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Cuny C, Layer-Nicolaou F, Werner G, Witte W. A look at staphylococci from the one health perspective. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 314:151604. [PMID: 38367509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus and other staphylococcal species are resident and transient multihost colonizers as well as conditional pathogens. Especially S. aureus represents an excellent model bacterium for the "One Health" concept because of its dynamics at the human-animal interface and versatility with respect to host adaptation. The development of antimicrobial resistance plays another integral part. This overview will focus on studies at the human-animal interface with respect to livestock farming and to companion animals, as well as on staphylococci in wildlife. In this context transmissions of staphylococci and of antimicrobial resistance genes between animals and humans are of particular significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Cuny
- Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Wernigerode Branch, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany.
| | - Franziska Layer-Nicolaou
- Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Wernigerode Branch, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Guido Werner
- Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Wernigerode Branch, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
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2
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Patinha C, Pato P, Ferreira da Silva E, Casero M, Brazio E, Brandão R, Costa D, Mateus TL, Coelho AC, Oliveira PA. The first full study of heavy metal(loid)s in western-European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11983-11994. [PMID: 38225500 PMCID: PMC10869400 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivore with a wide distribution in Portugal and a potential tool for biomonitoring relevant One Health hazards, including heavy metal(loid)s' pollution. The aim of this study was to positively contribute to the current knowledge about the metal(loid) pollution in Portugal. Forty-six hedgehogs (from rescue centres; with known provenance) were necropsied. Sex, age category and weight were determined. Spines, liver and kidney were collected, and metalloid concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). In general, results did not present alarming metal(loid) concentrations, with the exception of cadmium (Cd) (in the kidneys) and copper (Cu). Hedgehogs from Viana do Castelo and Viseu showed elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) and Castelo Branco presented concerning values of cadmium (Cd). Adult and heavier hedgehogs tended to present higher levels of metal(loid)s. Sex does not seem to significantly affect the metal(loid)s' concentrations. Further analysis would be needed to prioritize areas with detail and allow the application of the necessary mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM); Egas Moniz School of Health &Science, Almada, Portugal.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Patinha
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pato
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - María Casero
- RIAS-ALDEIA - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Erica Brazio
- Lisbon Wildife Rescue center (LxCRAS), Forest park of Monsanto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Mateus
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
- CISAS-Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Superior Agrarian School, Polytechical Institute of Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- EpiUnit - Public Health Institute of University of Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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3
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Rasmussen SL, Pertoldi C, Roslev P, Vorkamp K, Nielsen JL. A Review of the Occurrence of Metals and Xenobiotics in European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:232. [PMID: 38254401 PMCID: PMC10812797 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020232] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring data from several European countries indicate that European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) populations are declining, and research exploring the causes of the decline, including exposure to potentially harmful xenobiotics and metals, may inform conservation initiatives to protect this species in the wild. Hedgehogs are ground-dwelling mammals, feeding on a range of insects, slugs, snails, and earthworms, as well as eggs, live vertebrates, and carrion, including carcasses of apex predator species representing higher levels of the food chain. Consequently, hedgehogs come into close contact with contaminants present in their habitats and prey. This review investigated the studies available on the subject of the occurrence of metals and organic xenobiotics in hedgehogs. This study found that a vast range of different pesticides; persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine compounds and brominated flame retardants (BFRs); as well as toxic heavy metals could be detected. Some compounds occurred in lethal concentrations, and some were associated with a potential adverse effect on hedgehog health and survival. Due to their ecology, combined with the opportunity to apply non-invasive sampling techniques using spines as sampling material, we suggest that the European hedgehog is a relevant bioindicator species for monitoring the exposure of terrestrial wildlife to potential toxicants in urban and rural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Aalborg Zoo, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Roslev
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jeppe Lund Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
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Rasmussen SL, Schrøder BT, Berger A, Sollmann R, Macdonald DW, Pertoldi C, Alstrup AKO. Testing the Impact of Robotic Lawn Mowers on European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) and Designing a Safety Test. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:122. [PMID: 38200853 PMCID: PMC10777904 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010122] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has established that some models of robotic lawn mowers are potentially harmful to hedgehogs. As the market for robotic lawn mowers is expanding rapidly and the populations of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are in decline, it is important to investigate this risk further to understand the potential threat which some robotic lawn mowers may pose to hedgehogs. We tested 19 models of robotic lawn mowers in collision with hedgehog cadavers to measure their effect on hedgehogs. Our results showed that some models of robotic lawn mowers may injure hedgehogs, whereas others are not harmful to them. Apart from one single incidence, all robotic lawn mowers had to physically touch the hedgehog carcasses to detect them. Larger hedgehog cadavers were less likely to be "injured", with height being the most influential measure of size. The firmness of the tested hedgehog cadavers (frozen or thawed) did not influence the outcome of the collision tests. Neither the position of the hedgehog cadavers nor the selected technical features of the lawn mowers affected the probability of injury. Based on the results, we designed a standardised safety test to measure the effect of a specific model of robotic lawn mower on hedgehogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Bettina Thuland Schrøder
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark;
| | - Anne Berger
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
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5
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Rasmussen SL, Schrøder BT, Berger A, Macdonald DW, Pertoldi C, Briefer EF, Alstrup AKO. Facing Danger: Exploring Personality and Reactions of European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) towards Robotic Lawn Mowers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:2. [PMID: 38200733 PMCID: PMC10777922 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The populations of European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are in decline, and it is essential that research identifies and mitigates the factors causing this. Hedgehogs are increasingly sharing habitats with humans, being exposed to a range of dangers in our backyards. Previous research has documented that some models of robotic lawn mowers can cause harm to hedgehogs. This study explored the personality and behaviour of 50 live hedgehogs when facing an approaching, disarmed robotic lawn mower. By combining a novel arena and novel object test, we found that 27 hedgehogs could be categorised as "shy" and 23 as "bold", independently of sex and age. The encounter tests with a robotic lawn mower showed that the hedgehogs positioned themselves in seven different ways. Personality did not affect their reactions. Adult hedgehogs tended to react in a shyer manner, and the hedgehogs, generally, acted less boldly during their second encounter with the robotic lawn mower. Additionally, our results show that bold individuals reacted in a more unpredictable way, being more behaviourally unstable compared to the shy individuals. This knowledge will be applied in the design of a standardised hedgehog safety test, eventually serving to produce and approve hedgehog-friendly robotic lawn mowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Bettina Thuland Schrøder
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (B.T.S.); (E.F.B.)
