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Wódz K, Chodkowska KA, Iwiński H, Różański H, Wojciechowski J. In Vitro Evaluation of Phytobiotic Mixture Antibacterial Potential against Enterococcus spp. Strains Isolated from Broiler Chicken. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4797. [PMID: 38732016 PMCID: PMC11084370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094797] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. are normal intestinal tract microflorae found in poultry. However, the last decades have shown that several species, e.g., Enterococcus cecorum, have become emerging pathogens in broilers and may cause numerous losses in flocks. In this study, two combinations (H1 and H2) of menthol, 1,8-cineol, linalool, methyl salicylate, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, trans-anethole, terpinen-4-ol and thymol were used in an in vitro model, analyzing its effectiveness against the strains E. cecorum, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae and E. gallinarum isolated from broiler chickens from industrial farms. To identify the isolated strains classical microbiological methods and VITEK 2 GP cards were used. Moreover for E. cecorum a PCR test was used.. Antibiotic sensitivity (MIC) tests were performed for all the strains. For the composition H1, the effective dilution for E. cecorum and E. hirae strains was 1:512, and for E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum, 1:1024. The second mixture (H2) showed very similar results with an effectiveness at 1:512 for E. cecorum and E. hirae and 1:1024 for E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum. The presented results suggest that the proposed composition is effective against selected strains of Enterococcus in an in vitro model, and its effect is comparable to classical antibiotics used to treat this pathogen in poultry. This may suggest that this product may also be effective in vivo and provide effective support in the management of enterococcosis in broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wódz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Vet-Lab Brudzew, Turkowska 58c, 62-720 Brudzew, Poland;
| | | | - Hubert Iwiński
- AdiFeed Sp. z o.o., Chrzanowska 15, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland; (H.I.); (H.R.)
| | - Henryk Różański
- AdiFeed Sp. z o.o., Chrzanowska 15, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland; (H.I.); (H.R.)
- Laboratory of Industrial and Experimental Biology, Institute for Health and Economics, Carpathian State College in Krosno, Rynek 1, 38-400 Krosno, Poland
| | - Jakub Wojciechowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Vet-Lab Brudzew, Turkowska 58c, 62-720 Brudzew, Poland;
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Manders T, Benedictus L, Spaninks M, Matthijs M. Enterococcus cecorum lesion strains are less sensitive to the hostile environment of albumen and more resistant to lysozyme compared to cloaca strains. Avian Pathol 2024; 53:106-114. [PMID: 38073364 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2023.2286985] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Egg albumen inhibits Enterococcus cecorum cloaca strains more than lesion strains.Enterococcus cecorum lesion strains are resistant to high concentrations of lysozyme.Lysozyme resistance could enhance survival in albumen and body fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Manders
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lindert Benedictus
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mirlin Spaninks
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mieke Matthijs
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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3
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Ma X, Wang L, Li J, Guo Y, He S. The pathogenicity and immune effects of different generations of Mycoplasma synoviae on chicken embryos. Br Poult Sci 2024; 65:19-27. [PMID: 38018666 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2023.2287733] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
1. Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is the primary causative agent of synovitis in avian species. In order to investigate the pathogenicity and immunological responses associated with MS in specific pathogen-free chicken embryos, a series of generations (F1, F95, F120, F160 and F200) of MS were introduced into 7-day-old SPF chicken embryos and subsequent mortality rates were recorded and analysed2. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect expression of heat shock proteins HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 and inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the tracheal tissue.3. The results showed that the mortality rate of SPF chicken embryos decreased with an increase in the number of passages, with the highest being 80% (8/10) for F1 generation and the lowest being 10% (1/10) for F200. The expression of HSP27, IL-1β, HSP40, caspase-1, HSP70 and HSP90 showed a significant downregulation trend with an increase in the generation (except IL-18; P < 0.05). The HSP60 expression was significantly upregulated with increasing generations (P < 0.05).4. A relationship between pathogenicity and the number of passages was observed and the decrease in pathogenicity appeared to be associated with HSP and genes related to inflammatory factors. The present work offers a scientific foundation for screening potential MS strains that might be employed to develop attenuated vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Ma
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - L Wang
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - J Li
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Y Guo
- Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science's Yinchuan, Institute of Animal Science, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - S He
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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4
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Rhoads DD, Pummill J, Alrubaye AAK. Molecular Genomic Analyses of Enterococcus cecorum from Sepsis Outbreaks in Broilers. Microorganisms 2024; 12:250. [PMID: 38399654 PMCID: PMC10892122 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive genomic analyses of Enterococcus cecorum isolates from sepsis outbreaks in broilers suggest a polyphyletic origin, likely arising from core genome mutations rather than gene acquisition. This species is a normal intestinal flora of avian species with particular isolates associated with osteomyelitis. More recently, this species has been associated with sepsis outbreaks affecting broilers during the first 3 weeks post-hatch. Understanding the genetic and management basis of this new phenotype is critical for developing strategies to mitigate this emerging problem. Phylogenomic analyses of 227 genomes suggest that sepsis isolates are polyphyletic and closely related to both commensal and osteomyelitis isolate genomes. Pangenome analyses detect no gene acquisitions that distinguish all the sepsis isolates. Core genome single nucleotide polymorphism analyses have identified a number of mutations, affecting the protein-coding sequences, that are enriched in sepsis isolates. The analysis of the protein substitutions supports the mutational origins of sepsis isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas D. Rhoads
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.P.); (A.A.K.A.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Jeff Pummill
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.P.); (A.A.K.A.)
