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Jiang Y, Wang R, Guo J, Cheng K, Chen L, Wang X, Li Y, Du P, Gao C, Lu J, Yu Y, Yang Z. Isolation and characterization of Hc-targeting chimeric heavy chain antibodies neutralizing botulinum neurotoxin type B. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1380694. [PMID: 38779676 PMCID: PMC11109933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) produced by Clostridium botulinum is one of the most potent known toxins. Moreover, BoNT is classified as one of the most important biological warfare agents that threatens the biosafety of the world. Currently, the approved treatment for botulism in humans is the use of polyvalent horse serum antitoxins. However, they are greatly limited because of insufficient supply and adverse reactions. Thus, treatment of human botulism requires the development of effective toxin-neutralizing antibodies. Considering their advantages, neutralizing nanobodies will play an increasing role as BoNTs therapeutics. Methods Herein, neutralizing nanobodies binding to the heavy chain (Hc) domain of BoNT/B (BHc) were screened from a phage display library. Then, BoNT/B-specific clones were identified and fused with the human Fc fragment (hFc) to form chimeric heavy chain antibodies. Finally, the affinity, specificity, and neutralizing activity of antibodies against BoNT/B in vivo were evaluated. Results The B5-hFc, B9-hFc and B12-hFc antibodies demonstrated high affinity for BHc in the nanomolar range. The three antibodies were proven to have potent neutralizing activity against BoNT/B in vivo. Conclusion The results demonstrate that inhibiting toxin binding to the host receptor is an efficient strategy and the three antibodies could be used as candidates for the further development of drugs to prevent and treat botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiansheng Lu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunzhou Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Yang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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2
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Rawson AM, Dempster AW, Humphreys CM, Minton NP. Pathogenicity and virulence of Clostridium botulinum. Virulence 2023; 14:2205251. [PMID: 37157163 PMCID: PMC10171130 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2205251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum, a polyphyletic Gram-positive taxon of bacteria, is classified purely by their ability to produce botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). BoNT is the primary virulence factor and the causative agent of botulism. A potentially fatal disease, botulism is classically characterized by a symmetrical descending flaccid paralysis, which is left untreated can lead to respiratory failure and death. Botulism cases are classified into three main forms dependent on the nature of intoxication; foodborne, wound and infant. The BoNT, regarded as the most potent biological substance known, is a zinc metalloprotease that specifically cleaves SNARE proteins at neuromuscular junctions, preventing exocytosis of neurotransmitters, leading to muscle paralysis. The BoNT is now used to treat numerous medical conditions caused by overactive or spastic muscles and is extensively used in the cosmetic industry due to its high specificity and the exceedingly small doses needed to exert long-lasting pharmacological effects. Additionally, the ability to form endospores is critical to the pathogenicity of the bacteria. Disease transmission is often facilitated via the metabolically dormant spores that are highly resistant to environment stresses, allowing persistence in the environment in unfavourable conditions. Infant and wound botulism infections are initiated upon germination of the spores into neurotoxin producing vegetative cells, whereas foodborne botulism is attributed to ingestion of preformed BoNT. C. botulinum is a saprophytic bacterium, thought to have evolved its potent neurotoxin to establish a source of nutrients by killing its host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Rawson
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, The Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew W Dempster
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, The Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher M Humphreys
- Clostridia Research Group, BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), School of Life Sciences, The Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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3
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Tek Ayaz S. The roles of health literacy in parents' honey use and the use of complementary alternative medicine in a Turkish population. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:376. [PMID: 37872587 PMCID: PMC10594736 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a biologically based therapy, honey is used by parents in many parts of the world as a home remedy for their children. While information exists regarding the traditional use of honey for health issues in children, data regarding its relationship with health literacy is lacking. The aims of this study were to determine the use of honey to address children's health issues among parents of children aged 0-72 months and to explore the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and health literacy. METHODS The data for this descriptive, cross-sectional study were collected between October and November 2022 via an online survey of 907 parents of children aged 0-72 months. A sociodemographic data collection form, the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ), and the Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32) were used to collect the data. A t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The majority (86.5%) of the parents used honey for their children's health problems. Among the parents, 83.1% utilized honey as a remedy for alleviating cough symptoms, 10.4% employed it as a treatment for diarrhea, and 14% administered it for the management of oral mucositis. The mean THLS-32 and HCAMQ scores of the parents were 29.39 and 21.31, respectively, and there was a moderate correlation between the parents' THLS-32 and HCAMQ mean scores (r = 0.662, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study revealed that a significant proportion of parents who used honey to alleviate their children's health issues displayed positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while concurrently exhibiting insufficient or limited health literacy levels. Therefore, it is advisable to enhance health literacy regarding the proper and safe utilization of honey, which functions as a biologically based CAM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Tek Ayaz
- Yozgat Bozok University, Akdagmadeni School of Health, Nursing Department, Yozgat, Turkey.
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Harris RA, Blondin-Brosseau M, Levesque C, Rasmussen PE, Beauchemin S, Austin JW. Viable Clostridium botulinum spores not detected in the household dust of major Canadian cities. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e154. [PMID: 37675600 PMCID: PMC10548537 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001474] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum causes infant botulism by colonising the intestines and producing botulinum neurotoxin in situ. Previous reports have linked infant botulism cases to C. botulinum spores in household dust, yet the baseline incidence of C. botulinum spores in residential households is currently unknown. Vacuum cleaner dust from 963 households in 13 major Canadian cities was tested for C. botulinum using a novel real-time PCR assay directed against all known subtypes of the botulinum neurotoxin gene. None of the samples tested positive for C. botulinum. Analysis of a random subset of samples by MALDI Biotyper revealed that the most common anaerobic bacterial isolates were of the genus Clostridium and the most common species recovered overall was Clostridium perfringens. Dust that was spiked with C. botulinum spores of each toxin type successfully produced positive real-time PCR reactions. These control experiments indicate that this is a viable method for the detection of C. botulinum spores in household dust. We make several recommendations for future work that may help discover a common environmental source of C. botulinum spores that could lead to effective preventative measures for this rare but deadly childhood disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christine Levesque
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pat E. Rasmussen
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Suzanne Beauchemin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John W. Austin
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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5
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Dabritz HA, Payne JR, Khouri JM. Duration of Fecal Excretion of Clostridium Botulinum and Botulinum Neurotoxin in Patients Recovering from Infant Botulism. J Pediatr 2023; 258:113396. [PMID: 37004956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to determine duration of fecal excretion of Clostridium botulinum organisms and neurotoxin after onset of infant botulism in 66 affected infants. Median excretion was longer for type A than type B patients (organisms: 5.9 vs 3.5 weeks, toxin: 4.8 vs 1.6 weeks, respectively). Toxin excretion always ceased before organism excretion. Antibiotic therapy did not affect duration of excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydee A Dabritz
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratories Division, Center for Laboratory Sciences, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Jessica R Payne
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratories Division, Center for Laboratory Sciences, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Jessica M Khouri
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratories Division, Center for Laboratory Sciences, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA.
