active holotoxins without the use of live animals. In addition, the assay is designed for use in multi-well formats, making it ideal for high-throughput screening of water samples and therefore useful for environmental public health surveillance programs to reduce human risk of infection with STEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Hughes
- Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710, USA; (A.C.H.); (S.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Stephanie Patfield
- Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710, USA; (A.C.H.); (S.P.); (R.R.)
- Forensic Services Division, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, 651 Pine St., Martinez, CA 94553, USA
| | - Reuven Rasooly
- Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710, USA; (A.C.H.); (S.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Xiaohua He
- Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710, USA; (A.C.H.); (S.P.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(510)-559-5823
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23
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Al-Ajmi D, Rahman S, Banu S. Occurrence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial profiles of Escherichia coli O157 isolated from ruminants slaughtered in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:210. [PMID: 32677884 PMCID: PMC7364618 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01899-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major source of food-borne illness around the world. E. coli O157 has been widely reported as the most common STEC serogroup and has emerged as an important enteric pathogen. Cattle, in particular have been identified as a major E. coli O157:H7 reservoir of human infections; however, the prevalence of this organism in camels, sheep, and goats is less understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and concentration of E. coli serotype O157 in the feces of healthy camels (n = 140), cattle (n = 137), sheep (n = 141) and goats (n = 150) slaughtered in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for meat consumption between September 2017 and August 2018. We used immunomagnetic separation coupled with a culture-plating method to detect E. coli O157. Non-sorbitol fermenting colonies were assessed via latex-agglutination testing, and positive cultures were analyzed by performing polymerase chain reactions to detect genes encoding attaching and effacing protein (eaeA), hemolysin A (hlyA, also known as ehxA) and Shiga toxin (stx1 and stx2), and E. coli O157:H7 specific genes (rfb O157, uidA, and fliC). All E. coli O157 isolates were analyzed for their susceptibility to 20 selected antimicrobials. RESULTS E. coli O157 was observed in camels, goats, and cattle fecal samples at abundances of 4.3, 2, and 1.46%, respectively, but it was undetectable in sheep feces. The most prevalent E. coli O157 gene in all STEC isolates was stx2;, whereas, stx1 was not detected in any of the samples. The fecal samples from camels, goats, and cattle harbored E. coli O157 isolates that were 100% susceptible to cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and polymyxin B. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of E. coli O157 in slaughter animals in the UAE. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of E. coli O157 in slaughtered animals, which could possibly contaminate meat products intended for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawood Al-Ajmi
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafeeq Rahman
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharmila Banu
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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24
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van Overbeek LS, Wichers JH, van Amerongen A, van Roermund HJW, van der Zouwen P, Willemsen PTJ. Circulation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Phylogenetic Group B1 Strains Between Calve Stable Manure and Pasture Land With Grazing Heifers. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1355. [PMID: 32714297 PMCID: PMC7340143 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli strains carrying Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (stx1 and stx2), intimin (eae), and hemolysin (ehxA) production genes were found in grass shoot, rhizosphere soil, and stable manure samples from a small-scale cattle farm located at the center of Netherlands, using cultivation-dependent and -independent microbiological detection techniques. Pasture land with grazing heifers in the first year of sampling in 2014 and without grazing cattle in 2015 was physically separated from the stable that housed rose calves during both years. Manure from the stable was applied to pasture via injection into soil once per year in early spring. Among a variety of 35 phylogenetic distinctly related E. coli strains, one large group consisting of 21 closely resembling E. coli O150:H2 (18), O98:H21 (2), and O84:H2 (1) strains, all belonging to phylogenetic group B1 and carrying all screened virulence traits, was found present on grass shoots (10), rhizosphere soil (3), and stable manure (8) in 2014, but not anymore in 2015 when grazing heifers were absent. Presence and absence of these strains, obtained via enrichments, were confirmed via molecular detection using PCR-NALFIA in all ecosystems in both years. We propose that this group of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli phylogenetic group B1 strains was originally introduced via stable manure injection into the pasture. Upon grazing, these potential pathogens proliferated in the intestinal track systems of the heifers resulting in defecation with higher loads of the STEC strain onto the grass cover. The STEC strain was further smeared over the field via the hooves of the heifers resulting in augmentation of the potential pathogen in the pasture in 2014, whereas in 2015, in the absence of heifers, no augmentation occurred and only a more diverse group of potentially mild virulent E. coli phylogenetic group A and B1 strains, indigenous to pasture plants, remained present. Via this model, it was postulated that human pathogens can circulate between plants and farm animals, using the plant as an alternative ecosystem. These data indicate that grazed pasture must be considered as a potential carrier of human pathogenic E. coli strains and possibly also of other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard S van Overbeek
- Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Wageningen Research (WR), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan H Wichers
- Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Wageningen Research (WR), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Aart van Amerongen
- Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Wageningen Research (WR), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Peter T J Willemsen
- Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Wageningen Research (WR), Wageningen, Netherlands
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25
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Blankenship HM, Mosci RE, Phan Q, Fontana J, Rudrik JT, Manning SD. Genetic Diversity of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Recovered From Patients in Michigan and Connecticut. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:529. [PMID: 32300338 PMCID: PMC7145412 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important foodborne pathogens and non-O157 serotypes have been gradually increasing in frequency. The non-O157 STEC population is diverse and is often characterized using serotyping and/or multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Although spacers within clustered regularly interspaced repeat (CRISPR) regions were shown to comprise horizontally acquired DNA elements, this region does not actively acquire spacers in STEC. Hence, it is useful for further characterizing non-O157 STEC and examining relationships between strains. Our study goal was to evaluate the genetic relatedness of 41 clinical non-O157 isolates identified in Michigan between 2001 and 2005 while comparing to 114 isolates from Connecticut during an overlapping time period. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed, and sequences were extracted for serotyping, MLST and CRISPR analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of MLST and CRISPR data was performed using the Neighbor joining and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithms, respectively. In all, 29 serogroups were identified; eight were unique to Michigan and 13 to Connecticut. “Big-six” serogroup frequencies were similar by state (Michigan: 73.2%, Connecticut: 81.6%), though STEC O121 was not found in Michigan. The distribution of sequence types (STs) and CRISPR profiles was also similar across states. Interestingly, big-six serogroups such as O103 and O26, grouped into different STs located on distinct branches of the phylogeny, further confirming that serotyping alone is not adequate for evaluating strain relatedness. Comparatively, the CRISPR analysis identified 361 unique spacers that grouped into 80 different CRISPR profiles. CRISPR spacers 231 and 317 were isolated from 79.2% (n = 118) and 59.1% (n = 88) of strains, respectively, regardless of serogroup and ST. Spacer profiles clustered according to the MLST analysis, though some discrepancies were noted. Indeed, use of both MLST and CRISPR typing enhanced the discriminatory power when compared to the use of each tool separately. These data highlight the genetic diversity of clinical STEC from different locations and show that CRISPR profiling can be used alongside MLST to discriminate related strains. Use of targeted sequencing approaches are particularly helpful for sites without WGS capabilities and can help define which strains require additional characterization using more discriminatory methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Blankenship
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Rebekah E Mosci
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Quyen Phan
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, United States
| | - John Fontana
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, United States
| | - James T Rudrik
- Bureau of Laboratories, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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26
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Structural and Functional Characterization of Stx2k, a New Subtype of Shiga Toxin 2. Microorganisms 2019; 8:microorganisms8010004. [PMID: 31861375 PMCID: PMC7022315 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) is the major virulence factor of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Stx evolves rapidly and, as such, new subtypes continue to emerge that challenge the efficacy of existing disease management and surveillance strategies. A new subtype, Stx2k, was recently identified in E. coli isolated from a wide range of sources including diarrheal patients, animals, and raw meats, and was poorly detected by existing immunoassays. In this study, the structure of Stx2kE167Q was determined at 2.29 Å resolution and the conservation of structure with Stx2a was revealed. A novel polyclonal antibody capable of neutralizing Stx2k and an immunoassay, with a 10-fold increase in sensitivity compared to assays using extant antibodies, were developed. Stx2k is less toxic than Stx2a in Vero cell assays but is similar to Stx2a in receptor-binding preference, thermostability, and acid tolerance. Although Stx2k does not appear to be as potent as Stx2a to Vero cells, the wide distribution and blended virulence profiles of the Stx2k-producing strains suggest that horizontal gene transfer through Stx2k-converting phages could result in the emergence of new and highly virulent pathogens. This study provides useful information and tools for early detection and control of Stx2k-producing E. coli, which could reduce public risk of infection by less-known STECs.
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27
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Detzner J, Gloerfeld C, Pohlentz G, Legros N, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Structural Insights into Escherichia coli Shiga Toxin (Stx) Glycosphingolipid Receptors of Porcine Renal Epithelial Cells and Inhibition of Stx-Mediated Cellular Injury Using Neoglycolipid-Spiked Glycovesicles. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110582. [PMID: 31752441 PMCID: PMC6920957 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause the edema disease in pigs by releasing the swine-pathogenic Stx2e subtype as the key virulence factor. Stx2e targets endothelial cells of animal organs including the kidney harboring the Stx receptor glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer). Since the involvement of renal epithelial cells in the edema disease is unknown, in this study, we analyzed the porcine kidney epithelial cell lines, LLC-PK1 and PK-15, regarding the presence of Stx-binding GSLs, their sensitivity towards Stx2e, and the inhibitory potential of Gb3- and Gb4-neoglycolipids, carrying phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) as the lipid anchor, towards Stx2e. Immunochemical and mass spectrometric analysis revealed various Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer lipoforms as the dominant Stx-binding GSLs in both LLC-PK1 and PK-15 cells. A dihexosylceramide with proposed Galα1-4Gal-sequence (Gal2Cer) was detected in PK-15 cells, whereas LLC-PK1 cells lacked this compound. Both cell lines were susceptible towards Stx2e with LLC-PK1 representing an extremely Stx2e-sensitive cell line. Gb3-PE and Gb4-PE applied as glycovesicles significantly reduced the cytotoxic activity of Stx2e towards LLC-PK1 cells, whereas only Gb4-PE exhibited some protection against Stx2e for PK-15 cells. This is the first report identifying Stx2e receptors of porcine kidney epithelial cells and providing first data on their Stx2e-mediated damage suggesting possible involvement in the edema disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Caroline Gloerfeld
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Nadine Legros
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)251-8355192
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28
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Sun Y, Chang Y, Zhang Q, Liu M. An Origami Paper-Based Device Printed with DNAzyme-Containing DNA Superstructures for Escherichia coli Detection. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E531. [PMID: 31408962 PMCID: PMC6722672 DOI: 10.3390/mi10080531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria is extremely important for public health and safety. Here, we describe for the first time an integrated origami paper-based analytical device (PAD) incorporating cell lysis, molecular recognition, amplification and visual detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The device features three components: paper for its ability to extract protein molecules nonspecifically from cells, DNA superstructures for their ability to immobilize RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (RCDs) but undergo target-induced RNA cleavage on paper, and isothermal rolling circle amplification (RCA) for its ability to amplify each cleavage event into repetitive sequence units that can be detected by naked eye. This device can achieve detection of E. coli K12 with a detection limit of as low as 103 CFU·mL-1 in a total turnaround time of 35 min. Furthermore, this device allowed the sensitive detection of E. coli in complex sample matrices such as juice and milk. Given that more specific RCDs can be evolved for diverse bacteria, the integrated PAD holds great potential for rapid, sensitive and highly selective detection of pathogenic bacteria in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yangyang Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Meng Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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29