- Arkansas High Performance Computing Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.P.); (A.A.K.A.)
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Lu Z, Huang J, Li P, Song M, Liu B, Tang W, Sun S. The Genomic Characteristics of an Arthritis-Causing Salmonella pullorum. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2986. [PMID: 38138130 PMCID: PMC10745331 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar pullorum (Salmonella pullorum) is an avian-specific pathogen that has caused considerable economic losses to the poultry industry. High endemicity, poor implementation of hygiene measures, and lack of effective vaccines hinder the prevention and control of this disease in intensively maintained poultry flocks. In recent years, the incidence of arthritis in chicks caused by Salmonella pullorum infection has increased. In this study, four Salmonella pullorum strains were identified from the livers, spleens, and joint fluids of Qingjiaoma chicken breeders with arthritis clinical signs, and an arthritis model of chicks was successfully established using SP206-2. Whole genome sequencing of the SP206-2 strain showed that the genome was 4,730,579 bp, 52.16% GC content, and contained 5007 genes, including 4729 protein-coding regions. The genomic analysis of four arthritis-causing isolates and three diarrhea-causing isolates showed that the genome of arthritis-causing isolates was subject to nonsynonymous mutations, shift mutations, and gene copy deletions. An SNP phylogenetic tree analysis showed that arthritis-causing isolates are located in a different evolutionary branch from diarrhea-causing isolates. Further differential genes analysis showed that the genome of arthritis-causing isolates had missense mutations in genes related to substance metabolism and substance transport, as a result of adaptive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Lu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.L.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.L.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Peiyong Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.L.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Mengze Song
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.L.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.L.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Wenli Tang
- Shandong Center for Quality Control of Feed and Veterinary Drug, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Safty Monitoring and Risk Assessment for Animal Products, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Shuhong Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China; (Z.L.); (J.H.); (P.L.); (M.S.); (B.L.)
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Arango M, Forga A, Liu J, Zhang G, Gray L, Moore R, Coles M, Atencio A, Trujillo C, Latorre JD, Tellez-Isaias G, Hargis B, Graham D. Characterizing the impact of Enterococcus cecorum infection during late embryogenesis on disease progression, cecal microbiome composition, and early performance in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103059. [PMID: 37717481 PMCID: PMC10507439 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103059] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) has been associated with septicemia and early mortality in broiler chickens. There is limited research investigating the pathogenicity of EC field strains obtained from affected birds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of in-ovo administration into the amnion with different EC field isolates at d 18 of embryogenesis (DOE18). In Exp 1, 7 EC field isolates alone or in combination (EC1-EC3, EC4-EC5, EC6, and EC7) were selected based on phenotypic characteristics and evaluated at different concentrations (1 × 102, 1 × 104, and 1 × 106 CFU/200 µL/embryo) to assess the impact on early performance and macroscopic lesions. Three isolates (n = 3; EC2, EC5, EC7) were selected for additional evaluation based on the significant (P < 0.05) BWG reduction (d 0-21) compared to the negative control (NC) and the presence of macroscopic lesions observed during posting sessions at d 14 and d 21. An additional isolate associated with enterococcal spondylitis was included in Exp 2 (EC11B). Treatment groups for Exp 2 include: 1) NC, 2) EC2, 3) EC5, 4) EC7, and 5) EC11B (n = 90-120/embryos/group). Groups 2 to 5 were challenged at 1 × 102 CFU/200 µL/embryo by in-ovo injection into the amnion at DOE18. Chicks were placed in battery cages for the duration of the study (21 d), and pen weights were recorded at d 0, d 7, d 14, and d 21 to calculate average BW and BWG. At d 14 and d 21 posthatch, liver, spleen, free thoracic vertebrae (FTV), and femoral head (FH) were aseptically collected to enumerate Enterococcus spp. using Chromagar Orientation as the selective media. Cecal contents were collected at d 21 to evaluate the effect of EC challenge on the cecal microbiome composition. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in BW at d 21, and BWG from d 14 to 21 and d 0 to 21, for EC7 and EC11B. Enterococcus cecorum was recovered from the FTV of all challenged groups at d 14 and d 21. The most representative lesions were pericarditis, hydropericardium, focal heart necrosis, and FH osteomyelitis. However, lesions were not uniform across challenged groups or ages (d 14 and d 21). Alpha diversity of the cecal contents was markedly lower in EC5 and EC11B compared to all treatment groups suggesting that EC exposure during late embryogenesis affect the cecal microbiome up to 21 d posthatch. Additionally, these results highlight the differences in pathogenicity of EC strains isolated from field cases and suggest that hatchery exposure to EC during late embryogenesis is a potential route of introduction into a flock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Arango
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Aaron Forga
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Guolong Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Latasha Gray
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Randy Moore
- UADA-Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Makenly Coles
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Abdiel Atencio
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Carolina Trujillo
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Juan David Latorre
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Guillermo Tellez-Isaias
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Billy Hargis
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA
| | - Danielle Graham
- Division of Agriculture, Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA.
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7
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Laurentie J, Mourand G, Jouy E, Bougeard S, Keita A, Amelot M, Serror P, Kempf I. Study of the effect of administration of narasin or antibiotics on in vivo selection of a narasin- and multidrug-resistant Enterococcus cecorum strain. Vet Microbiol 2023; 282:109757. [PMID: 37119567 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109757] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum is a member of the normal poultry gut microbiota and an emerging poultry pathogen. Some strains are resistant to key antibiotics and coccidiostats. We evaluated the impact on chicken excretion and persistence of a multidrug-resistant E. cecorum of administering narasin or antibiotics. E. cecorum CIRMBP-1294 (Ec1294) is non-wild-type to many antimicrobials, including narasin, levofloxacin, oxytetracycline and glycopeptides, it has a low susceptibility to amoxicillin, and carries a chromosomal vanA operon. Six groups of 15 chicks each were orally inoculated with Ec1294 and two groups were left untreated. Amoxicillin, oxytetracycline or narasin were administered orally to one group each, either at the recommended dose for five days (amoxicillin, oxytetracycline) or continuously (narasin). Faecal samples were collected weekly and caecal samples were obtained from sacrificed birds on day 28. Ec1294 titres were evaluated by culture on vancomycin- and levofloxacin-supplemented media in 5 % CO2. For inoculated birds given narasin, oxytetracycline or no antimicrobials, vancomycin-resistant enterococci were searched by culture on vancomycin-supplemented media incubated in air, and a PCR was used to detect the vanA gene. Ec1294 persisted in inoculated chicks up to day 28. Compared to the control group, the Ec1294 titre was significantly lower in the amoxicillin- and narasin-receiving groups on days 21 and 28, but was unexpectedly higher in the oxytetracycline-receiving group before and after oxytetracycline administration, preventing a conclusion for this group. No transfer of the vanA gene to other enterococci was detected. Other trials in various experimental conditions should now be conducted to confirm this apparent absence of co-selection of the multi-drug-resistant E. cecorum by narasin or amoxicillin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Laurentie
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Ploufragan, France
| | | | - Eric Jouy
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Ploufragan, France
| | | | - Alassane Keita
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Ploufragan, France
| | - Michel Amelot
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Ploufragan, France
| | - Pascale Serror
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France.
| | - Isabelle Kempf
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Ploufragan, France.