| | - Anne Berger
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Elodie Floriane Briefer
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (B.T.S.); (E.F.B.)
| | - Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
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6
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Fernández-Fernández R, Lozano C, Reuben RC, Ruiz-Ripa L, Zarazaga M, Torres C. Comprehensive Approaches for the Search and Characterization of Staphylococcins. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1329. [PMID: 37317303 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel and sustainable approaches are required to curb the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Within the last decades, antimicrobial peptides, especially bacteriocins, have received increased attention and are being explored as suitable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria as a self-preservation method against competitors. Bacteriocins produced by Staphylococcus, also referred to as staphylococcins, have steadily shown great antimicrobial potential and are currently being considered promising candidates to mitigate the AMR menace. Moreover, several bacteriocin-producing Staphylococcus isolates of different species, especially coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), have been described and are being targeted as a good alternative. This revision aims to help researchers in the search and characterization of staphylococcins, so we provide an up-to-date list of bacteriocin produced by Staphylococcus. Moreover, a universal nucleotide and amino acid-based phylogeny system of the well-characterized staphylococcins is proposed that could be of interest in the classification and search for these promising antimicrobials. Finally, we discuss the state of art of the staphylococcin applications and an overview of the emerging concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fernández-Fernández
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Carmen Lozano
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Rine Christopher Reuben
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Laura Ruiz-Ripa
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Myriam Zarazaga
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Carmen Torres
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
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Burgold-Voigt S, Monecke S, Busch A, Bocklisch H, Braun SD, Diezel C, Hotzel H, Liebler-Tenorio EM, Müller E, Reinicke M, Reissig A, Ruppelt-Lorz A, Ehricht R. Characterisation of a Staphylococcus aureus Isolate Carrying Phage-Borne Enterotoxin E from a European Badger ( Meles meles). Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050704. [PMID: 37242375 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus (S.) aureus colonizes up to 30% of all humans and can occasionally cause serious infections. It is not restricted to humans as it can also often be found in livestock and wildlife. Recent studies have shown that wildlife strains of S. aureus usually belong to other clonal complexes than human strains and that they might differ significantly with regard to the prevalence of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance properties and virulence factors. Here, we describe a strain of S. aureus isolated from a European badger (Meles meles). For molecular characterisation, DNA microarray-based technology was combined with various next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. Bacteriophages from this isolate were induced with Mitomycin C and characterized in detail by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and NGS. The S. aureus isolate belonged to ST425 and had a novel spa repeat sequence (t20845). It did not carry any resistance genes. The uncommon enterotoxin gene see was detected in one of its three temperate bacteriophages. It was possible to demonstrate the induction of all three prophages, although only one of them was expected to be capable of excision based on its carriage of the excisionase gene xis. All three bacteriophages belonged to the family Siphoviridae. Minor differences in size and shape of their heads were noted in TEM images. The results highlight the ability of S. aureus to colonize or infect different host species successfully, which can be attributed to a variety of virulence factors on mobile genetic elements, such as bacteriophages. As shown in the strain described herein, temperate bacteriophages not only contribute to the fitness of their staphylococcal host by transferring virulence factors, but also increase mobility among themselves by sharing genes for excision and mobilization with other prophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindy Burgold-Voigt
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Monecke
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, Dresden University Hospital, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne Busch
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Herbert Bocklisch
- Thuringian State Authority for Food-Safety and Consumer Protection (TLLV), 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - Sascha D Braun
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Celia Diezel
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07751 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Elke Müller
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Reinicke
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Annett Reissig
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Antje Ruppelt-Lorz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, Dresden University Hospital, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
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8
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Hematology, Biochemistry, and Protein Electrophoresis Reference Intervals of Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) from a Rehabilitation Center in Northern Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061009. [PMID: 36978550 PMCID: PMC10044010 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can work as a bioindicator of environmental pollution and be a host for multiple zoonotic agents, making it relevant in terms of One Health studies. It is essential to deepen the knowledge on this species and calculate reference intervals (RIs) for the usual hematological and biochemical parameters. For this retrospective study (2017–2022), the archives of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory (LPC) of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) Veterinary Teaching Hospital were analyzed. Data of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis from 37 healthy hedgehogs of the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center at UTAD, Northern Portugal, were included. It was possible to calculate RIs for almost all of the variables in the study, using Reference Value Advisor V2.1. Moreover, sex and age effects were investigated: alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012, higher in males); total proteins (p = 0.034, higher in adults); mean cell volume (p = 0.007) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0.010) (both higher in juveniles); and red blood cell distribution width (p = 0.021, higher in adults). Our study allowed for the first time to define RIs for a population of hedgehogs in Portugal, having a potentially relevant impact on species conservation and in the human–animal health interface.
