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Balamurugan V, Alamuri A, Kumar KV, Varghese B, Govindaraj G, Hemadri D, Roy P. Prevalence of anti-leptospiral antibodies and frequency distribution of Leptospira serovars in small ruminants in enzootic South Peninsular India. Vet World 2021; 14:2023-2030. [PMID: 34566317 PMCID: PMC8448631 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2023-2030] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: For understanding the epidemiology of leptospirosis, the confined abundance of several species of pathogenic leptospires and knowledge on the serovar(s) prevalent in the reservoir and carrier hosts may be a useful indicator of transmission to incidental/accidental hosts in a geographical niche. The present study was carried out to ascertain the frequency distribution of Leptospira serovars and the prevalence of anti-leptospiral antibodies in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in the epidemiological units (villages) in the coastal districts of enzootic regions in South Peninsular India. Materials and Methods: A total of 1167 serum samples (sheep n=299 and goats n=868) from apparently healthy animals, randomly collected from various epidemiological units were tested in microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using 18 reference Leptospira serovars antigens. Results: The overall seroprevalence of 40% (at 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 36.82-42.43) in small ruminants (44% [95% CI: 40.49-52.26] in sheep and 38% [95% CI: 34.96-41.41] in goats) was observed with the predominance of Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Australis, Hurstbridge, and Pyrogenes serogroup anti-leptospiral antibodies in the studied region. The Chi-squared test revealed that the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies is significantly not independent (associated) across the administrative division (Chi-square=105.80, p<0.05) as well as for sheep (Chi-square=34.67, p<0.01) and goats (Chi-square=68.78, p<0.01). Among seropositive samples (n=462 reactors), the MAT was positive for more than one serovar in 73% of sheep (95/131) and 53% of goats (177/331), representing an overall 59% cross-reactive prevalence in small ruminants. The determined frequency distribution (varied among small ruminants) of the employed serovars representing major reactive serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (29.87), Javanica (20.78), Australis (20.35), Hurstbridge (16.23), Pyrogenes (15.8), Djasmin (15.58), Bataviae (15.37), Autumnalis (14.5), Canicola (14.5), Hebdomadis (14.07), Shermani (13.64), Panama (13.42), Sejroe (12.77), etc. Conclusion: This study indicates alarmingly high seroprevalence of leptospirosis in small ruminants with existing endemicity in the studied region in South Peninsular India. Further, these prevalent serovars in the administrative division may be of use in the reference panels of antigens in the MAT in both humans and animal disease diagnostic laboratories for effective and timely diagnosis of leptospirosis and to combat the challenges in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Anusha Alamuri
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Bibitha Varghese
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Gurrappanaidu Govindaraj
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Divakar Hemadri
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Parimal Roy
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Centre for Animal Health Studies, TANUVAS, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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AAA+ Molecular Chaperone ClpB in Leptospira interrogans: Its Role and Significance in Leptospiral Virulence and Pathogenesis of Leptospirosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186645. [PMID: 32932775 PMCID: PMC7555560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186645] [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: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial ClpB is an ATP-dependent disaggregase that belongs to the Hsp100/Clp subfamily of the AAA+ ATPases and cooperates with the DnaK chaperone system in the reactivation of aggregated proteins, as well as promotes bacterial survival under adverse environmental conditions, including thermal and oxidative stresses. In addition, extensive evidence indicates that ClpB supports the virulence of numerous bacteria, including pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans responsible for leptospirosis in animals and humans. However, the specific function of ClpB in leptospiral virulence still remains to be fully elucidated. Interestingly, ClpB was predicted as one of the L. interrogans hub proteins interacting with human proteins, and pathogen–host protein interactions are fundamental for successful invasion of the host immune system by bacteria. The aim of this review is to discuss the most important aspects of ClpB’s function in L. interrogans, including contribution of ClpB to leptospiral virulence and pathogenesis of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with a significant impact on public health worldwide.
