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De Meyst A, De Clercq P, Porrez J, Geens T, Braeckman L, Ouburg S, Morré SA, Vanrompay D. Belgian Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study on Zoonotic Avian Chlamydia spp. in Chickens. Microorganisms 2024; 12:193. [PMID: 38258018 PMCID: PMC10820512 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010193] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia gallinacea, and Chlamydia abortus are the most common Chlamydia spp. in chickens and have a confirmed or suggested zoonotic potential. No recent data are available on their prevalence and impact in the Belgian chicken industry or in the recreational chicken branch. Therefore, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was executed where samples were collected from both factory-farmed and backyard chickens. More specifically, pharyngeal chicken swabs were obtained from 20 chicken farms, 5 chicken abattoirs, and 38 different backyard locations and were analyzed using species-specific Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) for the presence of the three avian Chlamydia spp. To investigate their zoonotic potential, samples were simultaneously collected from 54 backyard chicken caretakes and 37 professional chicken caretakers or abattoir employees and analyzed using species-specific PCRs as well. This study confirmed the presence of DNA of all three Chlamydia species in both the chicken industry and backyard settings. Chlamydia psittaci was the most prevalent in the industry chickens (11.0%), whereas Chlamydia gallinacea was the dominant species in the backyard chickens (14.5%). Chlamydia abortus infections were more common in the commercial chickens (9.0%) compared to the backyard chickens (2.6%). The DNA of all three species was also detected in humans (3.9% Chlamydia psittaci, 2.9% Chlamydia gallinacea, and 1.0% Chlamydia abortus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Pieter De Clercq
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Jelmer Porrez
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Tom Geens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis, 8200 Bruges, Belgium;
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Sander Ouburg
- Research & Development, Microbe&Lab BV, 1105 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.O.); (S.A.M.)
| | - Servaas A. Morré
- Research & Development, Microbe&Lab BV, 1105 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.O.); (S.A.M.)
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Chlamydia trachomatis Reference Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Zaręba-Marchewka K, Niemczuk K. New insight on chlamydiae. J Vet Res 2023; 67:559-565. [PMID: 38130448 PMCID: PMC10730554 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on chlamydiae, which are intracellular bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Whole-genome sequencing leads to great increases in the available data about Chlamydia spp. Recently, novel chlamydial taxons in various hosts living in different environments have been recognised. New species and taxons with Candidatus status have been recorded mainly in birds and reptiles. Chlamydia gallinacea is an emerging infectious agent in poultry with indirectly confirmed zoonotic potential. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. The definition of C. abortus species became outdated with the discovery of these strains and has been amended. It now includes two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter including all isolates hitherto referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
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Kasimov V, White RT, Jelocnik M. Draft genomes of novel avian Chlamydia abortus strains from Australian Torresian crows ( Corvus orru) shed light on possible reservoir hosts and evolutionary pathways. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37991482 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001134] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is a major causative agent of reproductive loss in ruminants, with zoonotic potential. Though this pathogen is primarily known to infect livestock, recent studies have detected and isolated genetically distinct avian strains of C. abortus from wild birds globally. Before this study, only five avian C. abortus genomes were publicly available. Therefore, we performed culture-independent probe-based whole-genome sequencing on clinical swabs positive for avian C. abortus obtained from Australian Torresian crows (Corvus orru) in 2019 and 2020. We successfully obtained draft genomes for three avian C. abortus strains (C1, C2 and C3), each comprising draft chromosomes with lengths of 1 115 667, 1 120 231 and 1 082 115 bp, and associated 7 553 bp plasmids, with a genome completeness exceeding 92 %. Molecular characterization revealed that these three strains comprise a novel sequence type (ST333), whilst phylogenetic analyses placed all three strains in a cluster with other avian C. abortus genomes. Interestingly, these three strains share a distant genomic relation (2693 single nucleotide variants) with the reference strain 15-58d/44 (ST152), isolated from a Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) in Poland, highlighting the need for more publicly available genomes. Broad comparative analyses with other avian C. abortus genomes revealed that the three draft genomes contain conserved Chlamydia genomic features, including genes coding for type III secretion system and polymorphic membrane proteins, and potential virulence factors such as the large chlamydial cytotoxin, warranting further studies. This research provides the first avian C. abortus draft genomes from Australian birds, highlighting Torresian crows as novel reservoir hosts for these potential pathogens, and demonstrates a practical methodology for sequencing novel Chlamydia genomes without relying on traditional cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilli Kasimov
- University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4557, Australia
| | - Rhys T White
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4557, Australia