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Comparative Genome Analysis of Enterococcus cecorum Reveals Intercontinental Spread of a Lineage of Clinical Poultry Isolates. mSphere 2023; 8:e0049522. [PMID: 36794931 PMCID: PMC10117131 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00495-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum is an emerging pathogen responsible for osteomyelitis, spondylitis, and femoral head necrosis causing animal suffering and mortality and requiring antimicrobial use in poultry. Paradoxically, E. cecorum is a common inhabitant of the intestinal microbiota of adult chickens. Despite evidence suggesting the existence of clones with pathogenic potential, the genetic and phenotypic relatedness of disease-associated isolates remains little investigated. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes and characterized the phenotypes of more than 100 isolates, the majority of which were collected over the last 10 years from 16 French broiler farms. Comparative genomics, genome-wide association studies, and the measured susceptibility to serum, biofilm-forming capacity, and adhesion to chicken type II collagen were used to identify features associated with clinical isolates. We found that none of the tested phenotypes could discriminate the origin of the isolates or the phylogenetic group. Instead, we found that most clinical isolates are grouped phylogenetically, and our analyses selected six genes that discriminate 94% of isolates associated with disease from those that are not. Analysis of the resistome and the mobilome revealed that multidrug-resistant clones of E. cecorum cluster into a few clades and that integrative conjugative elements and genomic islands are the main carriers of antimicrobial resistance. This comprehensive genomic analysis shows that disease-associated clones of E. cecorum belong mainly to one phylogenetic clade. IMPORTANCE Enterococcus cecorum is an important pathogen of poultry worldwide. It causes a number of locomotor disorders and septicemia, particularly in fast-growing broilers. Animal suffering, antimicrobial use, and associated economic losses require a better understanding of disease-associated E. cecorum isolates. To address this need, we performed whole-genome sequencing and analysis of a large collection of isolates responsible for outbreaks in France. By providing the first data set on the genetic diversity and resistome of E. cecorum strains circulating in France, we pinpoint an epidemic lineage that is probably also circulating elsewhere that should be targeted preferentially by preventive strategies in order to reduce the burden of E. cecorum-related diseases.
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Huang Y, Eeckhaut V, Goossens E, Rasschaert G, Van Erum J, Roovers G, Ducatelle R, Antonissen G, Van Immerseel F. Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis related Enterococcus cecorum isolates are genetically distinct from the commensal population and are more virulent in an embryo mortality model. Vet Res 2023; 54:13. [PMID: 36823606 PMCID: PMC9951403 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01146-0] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a common cause of broiler lameness. Bacteria that are found in BCO lesions are intestinal bacteria that are proposed to have translocated through the intestinal epithelium and have spread systemically. One of the specific bacterial species frequently isolated in BCO cases is Enterococcus cecorum. In the current study, caecal isolates were obtained from birds derived from healthy flocks (12 isolates from 6 flocks), while isolates derived from caeca, colon, pericardium, caudal thoracic vertebrae, coxo-femoral joint, knee joint and intertarsal joint (hock) were obtained from broilers derived from BCO outbreaks (111 isolates from 10 flocks). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was performed to determine similarity. Clonal E. cecorum populations were isolated from different bones/joints and pericardium from animals within the same flock, with intestinal strains carrying the same pulsotype, pointing to the intestinal origin of the systemically present bacteria. Isolates from the intestinal tract of birds from healthy flocks clustered away from the BCO strains. Isolates from the gut, bones/joints and pericardium of affected animals contained a set of genes that were absent in isolates from the gut of healthy animals, such as genes encoding for enterococcal polysaccharide antigens (epa genes), cell wall structural components and nutrient transporters. Isolates derived from the affected birds induced a significant higher mortality in the embryo mortality model as compared to the isolates from the gut of healthy birds, pointing to an increased virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT), Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Venessa Eeckhaut
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT), Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Goossens
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT), Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geertrui Rasschaert
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO)- Technology and Food Science Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | | | | | - Richard Ducatelle
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT), Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Gunther Antonissen
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT), Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT), Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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10