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Putz EJ, Nally JE. Investigating the Immunological and Biological Equilibrium of Reservoir Hosts and Pathogenic Leptospira: Balancing the Solution to an Acute Problem? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2005. [PMID: 32922382 PMCID: PMC7456838 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a devastating zoonotic disease affecting people and animals across the globe. Pathogenic leptospires are excreted in urine of reservoir hosts which directly or indirectly leads to continued disease transmission, via contact with mucous membranes or a breach of the skin barrier of another host. Human fatalities approach 60,000 deaths per annum; though most vertebrates are susceptible to leptospirosis, complex interactions between host species and serovars of Leptospira can yield disease phenotypes that vary from asymptomatic shedding in reservoir hosts, to multi-organ failure in incidental hosts. Clinical symptoms of acute leptospirosis reflect the diverse range of pathogenic species and serovars that cause infection, the level of exposure, and the relationship of the pathogen with the given host. However, in all cases, pathogenic Leptospira are excreted into the environment via urine from reservoir hosts which are uniformly recognized as asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, the reservoir host serves as the cornerstone of persistent disease transmission. Although bacterin vaccines can be used to abate renal carriage and excretion in domestic animal species, there is an urgent need to advance our understanding of immune-mediated host–pathogen interactions that facilitate persistent asymptomatic carriage. This review summarizes the current understanding of host–pathogen interactions in the reservoir host and prioritizes research to unravel mechanisms that allow for colonization but not destruction of the host. This information is required to understand, and ultimately control, the transmission of pathogenic Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
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Use of serological and molecular techniques for detection of Leptospira sp. carrier sheep under semiarid conditions and the importance of genital transmission route. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105497. [PMID: 32330452 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, where the environment is often adverse, allowing the occurrence of alternative transmission routes. The objective of the work was to generate contributions to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in sheep reared in semiarid conditions, using serological, molecular and microbiological techniques for diagnosis in dry and rainy seasons. Samples of blood, vaginal fluid, urine, bladder, kidney, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta were collected from 104 sheep (52 animals per season - dry and rainy) slaughtered in the Brazilian semiarid. Diagnostic tests performed were microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies were found in 26 (25%) of the animals analyzed by MAT at 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 69 (66.3%) animals had at least one organ/fluid with the presence of Leptospira sp. DNA. Overall, PCR was performed on 758 fragments of organs/fluids from the genital and urinary tracts, and 519 (68.5%) samples tested positive. PCR-positivity was statistically different in dry (46.2%) and rainy (11.5%) seasons for vaginal fluid. It was possible to perform the DNA sequencing in nine samples with 99% similarity to L. interrogans and recovery of viable strains in three samples of vaginal fluid. Regardless of the biological material used in PCR to detect carrier animals and the season, the highest MAT sensitivity values were obtained with cut-off 50 compared to 100. The results obtained indicate that, even in the adverse environmental conditions of the semiarid region, leptospires may survive and propagate by alternative routes of transmission, such as sexual, and the presence of PCR-positive genital tracts in ewes suggests that sexual transmission may play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease in sheep in Brazilian semiarid. In addition, it is suggested the use of titer 50 as cut-off point at serology in semiarid conditions.
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Fernandes JJ, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, da Costa DF, Silva MLCR, Alves CJ, de Azevedo SS, Higino SSDS. High frequency of seropositive and carriers of Leptospira spp. in pigs in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:2055-2061. [PMID: 32026195 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Carrier animals are considered key in the transmission cycle of leptospirosis. Although investigations have been carried out on several species, the role of pigs in the epidemiology of the disease is still poorly studied in the semi-arid region. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the presence of Leptospira spp. in the genitourinary tract of pigs intended for slaughter. Fifty pigs were used: adults and unvaccinated. Samples of the kidney, urine, and vaginal fluid were collected for the molecular detection of Leptospira spp. and blood samples for the serological test. The molecular test was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the serological test was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Samples with DNA amplification were submitted to genetic sequencing. Twenty (40%) animals were found with anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, and the majority of the reactions (50%) occurred for the serogroup Tarassovi. Leptospiral DNA was found in the tissue of 11 (22%) pigs. The gene from a urine sample was sequenced and showed similarity to L. borgpetersenii. The results evidenced a high rate of porcine carriers; therefore, they appear to be important sources of agent infection, being potential transmitters of the disease to other animal species and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juciê Jales Fernandes
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Clebert José Alves
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sergio Santos de Azevedo
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