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Panditrao MV, Chung CH, Khouri JM, Barash JR, Motter RN, Dover N, Arnon SS. Dual-Toxin ("Bivalent") Infant Botulism in California, 1976-2020: Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Laboratory Aspects. J Pediatr 2023; 253:8-13. [PMID: 35977619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the consequences of infant botulism that result from Clostridium botulinum strains that produce 2 botulinum toxin serotypes, termed "bivalent." STUDY DESIGN Epidemiologic investigations used a standard questionnaire. Clostridium botulinum strains were isolated by standard methods. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes and the relative amounts of toxins produced were identified using the standard mouse bioassay. BoNT subtypes and genomic locations were identified by DNA nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS Thirty bivalent cases of infant botulism occurred in the 45 years (1976-2020), representing 2.0% of all California infant botulism cases, in the 3 geographic regions of southern California, the southern Central Valley, and mid-northern California. Toxin serotype combinations were Ba (n = 22), Bf (n = 7), and Ab (n = 1). More patients with illness caused by bivalent C botulinum Ba and Bf strains needed endotracheal intubation at hospital admission, 60.0% (18/30), than did patients with illness caused by monovalent BoNT/B strains, 34.3% (152/443). The Cbotulinum Ba and Bf strains produced BoNT/B5 and either BoNT/A4 or /F2. The Ab strain produced BoNT/A2 and /B1. All toxin gene clusters were on plasmids. CONCLUSIONS Infant botulism caused by bivalent Cbotulinum strains occurs sporadically and in diverse locations in California. Affected patients with bivalent Ba and Bf strains lacked distinguishing epidemiological features but appeared to be more severely paralyzed at hospital presentation than patients with illness caused by only BoNT/B. These bivalent strains produced BoNT subtypes A2, A4, B1, B5, and F2, and all toxin gene clusters were on plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri V Panditrao
- Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Modeling Branch, COVID-19 Response California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Connie H Chung
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Jessica M Khouri
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA.
| | - Jason R Barash
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Ruth N Motter
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Nir Dover
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Stephen S Arnon
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
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Goldberg B, Danino D, Levinsky Y, Levy I, Straussberg R, Dabaja-Younis H, Guri A, Almagor Y, Tasher D, Elad D, Baider Z, Blum S, Scheuerman O. Infant Botulism, Israel, 2007-2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:235-241. [PMID: 36692296 PMCID: PMC9881770 DOI: 10.3201/eid2902.220991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Infant botulism (IB) is an intestinal toxemia that manifests as descending paralysis, constipation, and, in some cases, respiratory failure. Laboratory-confirmed IB cases are rare, and recent data in Israel are lacking. We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study of laboratory-confirmed IB cases reported in Israel during 2007-2021. A total of 8 cases were reported during the study period. During 2019-2021, incidence may have increased because of a cluster of 5 cases. Infant median age for diagnosis was 6.5 months, older than previously reported (3 months). Most cases occurred during March-July. Honey consumption was reported in 1 case, and possible environmental risk factors (living nearby rural or construction areas, dust exposure, and having a father who works as a farmer) were reported in 6 cases. Although IB is rare, its incidence in Israel may have increased over recent years, and its epidemiology and risk factors differ from cases reported previously in Israel.
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Mediterranean Milk Ladder: Integrating a Healthy Eating Plan While Reintroducing Cow's Milk. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020234. [PMID: 36832362 PMCID: PMC9954599 DOI: 10.3390/children10020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The process of gradually reintroducing food allergens into an individual's diet is referred to as a food allergen "ladder", and the most recent edition of the original Milk Allergy in Primary (MAP) Care Guidelines, as well as the International Milk Allergy in Primary Care (IMAP), includes a shortened, improved, and international version with specific recipes, indicating the exact milk protein content, as well as the duration of heating and the temperature for each step of the ladder. Food allergen ladders are being used increasingly in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to develop a Mediterranean milk ladder based on the principles of the Mediterranean eating pattern. The protein content delivered in a portion of the final food product in each step of the ladder in the Mediterranean version corresponds to that provided in the IMAP ladder. Different recipes for the various steps were provided to increase acceptability and variety. Quantification of the total milk protein, casein content, and beta-lactoglobulin by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) could detect the gradual increase in concentrations, but the accuracy of the method was affected by the presence of the other ingredients in the mixtures. When developing the Mediterranean milk ladder, a key consideration was to reduce the amount of sugar by using limited amounts of brown sugar and substituting sugar with fresh fruit juice or honey for children aged older than one year. The proposed Mediterranean milk ladder includes principles of (a) healthy eating based on the Mediterranean diet and (b) the acceptability of foods across different age groups.
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Meurens F, Carlin F, Federighi M, Filippitzi ME, Fournier M, Fravalo P, Ganière JP, Grisot L, Guillier L, Hilaire D, Kooh P, Le Bouquin-Leneveu S, Le Maréchal C, Mazuet C, Morvan H, Petit K, Vaillancourt JP, Woudstra C. Clostridium botulinum type C, D, C/D, and D/C: An update. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1099184. [PMID: 36687640 PMCID: PMC9849819 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1099184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum is the main causative agent of botulism, a neurological disease encountered in humans as well as animals. Nine types of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been described so far. Amongst these "toxinotypes," the A, the B and E are the most frequently encountered in humans while the C, D, C/D and D/C are mostly affecting domestic and wild birds as well as cattle. In France for instance, many cases and outbreaks are reported in these animal species every year. However, underestimation is very likely at least for avifauna species where the detection of dead animals can be challenging. Knowledge about BoNTs C, D, C/D, and D/C and the diseases they cause in animals and humans is still scarce and unclear. Specifically, the potential role of animal botulism outbreaks in cattle and poultry as a source of human illness needs to be further assessed. In this narrative review, we present the current knowledge about toxinotypes C, D, C/D, and D/C in cattle and poultry with, amongst various other aspects, their epidemiological cycles. We also discuss the zoonotic potential of these toxinotypes and some possible ways of risk mitigation. An adapted and effective management of botulism outbreaks in livestock also requires a better understanding of these less common and known toxinotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Meurens
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada,*Correspondence: François Meurens,
| | | | | | - Maria-Eleni Filippitzi
- Laboratory of Animal Health Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Matthieu Fournier
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Univ Caen Normandie, CNRS, M2C, UMR 6143, Rouen, France
| | - Philippe Fravalo
- Chaire Agroalimentaire du Cnam, Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, EPN7, Ploufragan, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Pauline Kooh
- Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sophie Le Bouquin-Leneveu
- Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, Ploufragan, France
| | - Caroline Le Maréchal
- Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, Ploufragan, France
| | - Christelle Mazuet
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNR Bactéries anaérobies et Botulisme, Paris, France
| | | | - Karine Petit
- Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Cédric Woudstra
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Gerard R, Nolent P, Lerouge-Bailhache M, Sagardoy T, Dienst T. When Stridor is Not Croup: A Case Report. J Emerg Med 2022; 63:673-677. [PMID: 36369121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Croup is one of the most common causes of acute respiratory disorder in children. It presents as acute laryngeal symptoms in the context of viral infection. Treatment consists of systemic steroids and aerosolized adrenaline, after which the symptoms must resolve rapidly. There are many differential diagnoses, including neurological causes. In these cases, clinical presentation is atypical and the outcome can be less favorable. CASE REPORT We present the cases of three children who presented with stridor, which was initially treated as croup but eventually turned out to have a neurological origin. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Clinicians need to be aware of the differential diagnoses of croup. We suggest a few key points to help emergency physicians manage these patients, including adequate use of monitoring and nasofibroscopy. Early identification is a key element in the effective management of certain rapidly progressive neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas Sagardoy
- Department of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
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Umeda K, Hirai Y, Nakamura H, Amo K. Comparative whole-genome sequence analysis of a BoNT/B5-producing Clostridium botulinum isolate from an infant botulism case of unknown source in Osaka, Japan. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2022; 369:6653520. [PMID: 35918187 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of infant botulism of unknown origin, not involved in honey consumption, occurred in Osaka, Japan in 2020. A Clostridium botulinum type B strain named Osaka2020 was isolated from a stool sample of the patient. To clarify the epidemiology of the case, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the isolate and compared it with strains from other sources. WGS analysis revealed that isolate Osaka2020 was classified into ST133 of a new sequence type, B5 subtype, and its toxin gene was encoded in a ∼274 kb plasmid. This plasmid was closely related to the pCLJ plasmid from strain 657Ba in the USA, reported to be conjugatively transferable to other strains. Moreover, isolate Osaka2020 also possesses another smaller plasmid that was common with some type A(B) infant botulism isolates in Japan. The phylogenetic tree from whole-genome SNP analysis showed that isolate Osaka2020 was the most closely related to a type B infant botulism isolate that occurred in Japan 10 years ago. Although no epidemiological connection among the two cases was confirmed, there is possibility that the cases are attributed to common causes such as some environmental substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Umeda
- Division of Microbiology, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuji Hirai
- Division of Microbiology, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nakamura
- Division of Microbiology, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Amo
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Current Developments in Diagnostic Assays for Laboratory Confirmation and Investigation of Botulism. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 60:e0013920. [PMID: 34586891 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00139-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of botulinum neurotoxin or isolation of the toxin producing organism is required for the laboratory confirmation of botulism in clinical specimens. In an effort to reduce animal testing required by the gold standard method of botulinum neurotoxin detection, the mouse bioassay, many technologies have been developed to detect and characterize the causative agent of botulism. Recent advancements in these technologies have led to improvements in technical performance of diagnostic assays; however, many emerging assays have not been validated for the detection of all serotypes in complex clinical and environmental matrices. Improvements to culture protocols, endopeptidase-based assays, and a variety of immunological and molecular methods have provided laboratories with a variety of testing options to evaluate and incorporate into their testing algorithms. While significant advances have been made to improve these assays, additional work is necessary to evaluate these methods in various clinical matrices and to establish standardized criteria for data analysis and interpretation.