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Montero DA, Canto FD, Velasco J, Colello R, Padola NL, Salazar JC, Martin CS, Oñate A, Blanco J, Rasko DA, Contreras C, Puente JL, Scheutz F, Franz E, Vidal RM. Cumulative acquisition of pathogenicity islands has shaped virulence potential and contributed to the emergence of LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:486-502. [PMID: 30924410 PMCID: PMC6455142 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1595985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens causing severe gastroenteritis, which may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome. The Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE), a Pathogenicity Island (PAI), is a major determinant of intestinal epithelium attachment of a group of STEC strains; however, the virulence repertoire of STEC strains lacking LEE, has not been fully characterized. The incidence of LEE-negative STEC strains has increased in several countries, highlighting the relevance of their study. In order to gain insights into the basis for the emergence of LEE-negative STEC strains, we performed a large-scale genomic analysis of 367 strains isolated worldwide from humans, animals, food and the environment. We identified uncharacterized genomic islands, including two PAIs and one Integrative Conjugative Element. Additionally, the Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation (LAA) was the most prevalent PAI among LEE-negative strains and we found that it contributes to colonization of the mice intestine. Our comprehensive and rigorous comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the accumulative acquisition of PAIs has played an important, but currently unappreciated role, in the evolution of virulence in these strains. This study provides new knowledge on the pathogenicity of LEE-negative STEC strains and identifies molecular markers for their epidemiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Arturo Montero
- a Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Felipe Del Canto
- a Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Juliana Velasco
- b Servicio de Urgencia Infantil, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile "Dr. José Joaquín Aguirre" , Santiago , Chile
| | - Rocío Colello
- c Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil, CONICET-CIC, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA , Tandil , Argentina
| | - Nora Lia Padola
- c Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil, CONICET-CIC, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA , Tandil , Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Salazar
- a Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Carla San Martin
- d Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas , Universidad de Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Angel Oñate
- d Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas , Universidad de Concepción , Concepción , Chile
| | - Jorge Blanco
- e Laboratorio de Referencia de E. coli, Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad de Santiago de Compostela , Lugo , España
| | - David A Rasko
- f Department of Microbiology and Immunology , University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Carmen Contreras
- g Departamento de Microbiología Molecular , Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Cuernavaca , México
| | - Jose Luis Puente
- g Departamento de Microbiología Molecular , Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Cuernavaca , México
| | - Flemming Scheutz
- h Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi , The International Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Escherichia and Klebsiella, Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Eelco Franz
- i National Institute for Public Health, Centre for Infectious Disease Control , Bilthoven , The Netherlands
| | - Roberto M Vidal
- a Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile , Santiago , Chile.,j Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile , Santiago , Chile
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Arancia S, Iurescia M, Lorenzetti S, Stravino F, Buccella C, Caprioli A, Franco A, Battisti A, Morabito S, Tozzoli R. Detection and isolation of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in caecal samples from pigs at slaughter in Italy. Vet Med Sci 2019; 5:462-469. [PMID: 31124305 PMCID: PMC6682805 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are food-borne pathogens of public health concern. Despite ruminants are the most important reservoir, STEC human infections have also been attributed to pigs. We examined for the presence of STEC in 234 samples of swine caecal content collected during the year 2015 at Italian abattoirs in the framework of the harmonized monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (Decision 2013/652/EU). The presence of stx genes was detected in 122 (52.1%) samples, which were subsequently subjected to STEC isolation and characterization. The analysis of the 66 isolated STEC strains showed that the majority of the isolates (74.2%) possessed the stx2a gene subtype, in a few cases (16.7%) in combination with stx2b or stx2c. Only 25.8% of isolates possessed the stx2e subtype, typical of swine-adapted STEC. None of the isolates possessed the intimin-coding eae gene and the majority of them did not belong to serogroups commonly associated with human infections. The results of this study suggest that pigs can be considered as potential reservoir of certain STEC types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Arancia
- Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per E. coliIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Manuela Iurescia
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Serena Lorenzetti
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Fiorentino Stravino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Carmela Buccella
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Andrea Caprioli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Alessia Franco
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Antonio Battisti
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Antibiotico‐ResistenzaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”. Direzione Operativa Diagnostica GeneraleRomeItaly
| | - Stefano Morabito
- Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per E. coliIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Rosangela Tozzoli
- Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per E. coliIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
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Baschera M, Cernela N, Stevens MJ, Liljander A, Jores J, Corman VM, Nüesch-Inderbinen M, Stephan R. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolated from fecal samples of African dromedary camels. One Health 2019; 7:100087. [PMID: 30911597 PMCID: PMC6416407 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2019.100087] [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: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause gastrointestinal illnesses including non-bloody or bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis (HC), and the haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To investigate the occurrence of STEC among grazing dromedaries from Kenya, E. coli isolated from fecal matter collected from 163 dromedaries on a large ranch were screened for the presence of stx1 and stx2. STEC strains were isolated and serotyped. Isolates were subjected to PCR for the subtyping of stx genes and for the detection of eae and ehx. In addition, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out to detect further virulence genes and to determine the multilocus sequence types (MLST). Antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined by disk diffusion. STEC was isolated from 20 (12.3%) of the fecal samples. Thereof, nine (45%) isolates were STEC O156:H25, three (15%) isolates typed STEC O43:H2. The remaining isolates occurred as single serotypes or were O non-typeable. Eleven (55%) of the isolates harboured stx2a, nine (45%) eae, and 14 (70%) ehx, respectively. WGS revealed the presence of iss in 16 (80%), subAB in four (20%) and astA in two (10%) of the isolates, Furthermore, espA, tccP, nleA, nleB, tccP, and tir were found exclusively among STEC O156:H25. Eleven different sequence types (ST) were detected. The most prominent was ST300/ST5343, which comprised STEC O156:H25. All STEC isolates were pan susceptible to a panel of 16 antimicrobial agents. Overall, the results indicate that dromedary camels in Kenya may be reservoirs of STEC, including serotypes possessing virulence markers associated to disease in humans, such as STEC O156:H25. STEC in camels may represent a health hazard for humans with close contact to camels or to consumers of camel derived foodstuffs, such as unpasteurised camel milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Baschera
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Cernela
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc J.A. Stevens
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne Liljander
- International Livestock Research Institute, PO Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jörg Jores
- Institute for Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Victor Max Corman