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Pinto PS, Barbosa C, Ferreira AMR, Lilenbaum W. Short communication: Uterine leptospiral infection is strongly associated to strains of serogroup Sejroe on experimentally infected hamsters. Microb Pathog 2020; 142:104030. [PMID: 32027974 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Leptospira infection is influenced by the host species and the bacterial strain involved. Important differences on their tissue distribution are referred, also depending on the host and the studied strain. Considering tissue distribution of leptospires the majority of the studies focus on a single strain, or strains from the same serogroup with different inoculation doses. Nevertheless, none had associated different serogroups with their tissue distribution. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that tissue distribution of Leptospira spp. on experimentally infected hamsters may vary according to the strain serogroup. Females of Golden Syrian hamsters were used for the experimental infection with Leptospira isolates (n = 13) belonging to serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 8) and Sejroe (n = 5). PCRs were conducted in renal, hepatic and uterine tissue. Seven out of the thirteen studied hamsters presented acute clinical signs and were euthanized before the 21° day p.i. (strains VF237, VF52, U81, UFF-SG001, UFF-G19, UFF-B15, L1-130), while the others presented a subclinical infection. Regarding to the PCR results it was possible to observe that, all but one strain (UFF-SG001), which was detected on all the studied tissues, presented some differences on their tissue distribution. All strains could be detected on at least one tissue and a significant association was observed for the occurrence of the strains of serogroup Sejroe in uterus (p = 0.044). The results of the present study indicate that strains of serogroup Sejroe are strongly associated to uterine infection on experimentally infected hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Pinto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, 101 Prof. Hernani Mello Street, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C Barbosa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, 101 Prof. Hernani Mello Street, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A M R Ferreira
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Federal University, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, 101 Prof. Hernani Mello Street, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Kędzierska-Mieszkowska S, Potrykus K, Arent Z, Krajewska J. Identification of σ E-Dependent Promoter Upstream of clpB from the Pathogenic Spirochaete Leptospira interrogans by Applying an E. coli Two-Plasmid System. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246325. [PMID: 31847479 PMCID: PMC6941012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited information on gene expression in the pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans and genetic mechanisms controlling its virulence. Transcription is the first step in gene expression that is often determined by environmental effects, including infection-induced stresses. Alterations in the environment result in significant changes in the transcription of many genes, allowing effective adaptation of Leptospira to mammalian hosts. Thus, promoter and transcriptional start site identification are crucial for determining gene expression regulation and for the understanding of genetic regulatory mechanisms existing in Leptospira. Here, we characterized the promoter region of the L. interrogans clpB gene (clpBLi) encoding an AAA+ molecular chaperone ClpB essential for the survival of this spirochaete under thermal and oxidative stresses, and also during infection of the host. Primer extension analysis demonstrated that transcription of clpB in L. interrogans initiates at a cytidine located 41 bp upstream of the ATG initiation codon, and, to a lesser extent, at an adenine located 2 bp downstream of the identified site. Transcription of both transcripts was heat-inducible. Determination of clpBLi transcription start site, combined with promoter transcriptional activity assays using a modified two-plasmid system in E. coli, revealed that clpBLi transcription is controlled by the ECF σE factor. Of the ten L. interrogans ECF σ factors, the factor encoded by LIC_12757 (LA0876) is most likely to be the key regulator of clpB gene expression in Leptospira cells, especially under thermal stress. Furthermore, clpB expression may be mediated by ppGpp in Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Kędzierska-Mieszkowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-58-523-6064
| | - Katarzyna Potrykus
- Department of Bacterial Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Joanna Krajewska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
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da Costa DF, de Faria PJÀ, Nogueira DB, de Oliveira Tolentino LH, Viana MP, da Silva JD, de Melo Vaz AF, Dos Santos Higino SS, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Influence of breed on the clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters in sheep experimentally infected with Leptospira sp. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02720. [PMID: 31687527 PMCID: PMC6820254 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of leptospirosis may aid in a favorable prognosis in infected animals, but there are few reports of clinical and hematochemical changes in the ovine species, nor whether the breed exerts any influence on the response to infection. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, biochemical and hematological alterations in Santa Inês and crossbred ewes challenged with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Kennewicki. Twenty-four sheep were used in this experiment, 12 crossbred (group A) and 12 Santa Inês (group B). In each group, sheep were conjunctivally and intraperitoneally challenged. During 60 days post-infection the ewes were evaluated for the presentation of clinical signs and the blood was collected for hemogram and serum biochemistry. Concentration of urea and creatinine; serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST); gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT); total protein and albumin; total bilirubin, direct and indirect were analyzed. The urine of these sheep was collected for urinalysis. Only two Santa Inês sheep showed blood in the urine. Clinical signs implicated in Leptospira sp. infection were not identified. Some sheep had anemia, especially crossbred. However, anemia may be attributed to the more effective cellular response that has been identified in crossbred animals. Only one animal presented leukocytosis with neutrophilia, while 11 presented atypical leukopenia, especially those of the Santa Inês breed. There was a decrease in total protein and albumin, as well as the increase in gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), especially in Santa Inês sheep. The level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) remained within the normal range for the species. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in conjugated bilirubin levels in challenged animals was detected. Only one sheep intraperitoneally challenged presented a high level of urea in the blood, but the creatinine level remained within the normal range. The intraperitoneal route was responsible for more significant changes (p < 0.05) in the hemogram and biochemistry when compared to the conjunctival route. The results indicate that crossbred sheep have a more efficient cellular response than Santa Inês sheep, which may confer a greater resistance to infection. Clinical signs are not good parameters to follow the development of leptospirosis in crossbred and Santa Inês breed. Hematological and biochemical analyzes were useful in the detection of anemia and possible liver changes caused by leptospirosis. The intraperitoneal route was able to cause more conclusive alterations of the analyzed parameters, however, it is possible that the alterations caused by the conjunctival route reproduce in a more faithful way what happens in a natural situation of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Pedro Jorge Àlvares de Faria
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Denise Batista Nogueira
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Laura Honório de Oliveira Tolentino
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Maira Pôrto Viana
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - José Devedê da Silva
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Antônio Fernando de Melo Vaz
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Severino Silvano Dos Santos Higino
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Sergio Santos de Azevedo
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
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Almeida DS, Paz LN, de Oliveira DS, Silva DN, Ristow P, Hamond C, Costa F, Portela RW, Estrela-Lima A, Pinna MH. Investigation of chronic infection by Leptospira spp. in asymptomatic sheep slaughtered in slaughterhouse. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217391. [PMID: 31120961 PMCID: PMC6532964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the histopathological characteristics of renal lesions in chronically infected sheep and with low titers of anti-Leptospira antibodies from a slaughterhouse. In the serological analysis, 24.74% (48/194) presented seroreactivity with a titer equal to or greater than 100. Among these seroreactive sheep, titers of 100 were predominant (58.33%, 28/48), with the highest titer being 1,600 (2.08%, 1/48). Serogroup Sejroe (sv. Hardjo) was the most frequent at 35.42% (17/48). Leptospiral DNA was verified in 4.12% (8/194) of the kidney samples tested, and no urine sample was positive. All the samples corresponded to the pathogenic species L. interrogans. The eight amplicons with 202-nucleotides were identical with two mismatches (presented 100% of identity) using the PCR targeting to secY gene. Histological sections of PCR-positive kidneys were submitted to direct detection by the anti-LipL32 immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique. The Leptospira spp. antigen was evident in 62.5% (5/8) of the kidneys. Positive staining was observed in the cytoplasm of tubular cells and in the form of brownish aggregates that adhered to tubular epithelial cells and projected into the lumen. Inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, ranging from mild to moderate, with multifocal distribution, was the predominant finding in seroreactive animals (33.33%, 16/48). The demonstration of the leptospiral antigen lining the renal tubules through IHC of naturally infected sheep confirmed by PCR characterizes renal colonization in a species with the presence of histological changes compatible with leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Santos Almeida
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics—Federal University of Bahia., Salvador,Bahia, Brazil
| | - Lucas Nogueira Paz
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics—Federal University of Bahia., Salvador,Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Danielle Nascimento Silva
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics—Federal University of Bahia., Salvador,Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paula Ristow
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Camila Hamond
- Plataforma de Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Federico Costa
- Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandra Estrela-Lima
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics—Federal University of Bahia., Salvador,Bahia, Brazil
| | - Melissa Hanzen Pinna
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics—Federal University of Bahia., Salvador,Bahia, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Relation of reproductive disturbance in sheep and Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae infection: Impacts on cellular oxidation status. Microb Pathog 2019; 130:65-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hamond C, Silveira CS, Buroni F, Suanes A, Nieves C, Salaberry X, Aráoz V, Costa RA, Rivero R, Giannitti F, Zarantonelli L. Leptospira interrogansserogroup Pomona serovar Kennewicki infection in two sheep flocks with acute leptospirosis in Uruguay. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1186-1194. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Caroline S. Silveira
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
| | - Florencia Buroni
- División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino”, Laboratorio Regional Noroeste Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Paysandú Uruguay
| | - Alejandra Suanes