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13
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Gladney L, Halpin JL, Lúquez C. Genomic Characterization of Strains From a Cluster of Infant Botulism Type A in a Small Town in Colorado, United States. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:688240. [PMID: 34326824 PMCID: PMC8313963 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.688240] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Three cases of infant botulism were reported in a small Colorado town between 1981 and 1984. The first two cases occurred in 1981, 6 months apart, and the third case occurred in 1984. Clostridium botulinum type A was isolated from stool of all three case patients and from environmental samples of the patient's homes. An epidemiological investigation and follow-up study were conducted from 1981 to 1986 and concluded the cases were likely related. In this study, we sought to determine whether the C. botulinum type A clinical isolates were related to each other and to isolates obtained from environmental samples. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) for 17 isolates associated with this potential cluster of infant botulism. Fifteen isolates were confirmed to be C. botulinum type A(B) and contained botulinum toxin gene subtypes A1 and B5 by WGS; these strains formed a monophyletic cluster in a phylogeny and were considered closely related to each other (0-18 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms), but distinct from other C. botulinum type A(B) in Colorado and elsewhere in the United States. Results of our study suggest that the three infant botulism cases could have represented a cluster due to a C. botulinum type A(B) strain present in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Gladney
- National Botulism Laboratory, Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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A summary of surveillance, morbidity and microbiology of laboratory-confirmed cases of infant botulism in Canada, 1979-2019. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 47:322-328. [PMID: 34421389 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v47i78a05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Infant botulism is a rare toxicoinfectious disease caused by colonization of the infant's intestine with botulinum neurotoxin-producing clostridia (i.e. Clostridium botulinum or neurotoxigenic strains of C. butyricum or C. baratii). Our goal was to examine data from laboratory-confirmed cases of infant botulism reported in Canada to summarize incidence over time, over geographic distribution by province or territory, and by sex, and to compare these parameters with data from the Canadian Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (CNDSS). The average age of onset, serotype of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), case outcomes, length of hospitalization and suitability of clinical specimens for laboratory confirmation were also determined. Methods We examined laboratory records from the Health Canada Botulism Reference Service and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Public Health Laboratory. The Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and the Hospital Morbidity Database (HMDB) of the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) were queried for data on hospitalization of infant botulism cases. The CNDSS was queried for data on reported cases of infant botulism. Results From 1979 to 2019, 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of infant botulism were confirmed by the Health Canada Botulism Reference Service and the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory for an annual rate of 4.30 cases per million live births. From 1983 to 2018, 57 cases of infant botulism were reported to the CNDSS. Of the 63 cases confirmed by the reference laboratories, the median age of onset was 16 weeks with a range of 2 to 52 weeks. The majority of cases were type A (76%) and B (21%), with single cases of type F and type AB. Of the 23 laboratory-confirmed cases with matched hospital records, 13 were transferred to special care and eight needed ventilator support; no deaths were reported. Conclusion Spores of C. botulinum are present naturally in the environment, thus diagnosis of infant botulism does not require a history of exposure to high-risk foods such as honey. Stool samples are the most useful diagnostic specimen.
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Antonucci L, Locci C, Schettini L, Clemente MG, Antonucci R. Infant botulism: an underestimated threat. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 53:647-660. [PMID: 33966588 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.1919753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infant botulism (IB) is defined as a potentially life-threatening neuroparalytic disorder affecting children younger than 12 months. It is caused by ingestion of food or dust contaminated by Clostridium botulinum spores, which germinate in the infant's large bowel and produce botulinum neurotoxin. Although the real impact of IB is likely underestimated worldwide, the USA has the highest number of cases. The limited reporting of IB in many countries is probably due to diagnostic difficulties and nonspecific presentation. The onset is usually heralded by constipation, followed by bulbar palsy, and then by a descending bilateral symmetric paralysis; ultimately, palsy can involve respiratory and diaphragmatic muscles, leading to respiratory failure. The treatment is based on supportive care and specific therapy with Human Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (BIG-IV), and should be started as early as possible. The search for new human-like antibody preparations that are both highly effective and well tolerated has led to the creation of a mixture of oligoclonal antibodies that are highly protective and can be produced in large quantities without the use of animals. Ongoing research for future treatment of IB involves the search for new molecular targets to produce a new generation of laboratory-produced antitoxins, and the development of new vaccines with safety and efficacy profiles that can be scaled up for clinical use. This narrative literature review aims to provide a readable synthesis of the best current literature on microbiological, epidemiological and clinical features of IB, and a practical guide for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Antonucci
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Locci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Livia Schettini
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Clemente
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberto Antonucci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Charan N, Wong JMJ, Chan WSD, Ho ZJM, Sim HCJ, Loh JP, Foo LY, Octavia S, Ang M, Thoon KC. Infant botulism in Singapore. Singapore Med J 2021; 61:165-166. [PMID: 32488271 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Charan
- Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ju-Ming Judith Wong
- Children's Intensive Care Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | | | - Heng Chiak James Sim
- Department of Microbiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jin Phang Loh
- Biological Defence Programme, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore
| | - Ling Yann Foo
- Biological Defence Programme, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore.,Chemical, Toxins, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Programme, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore
| | - Sophie Octavia
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Singapore
| | - Michelle Ang
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Singapore
| | - Koh Cheng Thoon
- Paediatric Infectious Disease, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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Smith TJ, Xie G, Williamson CHD, Hill KK, Fernández RA, Sahl JW, Keim P, Johnson SL. Genomic Characterization of Newly Completed Genomes of Botulinum Neurotoxin-Producing Species from Argentina, Australia, and Africa. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 12:229-242. [PMID: 32108238 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin-producing clostridia are diverse in the types of toxins they produce as well as in their overall genomic composition. They are globally distributed, with prevalent species and toxin types found within distinct geographic regions, but related strains containing the same toxin types may also be located on distinct continents. The mechanisms behind the spread of these bacteria and the independent movements of their bont genes may be understood through examination of their genetic backgrounds. The generation of 15 complete genomic sequences from bacteria isolated in Argentina, Australia, and Africa allows for a thorough examination of genome features, including overall relationships, bont gene cluster locations and arrangements, and plasmid comparisons, in bacteria isolated from various areas in the southern hemisphere. Insights gained from these examinations provide an understanding of the mechanisms behind the independent movements of these elements among distinct species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Smith