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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González-Escalona N, Kase JA. Virulence gene profiles and phylogeny of Shiga toxin-positive Escherichia coli strains isolated from FDA regulated foods during 2010-2017. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214620. [PMID: 30934002 PMCID: PMC6443163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Illnesses caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STECs) can be life threatening, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The STECs most frequently identified by USDA's Microbiological Data Program (MDP) carried toxin gene subtypes stx1a and/or stx2a. Here we described the genome sequences of 331 STECs isolated from foods regulated by the FDA 2010-2017, and determined their genomic identity, serotype, sequence type, virulence potential, and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Isolates were selected from the MDP archive, routine food testing by FDA field labs (ORA), and food testing by a contract company. Only 276 (83%) strains were confirmed as STECs by in silico analysis. Foods from which STECs were recovered included cilantro (6%), spinach (25%), lettuce (11%), and flour (9%). Phylogenetic analysis using core genome MLST revealed these STEC genomes were highly variable, with some clustering associated with ST types and serotypes. We detected 95 different sequence types (ST); several ST were previously associated with HUS: ST21 and ST29 (O26:H11), ST11 (O157:H7), ST33 (O91:H14), ST17 (O103:H2), and ST16 (O111:H-). in silico virulome analyses showed ~ 51% of these strains were potentially pathogenic [besides stx gene they also carried eae (25%) or 26% saa (26%)]. Virulence gene prevalence was also determined: stx1 only (19%); stx2 only (66%); and stx1/sxt2 (15%). Our data form a new WGS dataset that can be used to support food safety investigations and monitor the recurrence/emergence of E. coli in foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjol González-Escalona
- Division of Microbiology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Julie Ann Kase
- Division of Microbiology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States of America
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Shridhar PB, Patel IR, Gangiredla J, Noll LW, Shi X, Bai J, Nagaraja TG. DNA Microarray-Based Genomic Characterization of the Pathotypes of Escherichia coli O26, O45, O103, O111, and O145 Isolated from Feces of Feedlot Cattle †. J Food Prot 2019; 82:395-404. [PMID: 30794460 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-18-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145, referred to as the top six non-O157 serogroups, are responsible for more than 70% of human non-O157 STEC infections in North America. Cattle harbor non-O157 strains in the hindgut and shed them in the feces. The objective of this study was to use the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) E. coli identification (ECID) DNA microarray to identify the serotype, assess the virulence potential of each, and determine the phylogenetic relationships among five of the six non-O157 E. coli serogroups isolated from feedlot cattle feces. Forty-four strains of STEC, enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), or putative nonpathotype E. coli (NPEC) of cattle origin and five human clinical strains of EHEC were assayed with the FDA-ECID DNA microarray. The cattle strains harbored diverse flagellar genes. The bovine and human strains belonging to serogroups O26, O45, and O103 carried stx1 only, O111 carried both stx1 and stx2, and O145 carried either stx1 or stx2. The strains were also positive for various subtypes of intimin and other adhesins (IrgA homologue adhesin, long polar fimbriae, mannose-specific adhesin, and curli). Both human and cattle strains were positive for LEE-encoded type III secretory system genes and non-LEE-encoded effector genes. SplitsTree4, a program used to determine the phylogenetic relationship among the strains, revealed that the strains within each serogroup clustered according to their pathotype. In addition to genes encoding Shiga toxins, bovine non-O157 E. coli strains possessed other major virulence genes, including those for adhesins, type III secretory system proteins, and plasmid-borne virulence genes, similar to human clinical strains. Because virulence factors encoded by these genes are involved in the pathogenesis of various pathotypes of E. coli, the bovine non-O157 strains could cause human illness. The FDA-ECID DNA microarray assay rapidly provided a profile of the virulence genes for assessment of the virulence potential of each strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragathi B Shridhar
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Isha R Patel
- 2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Division of Molecular Biology, Laurel, Maryland 20708, USA
| | - Jayanthi Gangiredla
- 2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Division of Molecular Biology, Laurel, Maryland 20708, USA
| | - Lance W Noll
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Xiaorong Shi
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Jianfa Bai
- 3 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - T G Nagaraja
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
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Ferhat L, Chahed A, Hamrouche S, Korichi-Ouar M, Hamdi TM. Research and molecular characteristic of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from sheep carcasses. Lett Appl Microbiol 2019; 68:546-552. [PMID: 30801745 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Domestic ruminants are regarded as the major reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) closely related to human infection. A total of 363 ovine carcasses were swabbed in an Algiers city slaughterhouse for research on STEC. First of all, screening of the STECs was carried out by a multiplex PCR searching for the genes coding for the virulence factors stx1 , stx2 and eae. This step was followed by STEC isolation and serotyping. The presence of stx+ /stx+ eae+ genes was shown in 116 sheep carcasses (31·95%). From the 116 positive samples, 20 bacterial strains (17·24%) were isolated. Nineteen strains belonged to the species E. coli (STEC), and 1 belonged to Citrobacter braakii (eae+ stx1 + ). During this study, the presence of potentially pathogenic STEC for humans on the surface of sheep carcasses was confirmed. Corrective measures should be considered at the slaughterhouse level to avoid outbreaks of STEC in Algeria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: PCR screening revealed the significant presence of the genetic markers of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (stx+ /stx+ eae+ ) on the surfaces of sheep carcasses. Citrobacter braakii (stx1 + eae+ ) was isolated for the first time in this study. The risk of foodborne diseases due to STEC must be taken into account in Algeria. To prevent the emergence of epidemic outbreaks among children and older by people, preventive measures should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ferhat
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System, High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - A Chahed
- High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - S Hamrouche
- Laboratory of Enterobacteria and Other Related Bacteria, Pasteur Institute, Dely Ibrahim, Algeria
| | - M Korichi-Ouar
- Laboratory of Enterobacteria and Other Related Bacteria, Pasteur Institute, Dely Ibrahim, Algeria
| | - T-M Hamdi
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System, High National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
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Silva CJ, Lee BG, Yambao JC, Erickson-Beltran ML, Quiñones B. Using Nanospray Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry to Quantitate Shiga Toxin Production in Environmental Escherichia coli Recovered from a Major Produce Production Region in California. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:1554-1562. [PMID: 30485086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A set of 45 environmental strains of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from three California counties were analyzed for Shiga toxin production by nanospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and Vero cell bioassay. The STEC in this set comprised six serotypes ((O113:H21, O121:H19, O157:H7, O6:H34, O177:H25, and O185:H7) each containing either the stx2a or stx2c operon. Six of the seven O113:H21 were found to contain two distinct stx2a operons. Eight strains of O157:H7 possessed a stx2c operon whose A subunit gene was interrupted by an insertion sequence (IS1203v). Shiga toxin production was induced by nutrient depletion and quantitated by mass spectrometry. The 37 strains produced Shiga toxins in a near 50-fold range (1.4-49 ng/mL). The IS-interrupted strains expressed low but measurable amounts of the B subunits (0.5-1.9 ng/mL). Another strain possessed an identical stx operon without an IS interruption and produced intact Stx2c (5.7 ng/mL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Silva