- Departamento de Bacteriología, División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino” Sede Central, Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Nieves
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular & Estructural Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Ximena Salaberry
- Departamento de Bacteriología, División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino” Sede Central, Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Virginia Aráoz
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
| | - Ricardo A. Costa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
| | - Rodolfo Rivero
- División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino”, Laboratorio Regional Noroeste Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Paysandú Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN
| | - Leticia Zarantonelli
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular & Estructural Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
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12
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Susceptibility among breeds of sheep experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans Pomona serogroup. Microb Pathog 2018; 122:79-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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High frequency of genital carriers of Leptospira sp. in sheep slaughtered in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 51:43-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Vallée E, Heuer C, Collins-Emerson JM, Benschop J, Ridler AL, Wilson PR. Effects of natural infection by L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo type Hardjo-bovis, L. interrogans serovar Pomona and leptospiral vaccination on sheep reproduction. Theriogenology 2018; 114:126-135. [PMID: 29609182 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.022] [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: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Most New Zealand sheep flocks are seropositive to Leptospira serovars Hardjo and/or Pomona, yet vaccination is rare. This study evaluated the impact of exposure to these serovars and of vaccination, on primiparous one- (P1) and two-year-old (P2) sheep reproduction outcomes. The study was designed as a split-flock vaccination trial, with a third of the animals vaccinated starting at one month of age. Reproduction outcomes were the proportion of bred P1 (7 months old) and as P2 (19 months old) scanned pregnant, the proportion of pregnant ewes rearing a lamb to tail docking and the proportion of docked lambs that were weaned. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare reproductive performance between vaccinated and control sheep, and within the control group, between seropositive and seronegative sheep. Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated to assess the relationship between vaccination and loss to follow-up. There was no difference in pregnancy and docking rates between vaccinated and control sheep, or between seropositive and seronegative sheep. P1 with a Hardjo titre ≥1536 were significantly less likely (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.19-0.93) to keep a lamb between docking and weaning than P1 with both Hardjo and Pomona titres <1536, for an observed difference in weaning rate of up to 22.6% points on one farm. A reduction of weaning rates in 2-tooths seropositive for Pomona alone and both Hardjo and Pomona was observed but this was non-significant, possibly because of a lack of power. No difference in weaning rate was observed between vaccinated and control P1 or P2. On one farm vaccinated P1 were less likely to be lost to follow-up (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.95) between breeding and weaning. Comparing reproductive performance of vaccinated and control sheep revealed no significant difference. However, comparing exposed and non-exposed ewes revealed a possible adverse effect of Leptospira on weaning rates. This suggests that a full vaccination program may result in an improvement of reproductive outcomes, possibly by providing herd immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Vallée
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; Epicentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Cord Heuer
- Epicentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Julie M Collins-Emerson
- (m)EpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Jackie Benschop
- (m)EpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Anne L Ridler
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Peter R Wilson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
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15
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Żmudzki J, Arent Z, Jabłoński A, Nowak A, Zębek S, Stolarek A, Bocian Ł, Brzana A, Pejsak Z. Seroprevalence of 12 serovars of pathogenic Leptospira in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Poland. Acta Vet Scand 2018; 60:34. [PMID: 29855374 PMCID: PMC5984377 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-018-0388-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospira spp. infect humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals, but certain species such as small rodents and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) play a particular role as reservoirs and transmission of leptospirosis as they easily adapt to many habitats including human environments. To investigate the significance of red foxes in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in Poland, a seroprevalence survey was conducted. During the 2014-2015 hunting season, blood samples of 2134 red foxes originating from the central-eastern part of Poland were collected. Serum samples were tested by a microscopic agglutination test for the presence of specific antibodies to Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Tarassovi, Pomona, Canicola, Hardjo, Ballum, Australis, Bataviae, Saxkoebing and Poi. RESULTS Antibodies to at least one serovar were detected in 561 sera (26.3%). The highest seroprevalence was found in the Subcarpathia (41.6%) and Warmia-Masuria (40.3%) provinces. Antibodies were mainly directed against serovars Poi (12.4%), Saxkoebing (11.3%), and Sejroe (6.0%). CONCLUSIONS Exposure of red foxes to certain Leptospira serovars seems to be common in central and eastern Poland. In addition, the high prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in foxes may indicate a potential risk of infection for humans and other species coming into contact with these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Żmudzki