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Feodorova VA, Zaitsev SS, Lyapina AM, Kichemazova NV, Saltykov YV, Khizhnyakova MA, Evstifeev VV, Larionova OS. Whole genome sequencing characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci caprine AMK-16 strain, a promising killed whole cell veterinary vaccine candidate against chlamydia infection. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293612. [PMID: 37903115 PMCID: PMC10615304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a primary zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range causing severe respiratory and reproductive system infection in animals and humans. To reduce the global burden of C. psittaci-associated diseases on animal welfare and health and to control the pathogen spread in husbandry, effective vaccines based on promising vaccine candidate(s) are required. Recently, the caprine C. psittaci AMK-16 strain (AMK-16) demonstrated a high level of protection (up to 80-100%) in outbred mice and pregnant rabbits immunized with these formaldehyde-inactivated bacteria against experimental chlamydial wild-type infection. This study investigated the molecular characteristics of AMK-16 by whole-genome sequencing followed by molecular typing, phylogenetic analysis and detection of main immunodominant protein(s) eliciting the immune response in mouse model. Similarly to other C. psittaci, AMK-16 harbored an extrachromosomal plasmid. The whole-genome phylogenetic analysis proved that AMK-16 strain belonging to ST28 clustered with only C. psittaci but not with Chlamydia abortus strains. However, AMK-16 possessed the insert which resulted from the recombination event as the additional single chromosome region of a 23,100 bp size with higher homology to C. abortus (98.38-99.94%) rather than to C. psittaci (92.06-92.55%). At least six of 16 CDSs were absent in AMK-16 plasticity zone and 41 CDSs in other loci compared with the reference C. psittaci 6BC strain. Two SNPs identified in the AMK-16 ompA sequence resulted in MOMP polymorphism followed by the formation of a novel genotype/subtype including three other C. psittaci strains else. AMK-16 MOMP provided marked specific cellular and humoral immune response in 100% of mice immunized with the inactivated AMK-16 bacteria. Both DnaK and GrpE encoded by the recombination region genes were less immunoreactive, inducing only a negligible T-cell murine immune response, while homologous antibodies could be detected in 50% and 30% of immunized mice, respectively. Thus, AMK-16 could be a promising vaccine candidate for the development of a killed whole cell vaccine against chlamydiosis in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina A. Feodorova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Sergey S. Zaitsev
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Anna M. Lyapina
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Natalya V. Kichemazova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Yury V. Saltykov
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Mariya A. Khizhnyakova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Vitaliy V. Evstifeev
- Laboratory of Viral and Chlamydial Infections, Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
- Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine by N.E. Bauman, Kazan City, Russia
| | - Olga S. Larionova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
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Luu LDW, Kasimov V, Phillips S, Myers GSA, Jelocnik M. Genome organization and genomics in Chlamydia: whole genome sequencing increases understanding of chlamydial virulence, evolution, and phylogeny. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1178736. [PMID: 37287464 PMCID: PMC10242142 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1178736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Chlamydia contains important obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens to humans and animals, including C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae. Since 1998, when the first Chlamydia genome was published, our understanding of how these microbes interact, evolved and adapted to different intracellular host environments has been transformed due to the expansion of chlamydial genomes. This review explores the current state of knowledge in Chlamydia genomics and how whole genome sequencing has revolutionised our understanding of Chlamydia virulence, evolution, and phylogeny over the past two and a half decades. This review will also highlight developments in multi-omics and other approaches that have complemented whole genome sequencing to advance knowledge of Chlamydia pathogenesis and future directions for chlamydial genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Don Wai Luu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vasilli Kasimov
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Samuel Phillips
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Garry S. A. Myers
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Borel N, Greub G. International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Chlamydiae: Minutes of the closed meeting, 25 August 2022, ESCCAR Meeting Lausanne, Switzerland. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 36748609 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Muroni G, Pinna L, Serra E, Chisu V, Mandas D, Coccollone A, Liciardi M, Masala G. A Chlamydia psittaci Outbreak in Psittacine Birds in Sardinia, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14204. [PMID: 36361084 PMCID: PMC9658638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. It is the ethiologic agent of psittacosis, an occupational zoonotic disease that mainly concerns people who work in close contact with birds that represent the main infection route for human transmission. In Italy, information about this disease is lacking. This study is the first case of avian chlamydiosis reported from a pet shop in Sardinia, Italy. Chlamydia psittaci detected in psittacine birds by molecular analysis, direct immunofluorescence test together with anatomo-pathological observed lesions, highlighted the importance of focusing the attention over this underestimated zoonosis in a "One Health" prospective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Muroni
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigia Pinna
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Serra
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Chisu
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Mandas
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Coccollone
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manuel Liciardi