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University
| | - Gary Xie
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory
| | | | - Karen K Hill
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory
| | | | - Jason W Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University
| | - Paul Keim
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University
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Panditrao MV, Dabritz HA, Kazerouni NN, Damus KH, Meissinger JK, Arnon SS. Seven-Year Case-Control Study in California of Risk Factors for Infant Botulism. J Pediatr 2020; 227:258-267.e8. [PMID: 32645406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain possible risk factors for infant botulism, the intestinal infectious form of human botulism, in the years immediately following its initial recognition in California in 1976. STUDY DESIGN Parents of 159 California laboratory-confirmed cases of infant botulism from 1976 to 1983 and 318 healthy controls were interviewed using a comprehensive (>300 factors) questionnaire. "Neighborhood controls" (n = 184) were matched on date of birth, sex, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood of residence. "County controls" (n = 134) were matched only on date of birth, sex, and county of residence. Age-stratified bivariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed using SAS. RESULTS All cases required hospitalization. Bivariate analyses identified several risk factors that in multivariate analyses were not significant. In multivariate analyses, risk factors differed with stratification by age. For the ≤2 month-old neighborhood controls comparison, birth order >1, cesarean delivery, ≤1 bowel movements (BMs) per day, and windy residence area were associated with illness hospitalization, and for the county controls comparison, only pacifier use was associated. For the <2 month-old neighborhood controls comparison, <1 bowel movements (BMs) per day, cesarean delivery, birth order >1, and windy residence area were associated with illness hospitalization, and for the county controls comparison, pets in the home was an additional risk factor. CONCLUSIONS With the exception of the ≤2-month-old county controls group, slower intestinal transit time (≤1 BM/d) was associated with illness. Otherwise, our case-control investigation identified few physiologic, environmental, and maternal factors associated with infant botulism hospitalization in California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri V Panditrao
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Haydee A Dabritz
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - N Neely Kazerouni
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Karla H Damus
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Joyce K Meissinger
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Stephen S Arnon
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA.
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Hoge MK, Thomas JM, Hanners NW, Castro DP, Ali N. Case 1: Apnea and Hypotonia in a 1-month-old Infant. Neoreviews 2020; 20:e592-e593. [PMID: 31575781 DOI: 10.1542/neo.20-10-e592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natasha Wyndham Hanners
- Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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20
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Jang HG, Jang J, Jung HJ, Jung DE. The First Reported Case of Infant Botulism in Korea: Treatable Infantile Neuromuscular Disease. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e93. [PMID: 32281313 PMCID: PMC7152530 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulism is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. The diagnosis of infant botulism may be obscured or delayed, as its presentation is similar to that of infantile neuromuscular disorders. We report the first Korean case of infant botulism in an acute progressive floppy infant with poor sucking and a weak cry. No abnormalities were found in all blood, cerebrospinal fluid, genetic test, nerve conduction study, and imaging studies. A stool-toxin test was finally performed under suspicion of infant botulism, and the result was positive. The patient was immediately treated with heptavalent botulism antitoxin. Follow-up after 3 months showed normal development with a complete resolution of all symptoms. Therefore, clinical suspicion of infant botulism, which is a treatable infantile neuromuscular disease, is essential for early diagnosis and prompt treatment in the differential diagnosis of a floppy infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Gu Jang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jooyoung Jang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Da Eun Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
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21
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Säuglingsbotulismus – eine verkannte Rarität? Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-019-00818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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22
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Rasetti-Escargueil C, Lemichez E, Popoff MR. Public Health Risk Associated with Botulism as Foodborne Zoonoses. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 12:E17. [PMID: 31905908 PMCID: PMC7020394 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulism is a rare but severe neurological disease in man and animals that is caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by Clostridium botulinum and atypical strains from other Clostridium and non-Clostridium species. BoNTs are divided into more than seven toxinotypes based on neutralization with specific corresponding antisera, and each toxinotype is subdivided into subtypes according to amino acid sequence variations. Animal species show variable sensitivity to the different BoNT toxinotypes. Thereby, naturally acquired animal botulism is mainly due to BoNT/C, D and the mosaic variants CD and DC, BoNT/CD being more prevalent in birds and BoNT/DC in cattle, whereas human botulism is more frequently in the types A, B and E, and to a lower extent, F. Botulism is not a contagious disease, since there is no direct transmission from diseased animals or man to a healthy subject. Botulism occurs via the environment, notably from food contaminated with C. botulinum spores and preserved in conditions favorable for C. botulinum growth and toxin production. The high prevalence of botulism types C, D and variants DC and CD in farmed and wild birds, and to a lower extent in cattle, raises the risk of transmission to human beings. However, human botulism is much rarer than animal botulism, and botulism types C and D are exceptional in humans. Only 15 cases or suspected cases of botulism type C and one outbreak of botulism type D have been reported in humans to date. In contrast, animal healthy carriers of C. botulinum group II, such as C. botulinum type E in fish of the northern hemisphere, and C. botulinum B4 in pigs, represent a more prevalent risk of botulism transmission to human subjects. Less common botulism types in animals but at risk of transmission to humans, can sporadically be observed, such as botulism type E in farmed chickens in France (1998-2002), botulism type B in cattle in The Netherlands (1977-1979), botulism types A and B in horses, or botulism type A in dairy cows (Egypt, 1976). In most cases, human and animal botulisms have distinct origins, and cross transmissions between animals and human beings are rather rare, accidental events. But, due to the severity of this disease, human and animal botulism requires a careful surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel R. Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Département de Microbiologie, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, CNRS ERL6002, 75724 Paris, France; (C.R.-E.); (E.L.)