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9
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Rasmussen SL, Berg TB, Martens HJ, Jones OR. Anyone Can Get Old-All You Have to Do Is Live Long Enough: Understanding Mortality and Life Expectancy in European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040626. [PMID: 36830413 PMCID: PMC9951656 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The European hedgehog is in decline, triggering a need to monitor population dynamics to optimise conservation initiatives directed at this species. By counting periosteal growth lines, we determined the age of 388 dead European hedgehogs collected through citizen science in Denmark. The overall mean age was 1.8 years (1.6 years for females and 2.1 years for males), ranging between 0 and 16 years. We constructed life tables showing life expectancies at 2.1 years for females and 2.6 years for males. We discovered that male hedgehogs were more likely to have died in traffic than females, but traffic-related deaths peaked in July for both sexes. A sex difference was detected for non-traffic deaths, as most males died in July, and most females died in September. We created empirical survivorship curves and hazard curves showing that the risk of death for male hedgehogs remains approximately constant with age. In contrast, the risk of death for females increases with age. Most of the collected road-killed individuals died in rural habitats. The degree of inbreeding did not influence longevity. These new insights are important for preparing conservation strategies for the European hedgehog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas B. Berg
- Naturama, 30 Dronningemaen, DK-5700 Svendborg, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 55 Campusvej, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Helle Jakobe Martens
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Section for Forest, Nature and Biomass, Copenhagen University, 23 Rolighedsvej, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Owen R. Jones
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 55 Campusvej, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, 55 Campusvej, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
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10
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Clonal dissemination of successful emerging clone mecA-MRSA t304/ST6 among humans and hedgehogs in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
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11
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Bearman-Brown LE, Baker PJ. An Estimate of the Scale and Composition of the Hedgehog ( Erinaceus europeaus) Rehabilitation Community in Britain and the Channel Islands. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223139. [PMID: 36428367 PMCID: PMC9686839 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223139] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The conservation benefits of wildlife rehabilitation are equivocal, but could be substantial for formerly common species that are declining rapidly but are still commonly admitted to wildlife centres. We used a questionnaire survey to estimate the number of practitioners rehabilitating West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Britain and the numbers entering hospitals/centres in one benchmark year (2016); practitioners were identified using an internet search and snowball sampling. Overall, 304 rehabilitators were identified: 148 supplied data on their structure, and 174 outlined the number of hedgehogs admitted in 2016. The former comprised 62.6% small (≤50 hedgehogs admitted year−1), 16.7% medium-sized (51−250 yr−1), and 20.7% large (>250 yr−1) hospitals; however, these accounted for 4.8%, 12.4%, and 82.8% of hedgehog admissions, respectively. Small hospitals were less likely to be registered as a charity, have paid staff, have a social media account, to record admissions electronically, or to conduct post-release monitoring. However, they were more likely to operate from their home address and to have been established for ≤5 years. Extrapolations indicate that this rehabilitation community admitted >40,000 hedgehogs in 2016, of which approximately 50% could have been released. These figures suggest that wildlife rehabilitation has potentially been an important factor in the dynamics of hedgehog populations in Britain in the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E. Bearman-Brown
- Department of Animal & Agriculture, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1452702465
| | - Philip J. Baker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK
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12
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Monecke S, Roberts MC, Braun SD, Diezel C, Müller E, Reinicke M, Linde J, Joshi PR, Paudel S, Acharya M, Chalise MK, Feßler AT, Hotzel H, Khanal L, Koju NP, Schwarz S, Kyes RC, Ehricht R. Sequence Analysis of Novel Staphylococcus aureus Lineages from Wild and Captive Macaques. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11225. [PMID: 36232529 PMCID: PMC9570271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a widespread and common opportunistic bacterium that can colonise or infect humans as well as a wide range of animals. There are a few studies of both methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolated from monkeys, apes, and lemurs, indicating a presence of a number of poorly or unknown lineages of the pathogen. In order to obtain insight into staphylococcal diversity, we sequenced strains from wild and captive individuals of three macaque species (Macaca mulatta, M. assamensis, and M. sylvanus) using Nanopore and Illumina technologies. These strains were previously identified by microarray as poorly or unknown strains. Isolates of novel lineages ST4168, ST7687, ST7688, ST7689, ST7690, ST7691, ST7692, ST7693, ST7694, ST7695, ST7745, ST7746, ST7747, ST7748, ST7749, ST7750, ST7751, ST7752, ST7753, and ST7754 were sequenced and characterised for the first time. In addition, isolates belonging to ST2990, a lineage also observed in humans, and ST3268, a MRSA strain already known from macaques, were also included into the study. Mobile genetic elements, genomic islands, and carriage of prophages were analysed. There was no evidence for novel host-specific virulence factors. However, a conspicuously high rate of carriage of a pathogenicity island harbouring edinB and etD2/etE as well as a higher number of repeat units within the gene sasG (encoding an adhesion factor) than in human isolates were observed. None of the strains harboured the genes encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin. In conclusion, wildlife including macaques may harbour an unappreciated diversity of S. aureus lineages that may be of clinical relevance for humans, livestock, or for wildlife conservation, given the declining state of many wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Monecke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, Dresden University Hospital, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marilyn C. Roberts
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sascha D. Braun
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Celia Diezel
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Elke Müller
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Reinicke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Linde
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Prabhu Raj Joshi
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Saroj Paudel
- Nepalese Farming Institute, Maitidevi, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Mahesh Acharya
- Nepalese Farming Institute, Maitidevi, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Mukesh K. Chalise
- Nepal Biodiversity Research Society, Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
| | - Andrea T. Feßler
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR), Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Laxman Khanal
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
| | - Narayan P. Koju
- Center for Postgraduate Studies, Nepal Engineering College, Pokhara University, Lalitpur 33700, Nepal
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR), Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Randall C. Kyes
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Center for Global Field Study, Departments of Psychology, Global Health, Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
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13