- Produce Safety & Microbiology Research Unit , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center , Albany , California 94710 , United States
| | - Bertram G Lee
- Produce Safety & Microbiology Research Unit , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center , Albany , California 94710 , United States
| | - Jaszemyn C Yambao
- Produce Safety & Microbiology Research Unit , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center , Albany , California 94710 , United States
| | - Melissa L Erickson-Beltran
- Produce Safety & Microbiology Research Unit , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center , Albany , California 94710 , United States
| | - Beatriz Quiñones
- Produce Safety & Microbiology Research Unit , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center , Albany , California 94710 , United States
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Kindle P, Nüesch-Inderbinen M, Cernela N, Stephan R. Detection, Isolation, and Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Flour. J Food Prot 2019; 82:164-167. [PMID: 30707053 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-18-256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wheat flour has recently been described as a novel vehicle for transmission of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Very recently, an outbreak of STEC O121 and STEC O26 infections was linked to flour in the United States. The aim of the present study was to generate baseline data for the occurrence of STEC in flour samples from different retailers in Switzerland. In total, 70 flour samples were analyzed. After enrichment, the samples were screened for stx1 and stx2 by the Assurance GDS MPX ID assay. STEC strains were isolated and serotyped by the E. coli SeroGenoTyping AS-1 kit. The determination of stx subtypes was performed with conventional PCR amplification. Screening for eae, aggR, elt, and estIa/Ib was performed by real-time PCR. Nine (12.9%) of the flour samples tested positive for stx by PCR. STEC was recovered from eight (88.9%) of the positive samples. Two isolates were STEC O11:H48 harboring stx1c/ stx1d, two were O146:H28 containing stx2b, one was O103:H2 containing stx1a and eae, and three were O nontypeable: Ont:H12 ( stx2a), Ont:H14 ( stx2a/ stx2g), and Ont:H31 ( stx1c/ stx1d). STEC O103 belongs to the "top five" serogroups of human pathogenic STEC in the European Union, and STEC O146 is frequently isolated from diseased humans in Switzerland. Our results show that flour may be contaminated with a variety of STEC serogroups. Consumption of raw or undercooked flour may constitute a risk for STEC infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Kindle
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Cernela
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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The Evasive Enemy: Insights into the Virulence and Epidemiology of the Emerging Attaching and Effacing Pathogen Escherichia albertii. Infect Immun 2018; 87:IAI.00254-18. [PMID: 30373891 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00254-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The diarrheic attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogen Escherichia albertii was first isolated from infants in Bangladesh in 1991, although the bacterium was initially classified as Hafnia alvei Subsequent genetic and biochemical interrogation of these isolates raised concerns about their initial taxonomic placement. It was not until 2003 that these isolates were reassigned to the novel taxon Escherichia albertii because they were genetically more closely related to E. coli, although they had diverged sufficiently to warrant a novel species name. Unfortunately, new isolates continue to be mistyped as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) or enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) owing to shared traits, most notably the ability to form A/E lesions. Consequently, E. albertii remains an underappreciated A/E pathogen, despite multiple reports demonstrating that many provisional EPEC and EHEC isolates incriminated in disease outbreaks are actually E. albertii Metagenomic studies on dozens of E. albertii isolates reveal a genetic architecture that boasts an arsenal of candidate virulence factors to rival that of its better-characterized cousins, EPEC and EHEC. Beyond these computational comparisons, studies addressing the regulation, structure, function, and mechanism of action of its repertoire of virulence factors are lacking. Thus, the paucity of knowledge about the epidemiology, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of E. albertii, coupled with its misclassification and its ability to develop multidrug resistance in a single step, highlights the challenges in combating this emerging pathogen. This review seeks to synthesize our current but incomplete understanding of the biology of E. albertii.
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Hernandez LB, Cadona JS, Christensen M, Fernández D, Padola NL, Bustamante AV, Sanso AM. Virulence genes and genetic diversity assessment of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O91 strains from cattle, beef and poultry products. Microb Pathog 2018; 125:463-467. [PMID: 30300666 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.10.009] [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: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O91 has ranked in the top five of the non-O157 serogroups most frequently associated with human cases. In order to gain insight into the genetic diversity of O91 Latin American STEC strains, we analyzed their virulence properties and carried out a subtyping assay. A panel of 21 virulence genetic markers associated with human and animal infections was evaluated and the relatedness among strains was determined by a multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) comprising 9 VNTR loci. Twenty-two STEC O91 isolated from cattle and meat food and belonging to 5 serotypes (O91:H21, O91:H8, O91:H14, O91:H28, O91:H40) were studied. Eight virulence profiles were obtained for the O91 STEC strains: 4 for O91:H21 plus one for O91:H8, O91:H14, O91:H28 and O91:H40. All strains contained ehxA and lpfA0113 genes and only both stx1-positive strains lacked saa, which encodes the STEC autoagglutinating adhesin. Other genes involved in adhesion were detected: ehaA (91%), elfA and espP (86%), ecpA (82%) and, hcpA (77%). The gene encoding the cytolethal distending toxin type-V (CDT-V) was found only in O91:H8 and O91:H21, being present in the majority (89%) of strains of this last serotype. MLVA typing divided the total number of strains into 12 genotypes, and 9 of them were unique to a single strain. No association was observed between the virulence profiles and the source of the strains. Although they lack the eae gene, most of the strains have the genetic potential to adhere to host cells through other structures and possess cdt-V, which has been found in STEC strains involved in serious diseases. The MLVA showed clonal relatedness among strains isolated from cattle belonged to a same dairy farm and suggested that the same clone remains circulating throughout the year and, on the other hand, the need to increase the number of VNTR loci which could allow a higher discrimination among O91:H21 isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Belén Hernandez
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Jimena Soledad Cadona
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Martín Christensen
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Daniel Fernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Nora Lía Padola
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Ana Victoria Bustamante
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Andrea Mariel Sanso
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN), CONICET-CIC-UNCPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, 7000, Tandil, Argentina.