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23
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Matsumoto S, Saito T, Kobayashi Y, Ito S, Kaburagi Y. Clostridium botulinum infection in an exclusively breast-fed infant. Pediatr Int 2019; 61:1050-1051. [PMID: 31612604 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Matsumoto
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tasuku Saito
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kobayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoichi Kaburagi
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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Halpin AL, Khouri JM, Payne JR, Nakao JH, Cronquist A, Kalas N, Mohr M, Osborne M, O'Dell S, Luquez C, Klontz KC, Sobel J, Rao AK. Type F Infant Botulism: Investigation of Recent Clusters and Overview of This Exceedingly Rare Disease. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 66:S92-S94. [PMID: 29293930 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
From 1976 to 2016, neurotoxigenic Clostridium baratii type F caused 18 (<0.5%) reported US infant botulism cases. Six cases occurred during 2012-2013; no common source was identified. Type F infant botulism mostly occurs in very young infants and typically presents more rapidly and severely than illness caused by types A and B botulinum neurotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Laufer Halpin
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Scientific Education and Professional Development Program, Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica M Khouri
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Jessica R Payne
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Jolene H Nakao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Scientific Education and Professional Development Program, Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sharon O'Dell
- Waynesboro-Augusta Health Department, Waynesboro, Virginia
| | - Carolina Luquez
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karl C Klontz
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland
| | - Jeremy Sobel
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Agam K Rao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Botulism is an acute paralytic illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Supportive care, including intensive care, is key, but the role of other medical treatments is unclear. This is an update of a review first published in 2011. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of medical treatments on mortality, duration of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, tube or parenteral feeding, and risk of adverse events in botulism. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase on 23 January 2018. We reviewed bibliographies and contacted authors and experts. We searched two clinical trials registers, WHO ICTRP and clinicaltrials.gov, on 21 February 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs examining the medical treatment of any of the four major types of botulism (infant intestinal botulism, food-borne botulism, wound botulism, and adult intestinal toxemia). Potential medical treatments included equine serum trivalent botulism antitoxin, human-derived botulinum immune globulin intravenous (BIG-IV), plasma exchange, 3,4-diaminopyridine, and guanidine. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology.Our primary outcome was in-hospital death from any cause occurring within four weeks from randomization or the beginning of treatment. Secondary outcomes were death from any cause occurring within 12 weeks, duration of hospitalization, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of tube or parenteral feeding, and proportion of participants with adverse events or complications of treatment. MAIN RESULTS A single RCT met the inclusion criteria. Our 2018 search update identified no additional trials. The included trial evaluated BIG-IV for the treatment of infant botulism and included 59 treatment participants and 63 control participants. The control group received a control immune globulin that did not have an effect on botulinum toxin. Participants were followed during the length of their hospitalization to measure the outcomes of interest. There was some violation of intention-to-treat principles, and possibly some between-treatment group imbalances among participants admitted to the intensive care unit and mechanically ventilated, but otherwise the risk of bias was low. There were no deaths in either group, making any treatment effect on mortality inestimable. There was a benefit in the treatment group on mean duration of hospitalization (BIG-IV: 2.60 weeks, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95 to 3.25; control: 5.70 weeks, 95% CI 4.40 to 7.00; mean difference (MD) -3.10 weeks, 95% CI -4.52 to -1.68; moderate-certainty evidence); mechanical ventilation (BIG-IV: 1.80 weeks, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.40; control: 4.40 weeks, 95% CI 3.00 to 5.80; MD -2.60 weeks, 95% CI -4.06 to -1.14; low-certainty evidence); and tube or parenteral feeding (BIG-IV: 3.60 weeks, 95% CI 1.70 to 5.50; control: 10.00 weeks, 95% CI 6.85 to 13.15; MD -6.40 weeks, 95% CI -10.00 to -2.80; moderate-certainty evidence), but not on proportion of participants with adverse events or complications (BIG-IV: 63.08%; control: 68.75%; risk ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.18; absolute risk reduction 0.06, 95% CI 0.22 to -0.11; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low- and moderate-certainty evidence supporting the use of BIG-IV in infant intestinal botulism. A single RCT demonstrated that BIG-IV probably decreases the duration of hospitalization; may decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation; and probably decreases the duration of tube or parenteral feeding. Adverse events were probably no more frequent with immune globulin than with placebo. Our search did not reveal any evidence examining the use of other medical treatments including serum trivalent botulism antitoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin H Chalk
- McGill UniversityDepartment of Neurology & NeurosurgeryMontreal General Hospital ‐ Room L7‐3131650 Cedar AvenueMontrealCanadaH3G 1A4
| | - Tim J Benstead
- Dalhousie UniversityDepartment of Medicine, Division of NeurologyRoom 3828 Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer StreetHalifaxCanadaB3H 3A7
| | - Joshua D Pound
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM)Department of Neurology900 St Denis StMontrealCanadaH2X 0A9
| | - Mark R Keezer
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalNeurosciences & Social and Preventative MedicinePavillon R R04‐7001000 rue St DenisMontrealCanadaH2X 0C1
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Lyons-Warren AM, Risen SR, Clark G. Infant Botulism With Asymmetric Cranial Nerve Palsies. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 92:71-72. [PMID: 30639248 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Maia Lyons-Warren
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
| | - Sarah R Risen
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Gary Clark
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Bernardor J, Neveu J, Haas H, Pitelet G, Popoff MR, Mazuet C, Bérard E, Boulay C, Chabrol B. Infant botulism: Two case reports and electroneuromyogram findings. Arch Pediatr 2018; 25:S0929-693X(18)30108-8. [PMID: 29887515 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Botulism is an uncommon severe neuromuscular disorder. We report two recent cases of confirmed infant botulism diagnosed in an 11-week and a 5-month-old infant along with electroneuromyogram (ENMG) findings. Then, we discuss the EMG features of infant botulism. In severe forms of infant botulism, presence of these features might help decide to use botulinum immune globulin. To our knowledge, case 1 is the first case reported in France based on confirmed dust contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bernardor
- Hôpitaux pédiatriques de Nice CHU, Lenval, 57, avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice, France
| | - J Neveu
- Hôpitaux pédiatriques de Nice CHU, Lenval, 57, avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice, France.
| | - H Haas
- Hôpitaux pédiatriques de Nice CHU, Lenval, 57, avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice, France
| | - G Pitelet
- Hôpitaux pédiatriques de Nice CHU, Lenval, 57, avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice, France
| | - M-R Popoff
- Unité des bactéries anaérobies et toxines, Institut Pasteur, 25, rue du Dr-Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France
| | - C Mazuet
- Unité des bactéries anaérobies et toxines, Institut Pasteur, 25, rue du Dr-Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France
| | - E Bérard
- Hôpital de l'Archet, CHU de Nice, 151, route de St-Antoine, 06200 Nice, France
| | - C Boulay
- Service de neuropédiatrie, hôpital La Timone-Enfants, AP-HM, 264, rue St-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France
| | - B Chabrol
- Service de neuropédiatrie, hôpital La Timone-Enfants, AP-HM, 264, rue St-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France
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30
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Neurophysiological Assessment of Abnormalities of the Neuromuscular Junction in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020624. [PMID: 29470437 PMCID: PMC5855846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the neuromuscular junction in children is amenable to electrophysiological testing. Of the two tests available, repetitive nerve stimulation is uncomfortable and has a reduced sensitivity compared with single-fibre methodology. The latter is the method of choice, recording the variability in neuromuscular transmission as a value called jitter. It can be performed by voluntary activation of the muscle being examined, which is not suitable in children, or by stimulation techniques. A modification of these techniques, called Stimulated Potential Analysis with Concentric needle Electrodes (SPACE), is well tolerated and can be performed while the child is awake. It has a high sensitivity (84%) for the diagnosis of neuromuscular transmission disorders, the majority of which are myasthenic syndromes, and a moderate specificity (70%). The latter can be improved by the exclusion of neurogenic causes and the determination of the degree of jitter abnormality. Minor jitter abnormalities, under 115% of the upper limit of normal, are usually caused by myopathies with an associated neuromuscular transmission disorder, whereas levels higher than this value are usually associated with one of the myasthenic conditions.