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Machine-learning prediction of hosts of novel coronaviruses requires caution as it may affect wildlife conservation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5101. [PMID: 36096892 PMCID: PMC9468137 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32746-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Sahin-Tóth J, Albert E, Juhász A, Ghidán Á, Juhász J, Horváth A, Steward MC, Dobay O. Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and first report of mecC-MRSA in Hungary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152858. [PMID: 34995585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In 2011 mecC, a new mecA gene homologue, was described in a bovine isolate in the UK. Since then, mecC-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (mecC-MRSA) has also been found in wild animals. An especially high prevalence of mecC-MRSA has been reported among hedgehogs in Sweden (64%) and Denmark (61%). Based on these findings we aimed to survey the hedgehog population for mecC-MRSA in Hungary. Altogether 200 hedgehogs were screened for Staphylococcus aureus using a culture-based method. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates to nine drugs was determined, their genetic relatedness was established by PFGE and spa-typing, and virulence genes were identified by PCR. Whole genome sequencing was performed for the single mecC-MRSA isolate found. Of the 200 animals, 13 were carriers of S. aureus (6.5%). Among these, one isolate was mecA positive and one was mecC positive. The isolates were susceptible to non-beta-lactam antibiotics. Toxin genes were not found, but the majority carried genes responsible for adhesion and biofilm production. The mecC-MRSA isolate was a single-locus variant of ST130, had a new spa type (t19701) and belonged to SCCmec type XI. It carried a recently described, novel exfoliative toxin (etE). This is the first report of mecC-MRSA in Hungary and the first survey of staphylococcus carriage among wild animals in the country. The mecC prevalence was much lower than in Northern European countries and rather similar to other countries in our region. MecC-MRSA could potentially emerge as a novel human pathogen, especially where close contact occurs between humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Sahin-Tóth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ervin Albert
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Dóra major, HU-2225 Üllő, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary; Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Ágoston Ghidán
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Juhász
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50/A, HU-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Horváth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Martin C Steward
- School of Medical Sciences, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Department of Oral Biology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Dobay
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., HU-1089 Budapest, Hungary.
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15
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The European Union Summary Report on Antimicrobial Resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2019–2020. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07209. [PMID: 35382452 PMCID: PMC8961508 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food are collected annually by the EU Member States (MSs), jointly analysed by the EFSA and the ECDC and reported in a yearly EU Summary Report. The annual monitoring of AMR in animals and food within the EU is targeted at selected animal species corresponding to the reporting year. The 2020 monitoring specifically focussed on poultry and their derived carcases/meat, while the monitoring performed in 2019 specifically focused on fattening pigs and calves under 1 year of age, as well as their derived carcases/meat. Monitoring and reporting of AMR in 2019–2020 included data regarding Salmonella, Campylobacter and indicator E. coli isolates, as well as data obtained from the specific monitoring of presumptive ESBL‐/AmpC‐/carbapenemase‐producing E. coli isolates. Additionally, some MSs reported voluntary data on the occurrence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals and food, with some countries also providing data on antimicrobial susceptibility. This report provides an overview of the main findings of the 2019–2020 harmonised AMR monitoring in the main food‐producing animal populations monitored, in carcase/meat samples and in humans. Where available, monitoring data obtained from pigs, calves, broilers, laying hens and turkeys, as well as from carcase/meat samples and humans were combined and compared at the EU level, with particular emphasis on multidrug resistance, complete susceptibility and combined resistance patterns to critically important antimicrobials, as well as Salmonella and E. coli isolates possessing ESBL‐/AmpC‐/carbapenemase phenotypes. The key outcome indicators for AMR in food‐producing animals, such as complete susceptibility to the harmonised panel of antimicrobials in E. coli and the prevalence of ESBL‐/AmpC‐producing E. coli have been specifically analysed over the period 2014–2020.
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16
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Larsen J, Raisen CL, Ba X, Sadgrove NJ, Padilla-González GF, Simmonds MSJ, Loncaric I, Kerschner H, Apfalter P, Hartl R, Deplano A, Vandendriessche S, Černá Bolfíková B, Hulva P, Arendrup MC, Hare RK, Barnadas C, Stegger M, Sieber RN, Skov RL, Petersen A, Angen Ø, Rasmussen SL, Espinosa-Gongora C, Aarestrup FM, Lindholm LJ, Nykäsenoja SM, Laurent F, Becker K, Walther B, Kehrenberg C, Cuny C, Layer F, Werner G, Witte W, Stamm I, Moroni P, Jørgensen HJ, de Lencastre H, Cercenado E, García-Garrote F, Börjesson S, Hæggman S, Perreten V, Teale CJ, Waller AS, Pichon B, Curran MD, Ellington MJ, Welch JJ, Peacock SJ, Seilly DJ, Morgan FJE, Parkhill J, Hadjirin NF, Lindsay JA, Holden MTG, Edwards GF, Foster G, Paterson GK, Didelot X, Holmes MA, Harrison EM, Larsen AR. Emergence of methicillin resistance predates the clinical use of antibiotics. Nature 2022; 602:135-141. [PMID: 34987223 PMCID: PMC8810379 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04265-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics more than 80 years ago has led to considerable improvements in human and animal health. Although antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria is ancient, resistance in human pathogens is thought to be a modern phenomenon that is driven by the clinical use of antibiotics1. Here we show that particular lineages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-a notorious human pathogen-appeared in European hedgehogs in the pre-antibiotic era. Subsequently, these lineages spread within the local hedgehog populations and between hedgehogs and secondary hosts, including livestock and humans. We also demonstrate that the hedgehog dermatophyte Trichophyton erinacei produces two β-lactam antibiotics that provide a natural selective environment in which methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates have an advantage over susceptible isolates. Together, these results suggest that methicillin resistance emerged in the pre-antibiotic era as a co-evolutionary adaptation of S. aureus to the colonization of dermatophyte-infected hedgehogs. The evolution of clinically relevant antibiotic-resistance genes in wild animals and the connectivity of natural, agricultural and human ecosystems demonstrate that the use of a One Health approach is critical for our understanding and management of antibiotic resistance, which is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Larsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Claire L Raisen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiaoliang Ba
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Igor Loncaric
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidrun Kerschner
- National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections, Institute for Hygiene, Microbiology and Tropical Medicine, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Petra Apfalter
- National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections, Institute for Hygiene, Microbiology and Tropical Medicine, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Rainer Hartl
- National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections, Institute for Hygiene, Microbiology and Tropical Medicine, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Ariane Deplano