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Evolution of STEC virulence: Insights from the antipredator activities of Shiga toxin producing E. coli. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:956-961. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Wang LYR, Jokinen CC, Laing CR, Johnson RP, Ziebell K, Gannon VPJ. Multi-Year Persistence of Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) in a Closed Canadian Beef Herd: A Cohort Study. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2040. [PMID: 30233526 PMCID: PMC6127291 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, fecal samples were collected from a closed beef herd in Alberta, Canada from 2012 to 2015. To limit serotype bias, which was observed in enrichment broth cultures, Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) were isolated directly from samples using a hydrophobic grid-membrane filter verotoxin immunoblot assay. Overall VTEC isolation rates were similar for three different cohorts of yearling heifers on both an annual (68.5 to 71.8%) and seasonal basis (67.3 to 76.0%). Across all three cohorts, O139:H19 (37.1% of VTEC-positive samples), O22:H8 (15.8%) and O?(O108):H8 (15.4%) were among the most prevalent serotypes. However, isolation rates for serotypes O139:H19, O130:H38, O6:H34, O91:H21, and O113:H21 differed significantly between cohort-years, as did isolation rates for some serotypes within a single heifer cohort. There was a high level of VTEC serotype diversity with an average of 4.3 serotypes isolated per heifer and 65.8% of the heifers classified as "persistent shedders" of VTEC based on the criteria of >50% of samples positive and ≥4 consecutive samples positive. Only 26.8% (90/336) of the VTEC isolates from yearling heifers belonged to the human disease-associated seropathotypes A (O157:H7), B (O26:H11, O111:NM), and C (O22:H8, O91:H21, O113:H21, O137:H41, O2:H6). Conversely, seropathotypes B (O26:NM, O111:NM) and C (O91:H21, O2:H29) strains were dominant (76.0%, 19/25) among VTEC isolates from month-old calves from this herd. Among VTEC from heifers, carriage rates of vt1, vt2, vt1+vt2, eae, and hlyA were 10.7, 20.8, 68.5, 3.9, and 88.7%, respectively. The adhesin gene saa was present in 82.7% of heifer strains but absent from all of 13 eae+ve strains (from serotypes/intimin types O157:H7/γ1, O26:H11/β1, O111:NM/θ, O84:H2/ζ, and O182:H25/ζ). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from wgMLST and pan genome-derived core SNP analysis showed that strains clustered by phylotype and serotype. Further, VTEC strains of the same serotype usually shared the same suite of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, suggesting the circulation of dominant clones within this distinct herd. This study provides insight into the diverse and dynamic nature of VTEC populations within groups of cattle and points to a broad spectrum of human health risks associated with these E. coli strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ya Ruth Wang
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | | | - Chad R Laing
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Roger P Johnson
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kim Ziebell
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Victor P J Gannon
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Oprea M, Ciontea AS, Militaru M, Dinu S, Cristea D, Usein CR. Molecular Typing of Escherichia coli O157 Isolates from Romanian Human Cases. Jpn J Infect Dis 2018; 71:455-461. [PMID: 30068889 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2018.129] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) of serogroup O157 are among the most important causes of severe cases of foodborne disease and outbreaks worldwide. As little is known about the characteristic of these strains in Romania, we aimed to provide reference information on the virulence gene content, phylogenetic background, and genetic diversity of 7 autochthonous O157 strains collected during 2016 and 2017 from epidemiologically non-related cases. These strains were typed by a combination of phenotypic and molecular methods routinely used by the national reference laboratory. Additionally, 4 of them were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and public web-based tools were used to extract information on virulence gene profiles, multilocus sequence types (MLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogenetic relatedness. Molecular typing provided evidence of the circulation of a polyclonal population while distinguishing a cluster of non-sorbitol-fermenting, glucuronidase-negative, phylogenetic group E, MLST 1804 strains, representing lineage II and clade 7, which harbored vtx2c, eae-gamma, and ehxA genes. A good correlation between the routine typing methods and WGS data was observed. However, SNP-based genotyping provided a higher resolution in depicting the relationships between the O157:H7 strains than that provided by Pulse-field gel electrophoresis. This study should be a catalyst for improved laboratory-based surveillance of autochthonous VTEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Oprea
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development.,The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest
| | | | - Mădălina Militaru
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development
| | - Sorin Dinu
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development
| | - Daniela Cristea
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development
| | - Codruţa-Romaniţa Usein
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
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Serotypes and virulence profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated during 2017 from human infections in Switzerland. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:933-939. [PMID: 30042042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2015, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health registered an increase of notifications of STEC, probably due to the adoption of culture independent stx screening tests in diagnostic laboratories. This study aimed to identify the serotypes and virulence genes of 120 STEC isolated from human clinical stx positive specimens during 2017 in order to estimate any changes in serotype distribution and toxin profiles of STEC compared to the time span 2010-2014. Culturing of STEC from stool samples was achieved using the streak plate technique on MacConkey agar. We performed O and H serotyping by PCR and by micro array. Virulence genes were identified and subtyped using molecular methods, including stx1 and stx2 subtypes, and the intimin encoding gene, eae. STEC were recovered from 27.5% of the stx positive samples. STEC O157:H7 accounted for 7.5% of all isolates, and STEC O80:H2, O91:H10/H14/H21, O103:H2/H11, and O26:H11 accounted for 36.9% of the non-O157 strains. Forty-five isolates with stx1 variants, 47 with stx2 variants and 28 isolates with both stx1 and stx2 variants were identified. Forty (33.3% of all isolates) carried the subtypes associated with high pathogenic potential, stx2a, stx2c, or stx2d. The eae gene for intimin was detected in 54 strains (45% of all strains). Compared to 2010-2014, our data show that the proportion of the so called "top five" serogroups, STEC O26, O111, O103, and O157 declined from 53.7% to 28.3% in 2017. The proportion of isolates with stx2a, stx2c, or stx2d decreased from 50.5% to 33.3%. We also observed an increase of STEC harbouring the low pathogenic subtypes stx2b and stx2e from 12.6% to 29.2%, and of eae negative STEC from 29.5% in 2010-2014 to 55% in 2017. Simultaneously, there was a sharp increase of the patients' median age from 24 years to 46.5 years. Clinical manifestations in the patients included abdominal pain without diarrhea (22.3%), diarrhea (77.7%), and the haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) (7.4%). Our data show that a greater number and a wider range of STEC serotypes are detected by culture-independent testing, with implications for public health services.