- S.C. Complex Territorial Diagnostic Structure of Cagliari, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09067 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIEReference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi n. 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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De Meyst A, Aaziz R, Pex J, Braeckman L, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Laroucau K, Vanrompay D. Prevalence of New and Established Avian Chlamydial Species in Humans and Their Psittacine Pet Birds in Belgium. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091758. [PMID: 36144360 PMCID: PMC9500992 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence and zoonotic transfer of four different avian Chlamydia spp. was assessed in an epidemiological study in a psittacine bird population and its owners. Fecal swabs from 84 pet birds and pharyngeal swabs from 22 bird owners were collected from 21 locations in Flanders. Samples were examined using established and novel PCR platforms combined with culture on PCR-positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 33 of 84 (39.3%) birds. The predominant part of the avian infections could be attributed to C. psittaci (22 of 84; 26.2%), followed by C. avium (11 of 84; 13.1%). C. gallinacea and C. abortus were not detected in birds or humans. C. psittaci was the only species detected in pet bird owners (4 of 22; 18.2%), stressing its zoonotic importance. This study showed that C. psittaci and the more recently discovered novel avian species C. avium are undoubtedly present in the Flemish psittacine bird population. Our results justify additional research in a larger psittacine bird population and its owners, focusing on C. psittaci and C. avium. In the meantime, increased awareness among pet bird owners and the implementation of preventive measures in the pet bird industry is advised to limit the circulation of established and novel emerging avian chlamydial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-09-264-5972
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Joachim Pex
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Aaziz R, Laroucau K, Gobbo F, Salvatore D, Schnee C, Terregino C, Lupini C, Di Francesco A. Occurrence of Chlamydiae in Corvids in Northeast Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101226. [PMID: 35625072 PMCID: PMC9137748 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The continuous improvement of next-generation sequencing techniques has led to an expansion of the number of Chlamydia species, as well as their host range. Recent studies performed on wild birds have detected Chlamydia strains with characteristics intermediate between Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus. In this study, 12/108 corvids tested positive for Chlamydia by real-time PCR. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible for eight samples, with one positive for C. psittaci and seven for C. abortus. Considering the well-known zoonotic role of C. psittaci and that a potential zoonotic role of avian C. abortus strains cannot be excluded, people who may have professional or other contact with wild birds should take appropriate preventive measures. Abstract Chlamydiaceae occurrence has been largely evaluated in wildlife, showing that wild birds are efficient reservoirs for avian chlamydiosis. In this study, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs of 108 corvids from Northeast Italy was screened for Chlamydiaceae by 23S real-time (rt)PCR. The positive samples were characterised by specific rtPCRs for Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia gallinacea, Chlamydia avium, Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia suis. Cloacal shedding of Chlamydiaceae was detected in 12 out of 108 (11.1%, 5.9%–18.6% 95% CI) corvids sampled. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible in 8/12 samples, showing C. psittaci positivity in only one sample from a hooded crow and C. abortus positivity in seven samples, two from Eurasian magpies and five from hooded crows. Genotyping of the C. psittaci-positive sample was undertaken via PCR/high-resolution melting, clustering it in group III_pigeon, corresponding to the B genotype based on former ompA analysis. For C. abortus genotyping, multilocus sequence typing was successfully performed on the two samples with high DNA load from Eurasian magpies, highlighting 100% identity with the recently reported Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To confirm the intermediate characteristics between C. psittaci and C. abortus, both samples, as well as two samples from hooded crows, showed the chlamydial plasmid inherent in most C. psittaci and avian C. abortus, but not in ruminant C. abortus strains. The plasmid sequences were highly similar (≥99%) to those of the Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To our knowledge, this is the first report of avian C. abortus strains in Italy, specifically genotype 1V, confirming that they are actively circulating in corvids in the Italian region tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Daniela Salvatore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), D-07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Antonietta Di Francesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Zaręba-Marchewka K, Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Niemczuk K. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analyses of Chlamydia abortus Strains of Avian Origin Suggests That Chlamydia abortus Species Should Be Expanded to Include Avian and Mammalian Subgroups. Pathogens 2021; 10:1405. [PMID: 34832561 PMCID: PMC8623937 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of Chlamydia species belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family have been reported in birds. Until recently, C. psittaci was considered to be the most common avian species, although found in both birds and mammals, while C. abortus has only been found in mammals. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of three of these strains (15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44, representing genotypes G1, G2 and 1V, respectively) that were isolated from wild birds were analysed. Genome assemblies based on both short-read Illumina and long-read Nanopore data indicate that these avian C. abortus strains show features characteristic of both C. abortus and C. psittaci species, although phylogenetic analyses demonstrate a closer relationship with classical C. abortus strains. Currently, species classification established by the ICSP Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Chlamydiae, determines that these avian C. abortus strains 15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44 should be classified as C. abortus. However, the authors of this study conclude that the current taxonomic definition of C. abortus is outdated and should be amended to include two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter of which would include all isolates so far referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
| | - Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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