- National Reference Centre-Staphylococcus aureus, Department of Microbiology, Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stien Vandendriessche
- National Reference Centre-Staphylococcus aureus, Department of Microbiology, Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbora Černá Bolfíková
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hulva
- Department of Zoology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Maiken C Arendrup
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus K Hare
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Céline Barnadas
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- European Programme for Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raphael N Sieber
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert L Skov
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Petersen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øystein Angen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophie L Rasmussen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney, UK
| | - Carmen Espinosa-Gongora
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Frank M Aarestrup
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Laura J Lindholm
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Frederic Laurent
- Bacteriology Department and French National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Karsten Becker
- Friedrich Loeffler-Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Birgit Walther
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Veterinary Faculty, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS-4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Kehrenberg
- Institute for Veterinary Food Science, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christiane Cuny
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Franziska Layer
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Guido Werner
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Witte
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | | | - Paolo Moroni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
- Quality Milk Production Services, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Hermínia de Lencastre
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, ITQB NOVA, Oeiras, Portugal
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emilia Cercenado
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo, Spain
| | - Fernando García-Garrote
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Stefan Börjesson
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sara Hæggman
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Andrew S Waller
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
- Intervacc AB, Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bruno Pichon
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Martin D Curran
- Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew J Ellington
- Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - John J Welch
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David J Seilly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona J E Morgan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nazreen F Hadjirin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jodi A Lindsay
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Giles F Edwards
- Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Gavin K Paterson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, UK
| | - Xavier Didelot
- School of Life Sciences and Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - Mark A Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ewan M Harrison
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anders R Larsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Rasmussen SL, Hallig J, van Wijk RE, Petersen HH. An investigation of endoparasites and the determinants of parasite infection in European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) from Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:217-227. [PMID: 34703761 PMCID: PMC8524744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The European hedgehog population is declining in Europe. It is therefore important to investigate the causes for the decline and monitor the general health of the species. We investigated the endoparasite occurrence in 299 dead European hedgehogs. Of these, endoparasites were detected in 69% of the individuals tested. We identified Crenosoma striatum, Capillaria aerophila (syn. Eucoleus aerophilus), Capillaria spp., coccidia, Cryptosporidium spp., Brachylaemus spp. and Capillaria hepatica. We also examined the hedgehogs for Giardia spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis but all were negative. Coccidia (n = 7, 2.5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 14, 5.2%) were only detected in individuals from Zealand, Lolland and Jutland south of the Limfjord. Single cases of Brachylaemus spp. (n = 1, 0.4%) and Capillaria hepatica (n = 1, 1.1%) were exclusively discovered in Jutland south and north of the Limfjord, respectively. These results indicate a regional difference in endoparasite species carried by European hedgehogs in Denmark. This stresses the need for hedgehogs to be cared for locally when admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres, and to be released within their area of origin, to prevent spread of endoparasite infections among hedgehogs. Additionally, we explored the following possible determinants of parasite infection in the hedgehogs: sex, age, mortality category (in-care, natural and roadkill), infection with MRSA, genetic heterozygosity, month of death, geographical location and habitat type, and found that only age had a statistically significant effect on endoparasite prevalence, as we detected a lower occurrence of endoparasites in juvenile hedgehogs (<1 year) compared to the other age classes. However, pairwise comparisons of geographical regions did show significant differences in endoparasite occurrence: Zealand vs. Jutland south of the Limfjord and Zealand vs. Falster. We conclude that, in line with previous studies of European hedgehogs throughout their range in Western Europe, endoparasite infections are common and a natural part of their ecology. We investigated the endoparasites of 299 dead European hedgehogs from Denmark. We found that 69% (n = 206) of the hedgehogs hosted endoparasites. We detected Crenosoma, Capillaria, Cryptosporidium, Brachylaemus and coccidia spp. We explored possible determinants of overall endoparasite occurrence. We conclude that only age and geography significantly affected endoparasite occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, OX13 5QL, UK.,Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Hallig
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rien E van Wijk
- Van Wijk Eco Research, Bagsværddal 7 st tv, 2880, Bagsværd, Denmark
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
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Garcias B, Aguirre L, Seminati C, Reyes N, Allepuz A, Obón E, Molina-Lopez RA, Darwich L. Extended-Spectrum β-Lactam Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Wild European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europeus) Living in Populated Areas. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102837. [PMID: 34679858 PMCID: PMC8532684 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The alarming emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and veterinary medicine has activated awareness for monitoring the levels of AMR pollution in the environment and wildlife. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are common wild species habiting urban areas in Europe. In this study, the occurrence and distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactam (ESBL) resistant enterobacteria and AMR genes were assessed in wild European hedgehogs in Catalonia, NE Spain. The results showed that 36.8% of the animals were detected as carriers of β-lactamase/carbapenemase resistance genes, with a special occurrence of human nosocomial bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii. In addition, more than half of the enterobacteria presented a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype and 31% of the isolates had an extended XDR profile. No differences in the spatial distribution of animals with AMR genes were observed within the study region. The results of this study suggest that the close contact with human areas predispose the transmission of AMR genes to wild hedgehogs because they either inhabit and/or feed in an anthropogenic environment. In conclusion, hedgehogs could be good sentinels or bioindicators of AMR environmental pollution, especially in highly populated areas with high human activity. Abstract Wildlife has been suggested to be a good sentinel of environmental health because of its close interaction with human populations, domestic animals, and natural ecosystems. The alarming emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and veterinary medicine has activated/triggered the awareness of monitoring the levels of AMR pollution in wildlife. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are common wild species habiting urban areas in Europe. However, there are few studies conducted in hedgehogs as reservoirs of AMR bacteria or genes. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and distribution of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenem-resistant enterobacteria and AMR genes in wild European hedgehogs in Catalonia, a densely populated region of NE Spain. A total of 115 hedgehogs admitted at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Torreferrussa were studied. To our knowledge, this is the first description of β-lactam resistant enterobacteria in wild hedgehogs. Interestingly, 36.8% (42/114) of the animals were detected as carriers of β-lactamase/carbapenemase resistance genes. Klebsiella spp. (59.6%), and specifically K. pneumoniae (84.6%), were the bacteria with the highest proportion of resistance genes, followed by E. coli (34.6%) and C. freundii (5.8%). The most frequently detected genetic variants were blaCTX-M-15 (19.3%), blaSHV-28 (10.5%), blaCMY-1 (9.7%), blaCMY-2 (8.8%), and blaOXA-48 (1.7%). In addition, 52% (27/52) of the isolates presented a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype and 31% had an extended drug resistance (XDR) profile. No clustering of animals with AMR genes within the study region was shown in the spatial analysis, nor differences in the proportion of positive animals among regions, were detected. The results of this study suggest that wild European hedgehogs could be good sentinels of AMR environmental pollution, especially in areas with a high human population density, because they either inhabit and/or feed in an anthropogenic environment. In conclusion, it is crucial to raise awareness of the strong interconnection between habitats and compartments, and therefore this implies that AMR issues must be tackled under the One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biel Garcias
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.G.); (L.A.); (C.S.); (N.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Laia Aguirre
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.G.); (L.A.); (C.S.); (N.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Chiara Seminati
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.G.); (L.A.); (C.S.); (N.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Nerea Reyes
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.G.); (L.A.); (C.S.); (N.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Alberto Allepuz
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.G.); (L.A.); (C.S.); (N.R.); (A.A.)
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Elena Obón
- Catalan Wildlife Service, Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain; (E.O.); (R.A.M.-L.)
| | - Rafael A. Molina-Lopez
- Catalan Wildlife Service, Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain; (E.O.); (R.A.M.-L.)
| | - Laila Darwich
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.G.); (L.A.); (C.S.); (N.R.); (A.A.)
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-935811046
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Benzylpenicillin-producing Trichophyton erinacei and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus carrying the mecC gene on European hedgehogs - A pilot-study. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:212. [PMID: 34266385 PMCID: PMC8283913 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A high carriage rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with the mecC gene (mecC-MRSA) has been described among Wild European hedgehogs (Europeaus erineaus). Due to this frequent occurrence, it has been suggested that hedgehogs could be a natural reservoir for mecC-MRSA. However, the reason why hedgehogs carry mecC-MRSA remains unknown, but it has been hypothesized that mecC-MRSA could have evolved on the skin of hedgehogs due to the co-occurrence with antibiotic producing dermatophytes. The aim of this pilot-study was therefore to investigate if hedgehogs in Sweden carry Trichophyton spp. and to provide evidence that these dermatophytes are able to produce penicillin or similar substances. In addition, the study aimed to identify if dermatophytes co-occurred with mecC-MRSA. Methods Samples were collected from hedgehogs (Europeaus erineaus) that were euthanized or died of natural causes. All samples were screened for dermatophytes and mecC-MRSA using selective cultivation methods. Suspected isolates were characterized using PCR-based methods, genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Identification of penicillin was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results In total 23 hedgehogs were investigated, and it was shown that two carried Trichophyton erinacei producing benzyl-penicillin, and that these hedgehogs also carried mecC-MRSA. The study also showed that 60% of the hedgehogs carried mecC-MRSA. Conclusion The pilot-study demonstrated that Trichophyton erinacei, isolated from Swedish hedgehogs, can produce benzylpenicillin and that these benzylpenicillin-producing T. erinacei co-occurred with mecC-MRSA. The study also reconfirmed the high occurrence of mecC-MRSA among hedgehogs.
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Abstract
Erinaceus europaeus is a cosmopolitan mammalian species broadly distributed in Europe, from natural to suburban areas. Due to its ecological role and susceptibility to distinct zoonotic agents, E. europaeus could be a suitable sentinel candidate for many global problems that negatively affect human and animal health. Hedgehogs can work as bioindicators to environmental contamination and can be hosts for multiple tickborne zoonotic agents. Thus, people who directly or indirectly make physical contact with this species are exposed to a variety of threats. Moreover, it has also been studied as an indicator for antibiotic resistance, which was already confirmed for tetracyclines. Additionally, it was also reported as a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). More recently, hedgehogs have been recently recognised as potential reservoirs of MERS-CoV-like strains. Among other animals, this species can possibly represent an intermediate reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this review is to briefly expose the scientific attainments about hedgehog health, namely agents, diseases, and threats that significantly affect general health concerns and that contribute to achieve One Health principles.
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Hedgehogs as a Potential Source of Zoonotic Pathogens-A Review and an Update of Knowledge. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061754. [PMID: 34208276 PMCID: PMC8230866 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Up to date studies indicate that wild hedgehogs may act as carriers and/or hosts for bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens with zoonotic potential, posing a significant threat to humans. The same applies to domestic hedgehogs, which are increasingly kept as pets. Considering the potential risk of infection to humans through close contact with hedgehogs or the contaminated environment they inhabit, current data on the prevalence of various zoonotic pathogens in these animals is desirable. Abstract Hedgehogs are small insectivorous mammals common across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The increased encroachment of humans into hedgehog habitats has disrupted the human-animal-environment interface. With growing interest in the zoonotic diseases of wildlife species, more studies have been devoted to this subject in the last few years. These papers provide information about known and new emerging diseases. Here we review the current knowledge regarding bacterial, viral, protozoic, and mycotic pathogens with zoonotic potential and assess the importance of hedgehogs as their carriers. Both wild and pet hedgehogs were included in the review. Data from several countries and various hedgehog species were included. The study shows the importance of hedgehogs as carriers of zoonotic diseases and reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens in varied habitats.