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Anglès d’Auriac MB, Sirevåg R. Multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of the Enterobacterial gene wecA, the Shiga Toxin genes (stx 1 and stx 2) and the Intimin gene (eae). BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:360. [PMID: 29880035 PMCID: PMC5992677 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3457-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aetiology of several human diarrhoeas has been increasingly associated with the presence of virulence factors rather than with the bacterial species hosting the virulence genes, exemplified by the sporadic emergence of new bacterial hosts. Two important virulence factors are the Shiga toxin (Stx) and the E. coli outer membrane protein (Eae) or intimin, encoded by the stx and eae genes, respectively. Although several polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols target these virulence genes, few aim at detecting all variants or have an internal amplification control (IAC) included in a multiplex assay. The objective of this work was to develop a simple multiplex PCR assay in order to detect all stx and eae variants, as well as to detect bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae, also used as an IAC. RESULTS The wecA gene coding for the production of the Enterobacterial Common Antigen was used to develop an Enterobacteriaceae specific qPCR. Universal primers for the detection of stx and eae were developed and linked to a wecA primer pair in a robust triplex PCR. In addition, subtyping of the stx genes was achieved by subjecting the PCR products to restriction digestion and semi-nested duplex PCR, providing a simple screening assay for human diarrhoea diagnostic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc B. Anglès d’Auriac
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), 0349 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Box 1031, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidun Sirevåg
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Box 1031, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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Escherichia coli H-Genotyping PCR: a Complete and Practical Platform for Molecular H Typing. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.00190-18. [PMID: 29593058 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00190-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Escherichia coli, more than 180 O groups and 53 H types have been recognized. The O:H serotyping of E. coli strains is an effective method for identifying strains with pathogenic potential and classifying them into clonal groups. In particular, the serotyping of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains provides valuable information to evaluate the routes, sources, and prevalence of agents in outbreak investigations and surveillance. Here, we present a complete and practical PCR-based H-typing system, E. coli H-genotyping PCR, consisting of 10 multiplex PCR kits with 51 single PCR primer pairs. Primers were designed based on a detailed comparative analysis of sequences from all H-antigen (flagellin)-encoding genes, fliC and its homologs. The specificity of this system was confirmed by using all H type reference strains. Additionally, 362 serotyped wild strains were also used to evaluate its practicality. All 277 H-type-identified isolates gave PCR products that corresponded to the results of serological H typing. Moreover, 76 nonmotile and nine untypeable strains could be successfully subtyped into any H type by the PCR system. The E. coli H-genotyping PCR developed here allows broader, rapid, and low-cost subtyping of H types and will assist epidemiological studies as well as surveillance of pathogenic E. coli.
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Jajarmi M, Askari Badouei M, Imani Fooladi AA, Ghanbarpour R, Ahmadi A. Pathogenic potential of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains of caprine origin: virulence genes, Shiga toxin subtypes, phylogenetic background and clonal relatedness. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:97. [PMID: 29548291 PMCID: PMC5857098 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All over the world, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are considered as important zoonotic pathogens. Eight serogroups have the greatest role in the outbreaks and diseases caused by STEC which include O26, O45, O103, O111, O113, O121, O145 and O157. Ruminants, especially cattle are the main reservoirs but the role of small ruminants in the epidemiology of human infections has not been thoroughly assessed in many countries. The objective of this research was to investigate the pathogenic potential of the STEC strains isolated from slaughtered goats. In this study, a total of 57 STEC strains were recovered from 450 goats and characterized by subtyping of stx genes, O-serogrouping, phylo-typing and DNA fingerprinting. RESULTS Amongst 57 STEC strains isolated from goats, the prevalence of stx1 was significantly more than stx2 (98.2% vs. 24.5%; P ≤ 0.05), and 22.8% of strains harbored both stx1 and stx2 genes. Three (5.2%) isolates were characterized as EHEC, which carried both eae and stx genes. A total of five stx-subtypes were recognized namely: stx1c (94.7%), stx1a (53.7%), stx2d (21%), stx2c (17.5%), and stx2a (15.7%). In some parts of the world, these subtypes have been reported in relation with severe human infections. The stx subtypes predominantly occurred in four combinations, including stx1a/stx1c (35%), stx1c (31.5%), stx1c/stx2a/stx2c/stx2d (5.2%) and stx1c/stx2c/stx2d (%5.2%). In serogrouping, the majority of STECs from goats did not belong to the top 8 serogroups but two strains belonged to O113, which has been recognized as an important pathogenic STEC in Australia. Interestingly, none of stx + eae + isolates belonged to the tested serogroups. In phylo-typing the isolates mostly belonged to phylo-group B1 (82.4%), followed by phylo-group A (12.3%). STEC strains showed a substantial diversity in DNA fingerprinting; there were 24 unique ERIC-types (with a ≥95% similarity) among the isolates. CONCLUSIONS Despite the fact that the top 8 STEC serogroups were uncommon in caprine strains, the presence of highly pathogenic stx subtypes indicates that small ruminants and their products can be considered as an overlooked public health risk for humans, especially in developing countries which consume traditional products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maziar Jajarmi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Askari Badouei
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ghanbarpour
- Molecular Microbiology Research Group, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ali Ahmadi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Khan SB, Zou G, Xiao R, Cheng Y, Rehman ZU, Ali S, Memon AM, Fahad S, Ahmad I, Zhou R. Prevalence, quantification and isolation of pathogenic shiga toxin Escherichia coli O157:H7 along the production and supply chain of pork around Hubei Province of China. Microb Pathog 2018; 115:93-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Oderiz S, Leotta GA, Galli L. [Detection and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in children treated at an inter-zonal pediatric hospital in the city of La Plata]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2018; 50:341-350. [PMID: 29336911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen that can cause watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea (BD), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of STEC strains isolated from children with BD and HUS treated at a pediatric hospital in the city of La Plata in the period 2006-2012, and to establish the clonal relationship of O157:H7 isolates by pulsed field electrophoresis. The percentage of positive samples was 4.9% and 39.2% in patients with BD and HUS, respectively. Seventy-seven STEC strains from 10 different serotypes were isolated, with 100% colony recovery, O157:H7 being the most frequent (71.4%) serotype, followed by O145:NM (15.6%). An average of 98.2% of O157:H7 isolates belonged to biotype C and were sensitive to all the antibiotics tested. All of them (100%) carried genotype stx2, eae, fliCH7, ehxA, iha, efa, toxB, lpfA1-3 and lpfA2-2. When the clonal relationship of the O157:H7 strains was studied, a total of 42 patterns with at least 88% similarity were identified, and 6 clusters with identical profiles were established. The eae-negative isolates belonged to serotypes O59:H19, O102:H6, O174:NM and O174:H21. The strains O59:H19 and O174:H21 were positive for the aggR gene. This study shows that STEC of different serotypes and genotypes circulate in the city of La Plata and surroundings. Despite the genetic diversity observed between the O157:H7 isolates, some were indistinguishable by the subtyping techniques used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Oderiz
- Sala de Microbiología, Hospital Interzonal de Agudos Especializado en Pediatría Superiora Sor María Ludovica, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gerardo A Leotta
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria Ing. Fernando N. Dulout (IGEVET) (UNLP-CONICET, La Plata), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Galli
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria Ing. Fernando N. Dulout (IGEVET) (UNLP-CONICET, La Plata), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Shiga Toxin-Producing Serogroup O91 Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Food and Environmental Samples. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01231-17. [PMID: 28687651 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01231-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains of the O91:H21 serotype have caused severe infections, including hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Strains of the O91 serogroup have been isolated from food, animals, and the environment worldwide but are not well characterized. We used a microarray and other molecular assays to examine 49 serogroup O91 strains (environmental, food, and clinical strains) for their virulence potential and phylogenetic relationships. Most of the isolates were identified to be strains of the O91:H21 and O91:H14 serotypes, with a few O91:H10 strains and one O91:H9 strain being identified. None of the strains had the eae gene, which codes for the intimin adherence protein, and many did not have some of the genetic markers that are common in other STEC strains. The genetic profiles of the strains within each serotype were similar but differed greatly between strains of different serotypes. The genetic profiles of the O91:H21 strains that we tested were identical or nearly identical to those of the clinical O91:H21 strains that have caused severe diseases. Multilocus sequence typing and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat analyses showed that the O91:H21 strains clustered within the STEC 1 clonal group but the other O91 serotype strains were phylogenetically diverse.IMPORTANCE This study showed that food and environmental O91:H21 strains have similar genotypic profiles and Shiga toxin subtypes and are phylogenetically related to the O91:H21 strains that have caused hemolytic-uremic syndrome, suggesting that these strains may also have the potential to cause severe illness.