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur Jabłoński
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nowak
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Sylwia Zębek
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Stolarek
- Epidemiology and Risk Assessment Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Łukasz Bocian
- Epidemiology and Risk Assessment Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Adam Brzana
- Veterinary Hygiene Research Station, Wroclawska 170, 45-836 Opole, Poland
| | - Zygmunt Pejsak
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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16
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Libonati HA, Santos GB, Souza GN, Brandão FZ, Lilenbaum W. Leptospirosis is strongly associated to estrus repetition on cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1625-1629. [PMID: 29721805 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1604-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although prevalent, the exact impact of infectious diseases on reproductive failures remains to be determined. Among them, leptospirosis has commonly been reported as cause of abortions on outbreaks. Nevertheless, the majority of the animals present a chronic, silent form of the disease, which is characterized by low reproductive efficiency and is frequently neglected. In that context, we conducted a study that aims to estimate the impact of chronic leptospirosis on reproductive disorders on cattle. A total of 25 different dairy herds with history of reproductive losses from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were selected. From each herd, a questionnaire was applied and sera from 20 cows were randomly tested for leptospirosis (totaling 500 cows). Chi-square was performed to estimate the association of seroreactivity with reproductive disorders. A total of 32% of the herds were positive, all of them against serogroup Sejroe. Estrus repetition was the most important reported reproductive problem and it was strongly associated to seroreactivity against leptospirosis. Besides, specific vaccination against leptospirosis was an important protection factor against that disorder. In conclusion, control programs including, but not limited to, vaccines must be implemented on those herds in order to reduce reproductive losses, particularly estrus repetition.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Libonati
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, 101 Prof. Hernani Mello Street, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G B Santos
- Veterinary College, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G N Souza
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Veterinary College, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, 101 Prof. Hernani Mello Street, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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17
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Isolation and Identification of Putative Protein Substrates of the AAA+ Molecular Chaperone ClpB from the Pathogenic Spirochaete Leptospira interrogans. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041234. [PMID: 29670056 PMCID: PMC5979558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial ClpB is an ATP-dependent Hsp100 chaperone that reactivates aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system and promotes survival of bacteria under stress conditions. A large number of publications also indicate that ClpB supports the virulence of bacteria, including a pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans responsible for leptospirosis in both animals and humans. However, the exact role of ClpB in bacterial pathogenicity remains poorly characterized. It can be assumed that ClpB, due to its role as the molecular chaperone, mediates refolding of essential bacterial proteins, including the known virulence factors, which may become prone to aggregation under infection-induced stresses. In this study, we identified putative substrates of ClpB from L. interrogans (ClpBLi). For this purpose, we used a proteomic approach combining the ClpB-Trap affinity pull-down assays, Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS/MS), and bioinformatics analyses. Most of the identified proteins were enzymes predominantly associated with major metabolic pathways like the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis–gluconeogenesis and amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. Based on our proteomic study, we suggest that ClpB can support the virulence of L.interrogans by protecting the conformational integrity and catalytic activity of multiple metabolic enzymes, thus maintaining energy homeostasis in pathogen cells.
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18
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Occurrence of uterine carriers for Leptospira interrogans on slaughtered cows. Microb Pathog 2017; 114:163-165. [PMID: 29197523 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.11.056] [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: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive tract is an important site of infection for chronic leptospirosis and cooperate in pathogenesis of reproductive failure, leading to economic losses. Since serology techniques cannot detect chronic carriers, the molecular analysis of clinical samples is an alternative to detect these animals on livestock. The aim of the present study was to perform a retrospective study in order to detect leptospiral uterine carriers in slaughtered cows. Tissue samples were collected from 50 post-pubertal, nonpregnant cows. These samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, paraffin-embedded and stored. PCR targeting lipL32 gene and molecular characterization by secY sequence was performed. Leptospiral DNA was identified in 18% (9/50) examined blocks. Two sequences were characterized as L. interrogans. These findings suggest that the presence of infectious leptospires in uterus is associated with the physiopathogenesis of the reproductive failure.