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello H, Berendonk T, Cavaco LM, Gaze W, Schmitt H, Topp E, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Role played by the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the food chain. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06651. [PMID: 34178158 PMCID: PMC8210462 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of food-producing environments in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in EU plant-based food production, terrestrial animals (poultry, cattle and pigs) and aquaculture was assessed. Among the various sources and transmission routes identified, fertilisers of faecal origin, irrigation and surface water for plant-based food and water for aquaculture were considered of major importance. For terrestrial animal production, potential sources consist of feed, humans, water, air/dust, soil, wildlife, rodents, arthropods and equipment. Among those, evidence was found for introduction with feed and humans, for the other sources, the importance could not be assessed. Several ARB of highest priority for public health, such as carbapenem or extended-spectrum cephalosporin and/or fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales (including Salmonella enterica), fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis were identified. Among highest priority ARGs bla CTX -M, bla VIM, bla NDM, bla OXA -48-like, bla OXA -23, mcr, armA, vanA, cfr and optrA were reported. These highest priority bacteria and genes were identified in different sources, at primary and post-harvest level, particularly faeces/manure, soil and water. For all sectors, reducing the occurrence of faecal microbial contamination of fertilisers, water, feed and the production environment and minimising persistence/recycling of ARB within animal production facilities is a priority. Proper implementation of good hygiene practices, biosecurity and food safety management systems is very important. Potential AMR-specific interventions are in the early stages of development. Many data gaps relating to sources and relevance of transmission routes, diversity of ARB and ARGs, effectiveness of mitigation measures were identified. Representative epidemiological and attribution studies on AMR and its effective control in food production environments at EU level, linked to One Health and environmental initiatives, are urgently required.
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Fountain K, Blackett T, Butler H, Carchedi C, Schilling AK, Meredith A, Gibbon MJ, Lloyd DH, Loeffler A, Feil EJ. Fatal exudative dermatitis in island populations of red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris): spillover of a virulent Staphylococcus aureus clone (ST49) from reservoir hosts. Microb Genom 2021; 7:000565. [PMID: 34016250 PMCID: PMC8209723 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatal exudative dermatitis (FED) is a significant cause of death of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands where it is associated with a virulent clone of Staphylococcus aureus, ST49. S. aureus ST49 has been found in other hosts such as small mammals, pigs and humans, but the dynamics of carriage and disease of this clone, or any other lineage in red squirrels, is currently unknown. We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize 228 isolates from healthy red squirrels on Jersey, the Isle of Arran (Scotland) and Brownsea Island (England), from red squirrels showing signs of FED on Jersey and the Isle of Wight (England) and a small number of isolates from other hosts. S. aureus was frequently carried by red squirrels on the Isle of Arran with strains typically associated with small ruminants predominating. For the Brownsea carriage, S. aureus was less frequent and involved strains associated with birds, small ruminants and humans, while for the Jersey carriage S. aureus was rare but ST49 predominated in diseased squirrels. By combining our data with publicly available sequences, we show that the S. aureus carriage in red squirrels largely reflects frequent but facile acquisitions of strains carried by other hosts sharing their habitat ('spillover'), possibly including, in the case of ST188, humans. Genome-wide association analysis of the ruminant lineage ST133 revealed variants in a small number of mostly bacterial-cell-membrane-associated genes that were statistically associated with squirrel isolates from the Isle of Arran, raising the possibility of specific adaptation to red squirrels in this lineage. In contrast there is little evidence that ST49 is a common carriage isolate of red squirrels and infection from reservoir hosts such as bank voles or rats, is likely to be driving the emergence of FED in red squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Fountain
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Tiffany Blackett
- Voluntary Co-ordinator of the JSPCA Animals' Shelter Red Squirrel Disease Surveillance Scheme, JSPCA Animals' Shelter, 89 St Saviours Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ, Jersey
| | - Helen Butler
- Wight Squirrel Project, PO Box 33 Nicholson Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1BH, UK
| | - Catherine Carchedi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anna-Katarina Schilling
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Anna Meredith
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Marjorie J. Gibbon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David H. Lloyd
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anette Loeffler
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Edward J. Feil
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
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The European Union Summary Report on Antimicrobial Resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2018/2019. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06490. [PMID: 33868492 PMCID: PMC8040295 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food are collected annually by the EU Member States (MSs), jointly analysed by the EFSA and the ECDC and reported in a yearly EU Summary Report. The annual monitoring of AMR in animals and food within the EU is targeted at selected animal species corresponding to the reporting year. The 2018 monitoring specifically focussed on poultry and their derived carcases/meat, while the monitoring performed in 2019 specifically focused on pigs and calves under 1 year of age, as well as their derived carcases/meat. Monitoring and reporting of AMR in 2018/2019 included data regarding Salmonella, Campylobacter and indicator Escherichia coli isolates, as well as data obtained from the specific monitoring of presumptive ESBL-/AmpC-/carbapenemase-producing E. coli isolates. Additionally, some MSs reported voluntary data on the occurrence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals and food, with some countries also providing data on antimicrobial susceptibility. This report provides an overview of the main findings of the 2018/2019 harmonised AMR monitoring in the main food-producing animal populations monitored, in related carcase/meat samples and in humans. Where available, data monitoring obtained from pigs, calves, broilers, laying hens and turkeys, as well as from carcase/meat samples and humans were combined and compared at the EU level, with particular emphasis on multidrug resistance, complete susceptibility and combined resistance patterns to critically important antimicrobials, as well as Salmonella and E. coli isolates possessing ESBL-/AmpC-/carbapenemase phenotypes. The outcome indicators for AMR in food-producing animals such as complete susceptibility to the harmonised panel of antimicrobials in E. coli and the prevalence of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli have been also specifically analysed over the period 2015-2019.