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Khouri JM, Payne JR, Arnon SS. More Clinical Mimics of Infant Botulism. J Pediatr 2018; 193:178-182. [PMID: 29229451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain the actual diagnoses of 76 patients (2005-2015) whose clinical presentations so closely resembled infant botulism that the patients were treated with Human Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (BIG-IV; BabyBIG), but whose illnesses subsequently were not laboratory confirmed as infant botulism ("clinical mimics" of infant botulism). STUDY DESIGN The California Department of Public Health produces BIG-IV and distributes it nationwide as a public service (ie, not-for-profit) orphan drug to treat patients hospitalized with suspected infant botulism. During the study period, admission records and discharge summaries for all patients treated with BIG-IV but who lacked a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of infant botulism were collected and abstracted. The patients' discharge diagnoses were identified, categorized, and compared with previously reported clinical mimics categories for 32 patients (1992-2005). RESULTS From 2005 to 2015, 76 clinical mimic illnesses were identified. These illnesses were distributed into the 5 categories previously reported of (1) probable infant botulism lacking confirmatory testing (26.3%); (2) spinal muscular atrophy (19.7%); (3) miscellaneous (15.8%); (4) metabolic disorders (11.8%); and (5) other infectious diseases (10.6%). Of the 76 clinical mimic illnesses, 15.8% had no alternate diagnosis established and were therefore categorized as undetermined. CONCLUSIONS Over the 23 years 1992-2015, patients presenting with illnesses so clinically similar to infant botulism that they were treated with BIG-IV had actual diagnoses that were distributed into 5 main categories. These categories and their individual components constitute a working bedside differential diagnosis of infant botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Khouri
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Jessica R Payne
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
| | - Stephen S Arnon
- Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, Infectious Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA.
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Differentiating Botulinum Neurotoxin-Producing Clostridia with a Simple, Multiplex PCR Assay. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.00806-17. [PMID: 28733282 PMCID: PMC5583490 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00806-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse members of the genus Clostridium produce botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), which cause a flaccid paralysis known as botulism. While multiple species of clostridia produce BoNTs, the majority of human botulism cases have been attributed to Clostridium botulinum groups I and II. Recent comparative genomic studies have demonstrated the genomic diversity within these BoNT-producing species. This report introduces a multiplex PCR assay for differentiating members of C. botulinum group I, C. sporogenes, and two major subgroups within C. botulinum group II. Coding region sequences unique to each of the four species/subgroups were identified by in silico analyses of thousands of genome assemblies, and PCR primers were designed to amplify each marker. The resulting multiplex PCR assay correctly assigned 41 tested isolates to the appropriate species or subgroup. A separate PCR assay to determine the presence of the ntnh gene (a gene associated with the botulinum neurotoxin gene cluster) was developed and validated. The ntnh gene PCR assay provides information about the presence or absence of the botulinum neurotoxin gene cluster and the type of gene cluster present (ha positive [ha+] or orfX+). The increased availability of whole-genome sequence data and comparative genomic tools enabled the design of these assays, which provide valuable information for characterizing BoNT-producing clostridia. The PCR assays are rapid, inexpensive tests that can be applied to a variety of sample types to assign isolates to species/subgroups and to detect clostridia with botulinum neurotoxin gene (bont) clusters. IMPORTANCE Diverse clostridia produce the botulinum neurotoxin, one of the most potent known neurotoxins. In this study, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to differentiate clostridia that are most commonly isolated in connection with human botulism cases: C. botulinum group I, C. sporogenes, and two major subgroups within C. botulinum group II. Since BoNT-producing and nontoxigenic isolates can be found in each species, a PCR assay to determine the presence of the ntnh gene, which is a universally present component of bont gene clusters, and to provide information about the type (ha+ or orfX+) of bont gene cluster present in a sample was also developed. The PCR assays provide simple, rapid, and inexpensive tools for screening uncharacterized isolates from clinical or environmental samples. The information provided by these assays can inform epidemiological studies, aid with identifying mixtures of isolates and unknown isolates in culture collections, and confirm the presence of bacteria of interest.
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Pirazzini M, Rossetto O. Challenges in searching for therapeutics against Botulinum Neurotoxins. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:497-510. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1303476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Lam TI, Tam CC, Stanker LH, Cheng LW. Probiotic Microorganisms Inhibit Epithelial Cell Internalization of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype A. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8120377. [PMID: 27999281 PMCID: PMC5198571 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8120377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are some of the most poisonous natural toxins known to man and are threats to public health and safety. Previous work from our laboratory showed that both BoNT serotype A complex and holotoxin can bind and transit through the intestinal epithelia to disseminate in the blood. The timing of BoNT/A toxin internalization was shown to be comparable in both the Caco-2 in vitro cell culture and in the oral mouse intoxication models. Probiotic microorganisms have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects in not only maintaining the normal gut mucosa but also protection from allergens, pathogens, and toxins. In this study, we evaluate whether probiotic microorganisms will block BoNT/A uptake in the in vitro cell culture system using Caco-2 cells. Several probiotics tested (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, and Lactobacillus reuteri) blocked BoNT/A uptake in a dose-dependent manner whereas a non-probiotic strain of Escherichia coli did not. We also showed that inhibition of BoNT/A uptake was not due to the degradation of BoNT/A nor by sequestration of toxin via binding to probiotics. These results show for the first time that probiotic treatment can inhibit BoNT/A binding and internalization in vitro and may lead to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina I Lam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Christina C Tam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Larry H Stanker
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Luisa W Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
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Shah NA, Lee HC. Case 1: Constipation, Irritability, and Poor Feeding in 2-month-old Boy. Pediatr Rev 2016; 37:391-3. [PMID: 27587641 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2014-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi A Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Henry C Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Fernández-Fontelo A, Cabaña A, Puig P, Moriña D. Under-reported data analysis with INAR-hidden Markov chains. Stat Med 2016; 35:4875-4890. [PMID: 27396957 DOI: 10.1002/sim.7026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we deal with correlated under-reported data through INAR(1)-hidden Markov chain models. These models are very flexible and can be identified through its autocorrelation function, which has a very simple form. A naïve method of parameter estimation is proposed, jointly with the maximum likelihood method based on a revised version of the forward algorithm. The most-probable unobserved time series is reconstructed by means of the Viterbi algorithm. Several examples of application in the field of public health are discussed illustrating the utility of the models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandra Cabaña
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Pedro Puig
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - David Moriña
- Unit of Infections and Cancer (UNIC), Cancer Epidemiology Research Program (CERP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,rups de Recerca d'Àfrica i Amèrica Llatines (GRAAL), Unitat de Bioestadística, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Mazuet C, Legeay C, Sautereau J, Ma L, Bouchier C, Bouvet P, Popoff MR. Diversity of Group I and II Clostridium botulinum Strains from France Including Recently Identified Subtypes. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:1643-60. [PMID: 27189984 PMCID: PMC4943176 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In France, human botulism is mainly food-borne intoxication, whereas infant botulism is rare. A total of 99 group I and II Clostridium botulinum strains including 59 type A (12 historical isolates [1947-1961], 43 from France [1986-2013], 3 from other countries, and 1 collection strain), 31 type B (3 historical, 23 recent isolates, 4 from other countries, and 1 collection strain), and 9 type E (5 historical, 3 isolates, and 1 collection strain) were investigated by botulinum locus gene sequencing and multilocus sequence typing analysis. Historical C. botulinum A strains mainly belonged to subtype A1 and sequence type (ST) 1, whereas recent strains exhibited a wide genetic diversity: subtype A1 in orfX or ha locus, A1(B), A1(F), A2, A2b2, A5(B2') A5(B3'), as well as the recently identified A7 and A8 subtypes, and were distributed into 25 STs. Clostridium botulinum A1(B) was the most frequent subtype from food-borne botulism and food. Group I C. botulinum type B in France were mainly subtype B2 (14 out of 20 historical and recent strains) and were divided into 19 STs. Food-borne botulism resulting from ham consumption during the recent period was due to group II C. botulinum B4. Type E botulism is rare in France, 5 historical and 1 recent strains were subtype E3. A subtype E12 was recently identified from an unusual ham contamination. Clostridium botulinum strains from human botulism in France showed a wide genetic diversity and seems to result not from a single evolutionary lineage but from multiple and independent genetic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Legeay