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19
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Krajewska J, Modrak-Wójcik A, Arent ZJ, Więckowski D, Zolkiewski M, Bzowska A, Kędzierska-Mieszkowska S. Characterization of the molecular chaperone ClpB from the pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181118. [PMID: 28700685 PMCID: PMC5507356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira interrogans is a spirochaete responsible for leptospirosis in mammals. The molecular mechanisms of the Leptospira virulence remain mostly unknown. Recently, it has been demonstrated that an AAA+ chaperone ClpB (a member of the Hsp100 family) from L. interrogans (ClpBLi) is not only essential for survival of Leptospira under the thermal and oxidative stresses, but also during infection of a host. The aim of this study was to provide further insight into the role of ClpB in the pathogenic spirochaetes and explore its biochemical properties. We found that a non-hydrolysable ATP analogue, ATPγS, but not AMP-PNP induces the formation of ClpBLi hexamers and stabilizes the associated form of the chaperone. ADP also induces structural changes in ClpBLi and promotes its self-assembly, but does not produce full association into the hexamers. We also demonstrated that ClpBLi exhibits a weak ATPase activity that is stimulated by κ-casein and poly-lysine, and may mediate protein disaggregation independently from the DnaK chaperone system. Unexpectedly, the presence of E. coli DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE did not significantly affect the disaggregation activity of ClpBLi and ClpBLi did not substitute for the ClpBEc function in the clpB-null E. coli strain. This result underscores the species-specificity of the ClpB cooperation with the co-chaperones and is most likely due to a loss of interactions between the ClpBLi middle domain and the E. coli DnaK. We also found that ClpBLi interacts more efficiently with the aggregated G6PDH in the presence of ATPγS rather than ATP. Our results indicate that ClpB's importance during infection might be due to its role as a molecular chaperone involved in reactivation of protein aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Krajewska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Modrak-Wójcik
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew J. Arent
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Daniel Więckowski
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michal Zolkiewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Agnieszka Bzowska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Loureiro AP, Pestana C, Medeiros MA, Lilenbaum W. High frequency of leptospiral vaginal carriers among slaughtered cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 178:50-54. [PMID: 28118946 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis is one of the most important reproductive diseases that compromise the productivity of cattle farming. However, the presence of the agent on vaginal environment is still poorly understood in cattle. Considering this context, the present study aimed to detect the presence of pathogenic Leptospira sp. in vaginal fluid (VF) of cows. VF and urine were collected from 254 cows from a slaughterhouse for bacteriological culture and PCR (lipL32 gene). Overall, eleven pure culture (4.3%) of leptospiral isolates were obtained. Leptospiral DNA was detected in 128 (50.4%) of VF samples and 81 (31.0%) of urine samples, while on 75 (29.5%) it was exclusively in VF and 28 (11.3%) only in the urine. Detection of leptospiral DNA and the recovery of viable leptospires from VF of a high number of cows without apparent symptoms highlight the role of vaginal carriers and indicate that venereal transmission (female-to-male) could occur in that species. Moreover, VF should be encouraged as a valuable sample for diagnosis of bovine genital leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Loureiro
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C Pestana
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Recombinante, Bio-Manguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M A Medeiros
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Recombinante, Bio-Manguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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21
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Nally JE, Arent Z, Bayles DO, Hornsby RL, Gilmore C, Regan S, McDevitt AD, Yearsley J, Fanning S, McMahon BJ. Emerging Infectious Disease Implications of Invasive Mammalian Species: The Greater White-Toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula) Is Associated With a Novel Serovar of Pathogenic Leptospira in Ireland. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005174. [PMID: 27935961 PMCID: PMC5147805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) is an invasive mammalian species that was first recorded in Ireland in 2007. It currently occupies an area of approximately 7,600 km2 on the island. C. russula is normally distributed in Northern Africa and Western Europe, and was previously absent from the British Isles. Whilst invasive species can have dramatic and rapid impacts on faunal and floral communities, they may also be carriers of pathogens facilitating disease transmission in potentially naive populations. Pathogenic leptospires are endemic in Ireland and a significant cause of human and animal disease. From 18 trapped C. russula, 3 isolates of Leptospira were cultured. However, typing of these isolates by standard serological reference methods was negative, and suggested an, as yet, unidentified serovar. Sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA and secY indicated that these novel isolates belong to Leptospira alstonii, a unique pathogenic species of which only 7 isolates have been described to date. Earlier isolations were limited geographically to China, Japan and Malaysia, and this leptospiral species had not previously been cultured from mammals. Restriction enzyme analysis (REA) further confirms the novelty of these strains since no similar patterns were observed with a reference database of leptospires. As with other pathogenic Leptospira species, these isolates contain lipL32 and do not grow in the presence of 8-azagunaine; however no evidence of disease was apparent after experimental infection of hamsters. These isolates are genetically related to L. alstonii but have a novel REA pattern; they represent a new serovar which we designate as serovar Room22. This study demonstrates that invasive mammalian species act as bridge vectors of novel zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira. Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease. Pathogenic species of Leptospira are excreted in urine from asymptomatic carrier hosts which facilitates disease transmission to new hosts. To date, there are 10 species of pathogenic leptospires which comprise more than 200 serovars. Disease transmission of these strains is maintained by a wide range of domestic and wild animal species. In this work, we discovered that an invasive mammalian species, the greater white toothed shrew, which was first identified in Ireland in 2007, acts as a carrier for a species of leptospires never before identified in Ireland. Results demonstrate that invasive mammalian species act as bridge vectors of novel zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarlath E. Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UAK, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland