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No Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Dairy Goats. DAIRY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy2010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This short communication addresses the hypothesis that the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is low in dairy goats in Sweden. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is a widespread zoonotic bacterium of clinical importance in both animals and humans. In Sweden, MRSA is rare among both animals and humans. However, MRSA has been detected in a few goat herds in Sweden with a high within-herd occurrence of mecC-MRSA, but only a limited number of herds were investigated and most of them were not producing milk for human consumption. The prevalence of MRSA among dairy goat herds in Sweden is not known and a cross-sectional prevalence study was therefore conducted. A total of 22 bulk milk samples from the same number of herds, and pooled swabs from nose, mouth, and perineum from 113 goats, were collected during August and September 2019 for bacteriological investigation. After culturing on selective media, suspected isolates were confirmed as S. aureus using MALDI-TOF and subjected to PCR targeting the mecA and mecC genes to confirm MRSA status. No samples were found to be positive for MRSA, and there are therefore no indications of a spread of MRSA in Swedish dairy goat herds.
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Human mecC-Carrying MRSA: Clinical Implications and Risk Factors. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101615. [PMID: 33092294 PMCID: PMC7589452 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A new methicillin resistance gene, named mecC, was first described in 2011 in both humans and animals. Since then, this gene has been detected in different production and free-living animals and as an agent causing infections in some humans. The possible impact that these isolates can have in clinical settings remains unknown. The current available information about mecC-carrying methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from human samples was analyzed in order to establish its possible clinical implications as well as to determine the infection types associated with this resistance mechanism, the characteristics of these mecC-carrying isolates, their possible relation with animals and the presence of other risk factors. Until now, most human mecC-MRSA infections have been reported in Europe and mecC-MRSA isolates have been identified belonging to a small number of clonal complexes. Although the prevalence of mecC-MRSA human infections is very low and isolates usually contain few resistance (except for beta-lactams) and virulence genes, first isolates harboring important virulence genes or that are resistant to non-beta lactams have already been described. Moreover, severe and even fatal human infection cases have been detected. mecC-carrying MRSA should be taken into consideration in hospital, veterinary and food safety laboratories and in prevention strategies in order to avoid possible emerging health problems.
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Decline in Distribution and Abundance: Urban Hedgehogs under Pressure. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091606. [PMID: 32916892 PMCID: PMC7552246 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hedgehogs have been found in higher densities in urban compared to rural areas. Recent dramatic declines in rural hedgehog numbers lead us to pose the question: how are hedgehogs faring in urban areas? In this study, we examined how hedgehog numbers have changed in the city of Zurich, Switzerland, in the last 25 years. We compared data collected through citizen science projects conducted in 1992 and 2016–2018, including: observations of hedgehogs, data from footprint tunnels, and capture-mark recapture studies. We found that hedgehog numbers have declined by 41%, from the former average of more than 30 individuals per km2, in the last 25 years. In the same time span, hedgehogs have lost 18% of their former urban distribution. The reasons for this decline are still unknown. Intensification of urban buildup, reduction of green space quality, the use of pesticides, parasites, or diseases, as well as increasing numbers of badgers, which are hedgehog predators, in urban areas are discussed as potential causes. Worryingly, these results suggest that hedgehogs are now under increasing pressure not only in rural but also in urban areas, their former refuges. Abstract Increasing urbanization and densification are two of the largest global threats to biodiversity. However, certain species thrive in urban spaces. Hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus have been found in higher densities in green areas of settlements as compared to rural spaces. With recent studies pointing to dramatically declining hedgehog numbers in rural areas, we pose the question: how do hedgehogs fare in urban spaces, and do these spaces act as refuges? In this study, recent (2016–2018) and past (1992) hedgehog abundance and distribution were compared across the city of Zurich, Switzerland using citizen science methods, including: footprint tunnels, capture-mark recapture, and incidental sightings. Our analyses revealed consistent negative trends: Overall hedgehog distribution decreased by 17.6% ± 4.7%, whereas abundance declined by 40.6% (mean abundance 32 vs. 19 hedgehogs/km2, in past and recent time, respectively), with one study plot even showing a 91% decline in this period (78 vs. 7 hedgehogs/km2, respectively). We discuss possible causes of this rapid decline: increased urban densification, reduction of insect biomass, and pesticide use, as well as the role of increasing populations of badgers (a hedgehog predator) and parasites or diseases. Our results suggest that hedgehogs are now under increasing pressure not only in rural but also in urban areas, their former refuges.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus Lineages in Wild Animals in Europe: A Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9030122. [PMID: 32183272 PMCID: PMC7148531 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9030122] [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: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunist pathogen that is responsible for numerous types of infections. S. aureus is known for its ability to easily acquire antibiotic resistance determinants. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of infections both in humans and animals and is usually associated with a multidrug-resistant profile. MRSA dissemination is increasing due to its capability of establishing new reservoirs and has been found in humans, animals and the environment. Despite the fact that the information on the incidence of MRSA in the environment and, in particular, in wild animals, is scarce, some studies have reported the presence of these strains among wildlife with no direct contact with antibiotics. This shows a possible transmission between species and, consequently, a public health concern. The aim of this review is to better understand the distribution, prevalence and molecular lineages of MRSA in European free-living animals.
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