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean Sautereau
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Ma
- Plateforme Genomique-Pôle Biomics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Philippe Bouvet
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Carrillo-Marquez
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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Azarnia Tehran D, Zanetti G, Leka O, Lista F, Fillo S, Binz T, Shone CC, Rossetto O, Montecucco C, Paradisi C, Mattarei A, Pirazzini M. A Novel Inhibitor Prevents the Peripheral Neuroparalysis of Botulinum Neurotoxins. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17513. [PMID: 26670952 PMCID: PMC4680858 DOI: 10.1038/srep17513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) form a large class of potent and deadly neurotoxins. Given their growing number, it is of paramount importance to discover novel inhibitors targeting common steps of their intoxication process. Recently, EGA was shown to inhibit the action of bacterial toxins and viruses exhibiting a pH-dependent translocation step in mammalian cells, by interfering with their entry route. As BoNTs act in the cytosol of nerve terminals, the entry into an appropriate compartment wherefrom they translocate the catalytic moiety is essential for toxicity. Herein we propose an optimized procedure to synthesize EGA and we show that, in vitro, it prevents the neurotoxicity of different BoNT serotypes by interfering with their trafficking. Furthermore, in mice, EGA mitigates botulism symptoms induced by BoNT/A and significantly decreases the lethality of BoNT/B and BoNT/D. This opens the possibility of using EGA as a lead compound to develop novel inhibitors of botulinum neurotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Oneda Leka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Fillo
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Thomas Binz
- Institut für Biochemie, OE 4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30623 Hannover, Germany
| | - Clifford C. Shone
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 OJG, UK
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Italian National Research Council Institute of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Paradisi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121, Padova, Italy
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Zanetti G, Azarnia Tehran D, Pirazzini M, Binz T, Shone CC, Fillo S, Lista F, Rossetto O, Montecucco C. Inhibition of botulinum neurotoxins interchain disulfide bond reduction prevents the peripheral neuroparalysis of botulism. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 98:522-30. [PMID: 26449594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) form a growing family of metalloproteases with a unique specificity either for VAMP, SNAP25 or syntaxin. The BoNTs are grouped in seven different serotypes indicated by letters from A to G. These neurotoxins enter the cytosol of nerve terminals via a 100 kDa chain which binds to the presynaptic membrane and assists the translocation of a 50 kDa metalloprotease chain. These two chains are linked by a single disulfide bridge which plays an essential role during the entry of the metalloprotease chain in the cytosol, but thereafter it has to be reduced to free the proteolytic activity. Its reduction is mediated by thioredoxin which is continuously regenerated by its reductase. Here we show that inhibitors of thioredoxin reductase or of thioredoxin prevent the specific proteolysis of VAMP by the four VAMP-specific BoNTs: type B, D, F and G. These compounds are effective not only in primary cultures of neurons, but also in preventing the in vivo mouse limb neuroparalysis. In addition, one of these inhibitors, Ebselen, largely protects mice from the death caused by a systemic injection. Together with recent results obtained with BoNTs specific for SNAP25 and syntaxin, the present data demonstrate the essential role of the thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase system in reducing the interchain disulfide during the nerve intoxication mechanism of all serotypes. Therefore its inhibitors should be considered for a possible use to prevent botulism and for treating infant botulism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zanetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Domenico Azarnia Tehran
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Marcon Pirazzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Thomas Binz
- Institut für Biochemie, OE 4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30623 Hannover, Germany
| | - Clifford C Shone
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 OJG, UK
| | - Silvia Fillo
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Rossetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy; Istituto CNR di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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Dykes JK, Lúquez C, Raphael BH, McCroskey L, Maslanka SE. Laboratory Investigation of the First Case of Botulism Caused by Clostridium butyricum Type E Toxin in the United States. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:3363-5. [PMID: 26246485 PMCID: PMC4572528 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01351-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the laboratory investigation of the first known case of botulism in the United States caused by Clostridium butyricum type E. This investigation demonstrates the importance of extensive microbiological examination of specimens, which resulted in the isolation of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Dykes
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carolina Lúquez
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Loretta McCroskey
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan E Maslanka
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Genomic Epidemiology of Clostridium botulinum Isolates from Temporally Related Cases of Infant Botulism in New South Wales, Australia. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:2846-53. [PMID: 26109442 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00143-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening paralytic disease that can be associated with prolonged morbidity if not rapidly diagnosed and treated. Four infants were diagnosed and treated for infant botulism in NSW, Australia, between May 2011 and August 2013. Despite the temporal relationship between the cases, there was no close geographical clustering or other epidemiological links. Clostridium botulinum isolates, three of which produced botulism neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) and one BoNT serotype B (BoNT/B), were characterized using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). In silico multilocus sequence typing (MLST) found that two of the BoNT/A-producing isolates shared an identical novel sequence type, ST84. The other two isolates were single-locus variants of this sequence type (ST85 and ST86). All BoNT/A-producing isolates contained the same chromosomally integrated BoNT/A2 neurotoxin gene cluster. The BoNT/B-producing isolate carried a single plasmid-borne bont/B gene cluster, encoding BoNT subtype B6. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based typing results corresponded well with MLST; however, the extra resolution provided by the whole-genome SNP comparisons showed that the isolates differed from each other by >3,500 SNPs. WGS analyses indicated that the four infant botulism cases were caused by genomically distinct strains of C. botulinum that were unlikely to have originated from a common environmental source. The isolates did, however, cluster together, compared with international isolates, suggesting that C. botulinum from environmental reservoirs throughout NSW have descended from a common ancestor. Analyses showed that the high resolution of WGS provided important phylogenetic information that would not be captured by standard seven-loci MLST.
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Abstract
Honey has been widely accepted as food and medicine by all generations, traditions, and civilizations, both ancient and modern. For at least 2700 years, honey has been used by humans to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of honey been discovered. Honey has been reported to be effective in a number of human pathologies. Clinical studies have demonstrated that application of honey to severely infected cutaneous wounds rapidly clears infection from the wound and improves tissue healing. A large number of in vitro and limited clinical studies have confirmed the broad-spectrum antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antimycobacterial) properties of honey, which may be attributed to the acidity (low pH), osmotic effect, high sugar concentration, presence of bacteriostatic and bactericidal factors (hydrogen peroxide, antioxidants, lysozyme, polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, methylglyoxal, and bee peptides), and increase in cytokine release, and to immune modulating and anti-inflammatory properties of honey; the antimicrobial action involves several mechanisms. Despite a large amount of data confirming the antimicrobial activity of honey, there are no studies that support the systemic use of honey as an antibacterial agent.