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Manders TTM, van Eck JHH, Buter GJ, Landman WJM. Assessment of the best inoculation route for virulotyping Enterococcus cecorum strains in a chicken embryo lethality assay. Avian Pathol 2022; 51:613-625. [PMID: 36178147 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2022.2130174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe study aim was to determine the best inoculation route for virulotyping Enterococcus cecorum in a chicken embryo lethality assay (ELA). Twenty-eight genetically different strains were used. Fourteen strains were isolated from cloaca swabs of broiler reproduction chickens (cloaca strains) and fourteen strains from broilers with E. cecorum lesions (lesion strains). In all ELAs, 12 days incubated embryonated broiler eggs were inoculated with approximately 100 colony forming units of E. cecorum/egg. Twenty embryos per inoculation route and strain were used in each of three experiments. In Experiment 1, four cloaca and four lesion strains were inoculated via various routes, i.e. albumen, amniotic cavity, allantoic cavity, chorioallantoic membrane, intravenous or air chamber. The albumen inoculation route showed low mortality with cloaca strains, high mortality with lesion strains and the largest difference in mortality between these groups of strains (≥60%). This route was therefore used in subsequent experiments. In Experiment 2, the same strains were used to test reproducibility, which proved to be generally good. All 28 strains were thereafter used in Experiment 3. In the three experiments, mortality by cloaca and lesion strains ranged from 0 to 25% and from 15 to 100%, respectively. Recovery rates, assessed in all experiments after albumen inoculation, were significantly lower from eggs inoculated with cloaca strains, compared to lesion strains inoculated eggs (P <0.05). However, the bacterial load of eggs with positive recovery was similar in both groups. In conclusion: the albumen inoculation route appeared to be the best to virulotype E. cecorum strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- T T M Manders
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J H H van Eck
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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11
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Dolka B, Czopowicz M, Dolka I, Szeleszczuk P. Chicken embryo lethality assay for determining the lethal dose, tissue distribution and pathogenicity of clinical Enterococcus cecorum isolates from poultry. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10675. [PMID: 35739309 PMCID: PMC9225985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum is a well-known component of the normal poultry intestinal microbiota and an important bacterial pathogen. Infections caused by E. cecorum have negative effects on the poultry production worldwide. In this study we used the SPF-chicken embryo lethality assay (ELA) to assess the pathogenic potential of E. cecorum. A total of 23 isolates were used: 19 clinical isolates from field outbreaks in different poultry groups (CB – broiler chickens, BB – broiler breeders, CL – layers, T– turkeys, W – waterfowl) and 4 commensal isolates. The cumulative mortality caused by all clinical isolates was higher (53.4%) than that of the commensals (38.9%). The highest mortality was induced by CB isolates (68.9%), followed by CL (60.4%), all chicken isolates (59.2%; CB, BB, CL), BB (45.8%), T (41.7%), non-chicken isolates (40.7%; T, W), and W isolates (39.8%). Most of the embryos that died, did die on the 1st day post-infection (dpi), except those infected with CB, CL (on 2 dpi). The median lethal dose (LD50) of E. cecorum ranged from 6.07 × 102 cfu/ml (CB isolates) and 1.42 × 104 cfu/ml (all clinical isolates) to 4.8 × 105 cfu/ml (commensal isolates). This study provides the first evidence of a wide tissue distribution and multiplication of E. cecorum in embryos. Dead embryos showed scattered petechiae, hemorrhages, aggregates of bacteria in blood vessels, multiple organ necrosis, and encephalomalacia. Our data indicate that surviving embryos were able to elicit innate immune response to infection. On the other hand, reisolation of viable bacteria from surviving embryos may suggest that E. cecorum could evade or resist immune mechanisms in order to persist in organs. Furthermore, body mass of surviving embryos was affected by the strain type, not the dose (bacterial concentration) used, and was lower for the infection with clinical strains. The results indicated the highest pathogenicity of clinical E. cecorum isolates from CB and CL flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabella Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Schreier J, Rautenschlein S, Jung A. Different virulence levels of Enterococcus cecorum strains in experimentally infected meat-type chickens. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259904. [PMID: 34767595 PMCID: PMC8589174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, pathogenic strains of Enterococcus cecorum (EC) have emerged as a causing agent of septicemia and skeletal infection in broiler chickens with a high economic impact worldwide. Although research has been conducted, many aspects of the pathogenesis of the EC-associated disease are still unknown. In the present study, an experimental infection model was established in broiler chickens. Two different EC strains (EC14 and EC15) were compared in two different concentrations of each strain (2 × 106 and 2 × 108 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL)) after oral infection of one-day-old chicks. Clinical signs and gross lesions of the EC-associated disease were monitored in the following seven weeks. Although both EC strains were originally isolated from clinical disease outbreaks and had a high embryonic lethality, only EC14 successfully induced the typical course of the EC-associated disease with characteristic clinical signs and gross lesions. In total, 23% of the birds in the two EC14-groups were EC-positive in extraintestinal organs on culture, and no differences were found between the two infectious doses. EC14 was frequently detected via real-time PCR in the free thoracic vertebra (FTV) and femoral heads without any detectable gross lesions. The number of EC positive spleens from infected broilers was comparable using bacterial isolation and a specific real-time PCR. Interestingly, EC15 was not detected in extraintestinal organs, although birds in the EC15 groups were colonized by EC in the ceca after experimental infection. The present study represents first proof that virulence differs among EC strains in experimentally infected chickens, and emphasizes the need to further characterize virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms of EC. The strain EC14 at a dose of 106 CFU is suitable for reproduction of the EC-associated disease. The experimental infection model reported here provides the basis for further research on the EC pathogenesis and possible prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schreier