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Lorenz SC, Gonzalez-Escalona N, Kotewicz ML, Fischer M, Kase JA. Genome sequencing and comparative genomics of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O145:H25 and O145:H28 reveal distinct evolutionary paths and marked variations in traits associated with virulence & colonization. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:183. [PMID: 28830351 PMCID: PMC5567499 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O145 are among the top non-O157 serogroups associated with severe human disease worldwide. Two serotypes, O145:H25 and O145:H28 have been isolated from human patients but little information is available regarding the virulence repertoire, origin and evolutionary relatedness of O145:H25. Hence, we sequenced the complete genome of two O145:H25 strains associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and compared the genomes with those of previously sequenced O145:H28 and other EHEC strains. Results The genomes of the two O145:H25 strains were 5.3 Mbp in size; slightly smaller than those of O145:H28 and other EHEC strains. Both strains contained three nearly identical plasmids and several prophages and integrative elements, many of which differed significantly in size, gene content and organization as compared to those present in O145:H28 and other EHECs. Furthermore, notable variations were observed in several fimbrial gene cluster and intimin types possessed by O145:H25 and O145:H28 indicating potential adaptation to distinct areas of host colonization. Comparative genomics further revealed that O145:H25 are genetically more similar to other non-O157 EHEC strains than to O145:H28. Conclusion Phylogenetic analysis accompanied by comparative genomics revealed that O145:H25 and O145:H28 evolved from two separate clonal lineages and that horizontal gene transfer and gene loss played a major role in the divergence of these EHEC serotypes. The data provide further evidence that ruminants might be a possible reservoir for O145:H25 but that they might be impaired in their ability to establish a persistent colonization as compared to other EHEC strains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-017-1094-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Lorenz
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Division of Microbiology, College Park, MD, 20740, USA. .,University of Hamburg, Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Narjol Gonzalez-Escalona
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Division of Microbiology, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Michael L Kotewicz
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Division of Molecular Biology, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | - Markus Fischer
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg School of Food Science, Institute of Food Chemistry, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julie A Kase
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Division of Microbiology, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
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Fierz L, Cernela N, Hauser E, Nüesch-Inderbinen M, Stephan R. Characteristics of Shigatoxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Isolated during 2010-2014 from Human Infections in Switzerland. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1471. [PMID: 28824596 PMCID: PMC5540938 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize a collection of 95 Shigatoxin-producing E.coli (STEC) isolated from human patients in Switzerland during 2010-2014. Methods: We performed O and H serotyping and molecular subtyping. Results: The five most common serogroups were O157, O145, O26, O103, and O146. Of the 95 strains, 35 (36.8%) carried stx1 genes only, 43 strains (45.2%) carried stx2 and 17 (17.9%) harbored combinations of stx1 and stx2 genes. Stx1a (42 strains) and stx2a (32 strains) were the most frequently detected stx subtypes. Genes for intimin (eae), hemolysin (hly), iron-regulated adhesion (iha), and the subtilase cytotoxin subtypes subAB1, subAB2-1, subAB2-2, or subAB2-3 were detected in 70.5, 83.2, 74.7, and 20% of the strains, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing assigned the majority (58.9%) of the isolates to five different clonal complexes (CC), 11, 32, 29, 20, and 165, respectively. CC11 included all O157:[H7] and O55:[H7] isolates. CC32 comprised O145:[H28] isolates, and O145:[H25] belonged to sequence type (ST) 342. CC29 contained isolates of the O26:[H11], O111:[H8] and O118:[Hnt] serogroups, and CC20 encompassed isolates of O51:H49/[Hnt] and O103:[H2]. CC165 included isolates typed O80:[H2]-ST301, all harboring stx2d, eae-ξ, hly, and 66.7% additionally harboring iha. All O80:[H2]-ST301 strains harbored at least 7 genes carried by pS88, a plasmid associated with extraintestinal virulence. Compared to data from Switzerland from the years 2000-2009, an increase of the proportion of non-O157 STEC infections was observed as well as an increase of infections due to STEC O146. By contrast, the prevalence of the highly virulent German clone STEC O26:[H11]-ST29 decreased from 11.3% during 2000-2009 to 1.1% for the time span 2010-2014. The detection of O80:[H2]-ST301 harboring stx2d, eae-ξ, hly, iha, and pS88 related genes suggests an ongoing emergence in Switzerland of an unusual, highly pathogenic STEC serotype. Conclusions: Serotyping and molecular subtyping of clinical STEC demonstrate that although STEC O157 predominates among STEC isolated from diseased humans, non-O157 STEC infections are increasing in Switzerland, including those due to STEC O146:[H2/H21/H28]-ST442/ST738 harboring subAB variants, and the recently emerged STEC O80:[H2]-ST301 harboring eae-ξ and pS88 associated extraintestinal pathogenic virulence genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Fierz
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Swiss National Centre for Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Listeria, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Cernela
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Swiss National Centre for Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Listeria, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Hauser
- National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli, Department of Biology Safety, Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin, Germany
| | - Magdalena Nüesch-Inderbinen
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Swiss National Centre for Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Listeria, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Swiss National Centre for Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Listeria, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
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