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Good RJ, Messacar K, Stence NV, Press CA, Carpenter TC. Abnormal Neuroimaging in a Case of Infant Botulism. Front Pediatr 2015; 3:108. [PMID: 26697417 PMCID: PMC4676149 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2015.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the first case of abnormal neuroimaging in a case of infant botulism. The clinical findings of the patient with constipation, bulbar weakness, and descending, symmetric motor weakness are consistent with the classic findings of infant botulism. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), however, revealed restricted diffusion in the brain and enhancement of the cervical nerve roots. Traditionally, normal neuroimaging was used to help differentiate infant botulism from other causes of weakness in infants. Abnormal neuroimaging is seen in other causes of weakness in an infant including metabolic disorders and hypoxic-ischemic injury, but these diagnoses did not fit the clinical findings in this case. The explanation for the MRI abnormalities in the brain and cervical nerve roots is unclear as botulinum toxin acts at presynaptic nerve terminals and does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Possible explanations for the findings include inflammation from the botulinum toxin at the synapse, alterations in sensory signaling and retrograde transport of the botulinum toxin. The patient was treated with human botulism immune globulin and had rapid recovery in weakness. A stool sample from the patient was positive for Type A Clostridium botulinum toxin eventually confirming the diagnosis of infant botulism. The findings in this case support use of human botulism immune globulin when the clinical findings are consistent with infant botulism despite the presence of MRI abnormalities in the brain and cervical nerve roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Good
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado - Denver , Aurora, CO , USA
| | - Kevin Messacar
- Pediatric Infectious Disease, University of Colorado - Denver , Aurora, CO , USA
| | - Nicholas V Stence
- Pediatric Neuroradiology, University of Colorado - Denver , Aurora, CO , USA
| | - Craig A Press
- Pediatric Neurology, University of Colorado - Denver , Aurora, CO , USA
| | - Todd C Carpenter
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado - Denver , Aurora, CO , USA
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First report of an infant botulism case due to Clostridium botulinum type Af. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 53:740-2. [PMID: 25502535 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02894-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most infant botulism cases worldwide are due to botulinum toxin types A and B. Rarely, Clostridium botulinum strains that produce two serotypes (Ab, Ba, and Bf) have also been isolated from infant botulism cases. This is the first reported case of infant botulism due to C. botulinum type Af worldwide.
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Hannett GE, Schaffzin JK, Davis SW, Fage MP, Schoonmaker-Bopp D, Dumas NB, Musser KA, Egan C. Two cases of adult botulism caused by botulinum neurotoxin producing Clostridium baratii. Anaerobe 2014; 30:178-180. [PMID: 25463969 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Type F botulism occurs rarely in clinical cases. Two cases of type F botulism in elderly patients that were clustered in time and space are described. Clostridium baratii producing type F botulinum neurotoxin was isolated from both patients; molecular typing of these isolates revealed that they were unrelated strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Hannett
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002 USA;.
| | - Joshua K Schaffzin
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0627 USA;.
| | - Stephen W Davis
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002 USA;.
| | - Maureen P Fage
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0627 USA;.
| | - Dianna Schoonmaker-Bopp
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002 USA;.
| | - Nellie B Dumas
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002 USA;.
| | - Kimberlee A Musser
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002 USA;.
| | - Christina Egan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002 USA;.
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Infant botulism due toC. butyricumtype E toxin: a novel environmental association with pet terrapins. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:461-9. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814002672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYWe describe two cases of infant botulism due toClostridium butyricumproducing botulinum type E neurotoxin (BoNT/E) and a previously unreported environmental source. The infants presented at age 11 days with poor feeding and lethargy, hypotonia, dilated pupils and absent reflexes. Faecal samples were positive forC. butyricumBoNT/E. The infants recovered after treatment including botulism immune globulin intravenous (BIG-IV).C. butyricumBoNT/E was isolated from water from tanks housing pet ‘yellow-bellied’ terrapins (Trachemys scripta scripta): in case A the terrapins were in the infant's home; in case B a relative fed the terrapin prior to holding and feeding the infant when both visited another relative.C. butyricumisolates from the infants and the respective terrapin tank waters were indistinguishable by molecular typing. Review of a case ofC. butyricumBoNT/E botulism in the UK found that there was a pet terrapin where the infant was living. It is concluded that theC. butyricum-producing BoNT type E in these cases of infant botulism most likely originated from pet terrapins. These findings reinforce public health advice that reptiles, including terrapins, are not suitable pets for children aged <5 years, and highlight the importance of hand washing after handling these pets.
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Genetic characterization and comparison of Clostridium botulinum isolates from botulism cases in Japan between 2006 and 2011. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:6954-64. [PMID: 25192986 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02134-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic characterization was performed for 10 group I Clostridium botulinum strains isolated from botulism cases in Japan between 2006 and 2011. Of these, 1 was type A, 2 were type B, and 7 were type A(B) {carrying a silent bont/B [bont/(B)] gene} serotype strains, based on botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) production. The type A strain harbored the subtype A1 BoNT gene (bont/A1), which is associated with the ha gene cluster. The type B strains carried bont/B5 or bont/B6 subtype genes. The type A(B) strains carried bont/A1 identical to that of type A(B) strain NCTC2916. However, bont/(B) genes in these strains showed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among strains. SNPs at 2 nucleotide positions of bont/(B) enabled classification of the type A(B) strains into 3 groups. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) also provided consistent separation results. In addition, the type A(B) strains were separated into 2 lineages based on their plasmid profiles. One lineage carried a small plasmid (5.9 kb), and another harbored 21-kb plasmids. To obtain more detailed genetic information about the 10 strains, we sequenced their genomes and compared them with 13 group I C. botulinum genomes in a database using whole-genome SNP analysis. This analysis provided high-resolution strain discrimination and enabled us to generate a refined phylogenetic tree that provides effective traceability of botulism cases, as well as bioterrorism materials. In the phylogenetic tree, the subtype B6 strains, Okayama2011 and Osaka05, were distantly separated from the other strains, indicating genomic divergence of subtype B6 strains among group I strains.
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Rossetto O, Pirazzini M, Montecucco C. Botulinum neurotoxins: genetic, structural and mechanistic insights. Nat Rev Microbiol 2014; 12:535-49. [PMID: 24975322 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro3295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced by anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium and cause a persistent paralysis of peripheral nerve terminals, which is known as botulism. Neurotoxigenic clostridia belong to six phylogenetically distinct groups and produce more than 40 different BoNT types, which inactivate neurotransmitter release owing to their metalloprotease activity. In this Review, we discuss recent studies that have improved our understanding of the genetics and structure of BoNT complexes. We also describe recent insights into the mechanisms of BoNT entry into the general circulation, neuronal binding, membrane translocation and neuroparalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Rossetto
- 1] Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy. [2] National Research Council Institute of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy. [3]
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- 1] Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy. [2] National Research Council Institute of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy. [3]
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- 1] Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy. [2] National Research Council Institute of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Espelund M, Klaveness D. Botulism outbreaks in natural environments - an update. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:287. [PMID: 24966853 PMCID: PMC4052663 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum comprises a diverse group of botulinum toxin-producing anaerobic rod-shaped spore-forming bacteria that are ubiquitously distributed in soils and aquatic sediments. Decomposition of plants, algae, and animals creates anaerobic environments that facilitate growth of C. botulinum, which may then enter into food webs leading to intoxication of animals. Via saprophytic utilization of nutrients, the bacteria rapidly sporulate, creating a reservoir of highly robust spores. In the present review, we focus on the occurrence of C. botulinum in non-clinical environments, and examine factors influencing growth and environmental factors associated with botulism outbreaks. We also outline cases involving specific environments and their biota. In wetlands, it has been found that some C. botulinum strains can associate with toxin-unaffected organisms–-including algae, plants, and invertebrates–-in which the bacteria appear to germinate and stay in the vegetative form for longer periods of time. We suggest the need for future investigations to resolve issues related to the environments in which C. botulinum spores may accumulate and germinate, and where the vegetative forms may multiply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Espelund
- Protection and Societal Security Division, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment Kjeller, Norway
| | - Dag Klaveness
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
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