| | - Darrell O. Bayles
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Richard L. Hornsby
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Colm Gilmore
- OIE Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division, AFBI, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Regan
- UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Allan D. McDevitt
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Yearsley
- UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barry J. McMahon
- UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Krajewska J, Arent Z, Więckowski D, Zolkiewski M, Kędzierska-Mieszkowska S. Immunoreactivity of the AAA+ chaperone ClpB from Leptospira interrogans with sera from Leptospira-infected animals. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:151. [PMID: 27421882 PMCID: PMC4947342 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospira interrogans is a spirochaete responsible for leptospirosis in mammals. The molecular mechanisms of the Leptospira virulence remain mostly unknown. Recently, it has been demonstrated that L. interrogans ClpB (ClpBLi) is essential for bacterial survival under stressful conditions and also during infection. The aim of this study was to provide further insight into the role of ClpB in L. interrogans and answer the question whether ClpBLi as a potential virulence factor may be a target of the humoral immune response during leptospiral infections in mammals. Results ClpBLi consists of 860 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 96.3 kDa and shows multi-domain organization similar to that of the well-characterized ClpB from Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence identity between ClpBLi and E. coli ClpB is 52 %. The coding sequence of the clpBLi gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) strain. Immunoreactivity of the recombinant ClpBLi protein was assessed with the sera collected from Leptospira-infected animals and uninfected healthy controls. Western blotting and ELISA analysis demonstrated that ClpBLi activates the host immune system, as evidenced by an increased level of antibodies against ClpBLi in the sera from infected animals, as compared to the control group. Additionally, ClpBLi was found in kidney tissues of Leptospira-infected hamsters. Conclusions ClpBLi is both synthesized and immunogenic during the infectious process, further supporting its involvement in the pathogenicity of Leptospira. In addition, the immunological properties of ClpBLi point to its potential value as a diagnostic antigen for the detection of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Krajewska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, University of Gdansk, Faculty of Biology, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UAK, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - Daniel Więckowski
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, University of Gdansk, Faculty of Biology, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michal Zolkiewski
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
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24
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Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global disease of animals, which can have a major economic impact on livestock industries and is an important zoonosis. The current knowledge base is heavily biased towards the developed agricultural economies. The disease situation in the developing economies presents a major challenge as humans and animals frequently live in close association. The severity of disease varies with the infecting serovar and the affected species, but there are many common aspects across the species; for example, the acute phase of infection is mostly sub-clinical and the greatest economic losses arise from chronic infection causing reproductive wastage. The principles of, and tests for, diagnosis, treatment, control and surveillance are applicable across the species.
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25
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Hamond C, Martins G, Bremont S, Medeiros MA, Bourhy P, Lilenbaum W. Predominance of Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava DNA in vaginal fluid of mares suggests sexual transmission of leptospirosis. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 151:275-9. [PMID: 25465903 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to detect the presence of DNA of pathogenic Leptospira sp. in vaginal fluids of mares regarding a possible role of the sexual transmission. A total of 134 breeding mares from four troops were studied and sampling was conducted from vaginal fluids and urine for culture and PCR; and blood for serology. From the 134 serum samples tested, 59 (44%) were seroreactive, and serovar Bratislava was the most frequent (54.2%). None positive culture was obtained, but leptospiral DNA was detected by PCR (lipL32 gene) in 45 (33.5%) urine samples and 43 (32%) vaginal fluid (VF) samples. By phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced amplicons (secY gene) obtained after urine samples, it was found that 14/23 (60.9%) were of Bratislava and nine (39.1%) of Copenhageni. In contrast, the totality of the sequenced amplicons obtained after VF samples were of Bratislava serovar. This study demonstrated by the first time the presence of leptospiral DNA in the vaginal fluid of mares. Furthermore, the identification of that DNA as belonging to serovar Bratislava suggests that the transmission of leptospirosis in horses may occur by sexual via.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Martins
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sylvie Bremont
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Biologie des Spirochètes, National Reference Center, Paris, France
| | - Marco Alberto Medeiros
- Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pascale Bourhy
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Biologie des Spirochètes, National Reference Center, Paris, France
| | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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