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Rautenschlein
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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13
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Ekesi NS, Hasan A, Parveen A, Shwani A, Rhoads DD. Embryo lethality assay as a tool for assessing virulence of isolates from bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis in broilers. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101455. [PMID: 34607145 PMCID: PMC8496174 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We used an embryo lethality assay (ELA) to assess virulence for different isolates from cases of bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) in broilers. Lameness is among the most significant animal welfare issues in the poultry industry. Bacterial infections are a major cause of lameness and different bacterial species have been obtained from lame broilers. Reliable lab-based assays are required to assess relative virulence of bacteria obtained from lame broilers. ELA has been used to assess lethal dosage of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus cecorum. We hypothesized that ELA could substitute for more laborious and costly assessments of BCO isolate pathogenicity using live birds. We evaluated 2 different levels of bacteria injected into eggs from layer and commercial broiler embryos. Significant findings include 1) Escherichia coli from neighboring farms operated by the same integrator had very different embryo lethality, 2) isolate Staphylococcus agnetis 908 had low virulence in ELA, even though this isolate can induce more than 50% BCO lameness, 3) Enterococcus cecorum 1415 also had low pathogenicity; even though it was recovered from severe bilateral tibial dyschondroplasia, 4) human and chicken BCO isolates of S. aureus had significant pathogenicity, 5) virulence for some isolates was highly variable possibly corresponding with quality of the embryos/fertile eggs used, and 6) ELA pathogenicity was much lower for our BCO isolates than previous reports which may reflect maternal environment. Overall, ELA virulence and BCO virulence are not always concordant indicating that ELA may not be an effective measure for assessing virulence with respect to BCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nnamdi S Ekesi
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Amer Hasan
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA; Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Alia Parveen
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Abdulkarim Shwani
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Douglas D Rhoads
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
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14
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Walker GK, Suyemoto MM, Hull DM, Gall S, Jimenez F, Chen LR, Thakur S, Crespo R, Borst LB. Genomic Characterization of a Nalidixic Acid-Resistant Salmonella Enteritidis Strain Causing Persistent Infections in Broiler Chickens. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:725737. [PMID: 34540936 PMCID: PMC8440904 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.725737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulent strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) harbored by poultry can cause disease in poultry flocks and potentially result in human foodborne illness. Two broiler flocks grown a year apart on the same premises experienced mortality throughout the growing period due to septicemic disease caused by SE. Gross lesions predominantly consisted of polyserositis followed by yolk sacculitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and spondylitis. Tissues with lesions were cultured yielding 59 SE isolates. These were genotyped by Rep-PCR followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 15 isolates which were clonal. The strain, SE_TAU19, was further characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence in a broiler embryo lethality assay. SE_TAU19 was resistant to nalidixic acid and sulfadimethoxine and was virulent to embryos with 100% mortality of all challenged broiler embryos within 3.5 days. Screening the SE_TAU19 whole-genome sequence revealed seven antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, 120 virulence genes, and two IncF plasmid replicons corresponding to a single, serovar-specific pSEV virulence plasmid. The pef, spv, and rck virulence genes localized to the plasmid sequence assembly. We report phenotypic and genomic features of a virulent SE strain from persistently infected broiler flocks and present a workflow for SE characterization from isolate collection to genome assembly and sequence analysis. Further SE surveillance and investigation of SE virulence in broiler chickens is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grayson K Walker
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - M Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Dawn M Hull
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Sesny Gall
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Fernando Jimenez
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Laura R Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Siddhartha Thakur
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Rocio Crespo
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Luke B Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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15
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Shen X, Yin L, Ma H, Pan X, Zhang D, Zhao R, Dai Y, Hou H, Hu X. Comprehensive genomic analysis and characterization of a new ST 174 type Klebsiella variicola strain isolated from chicken embryos. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 90:104768. [PMID: 33588064 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Klebsiella variicola is a widespread opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in humans and animals. Herein a novel Klebsiella strain, AHKv-S01, was isolated and identified from dead chicken embryos in Anhui, China. Its genome contained a circular chromosome of 5,505,304 bp, with 5244 protein-coding genes, and an integrative conjugative element region containing 79 ORF sequences. AHKv-S01 was given a new sequence type number-174. Phylogenetic analyses showed that rpoB partial nucleotide sequences were highly reliable for identifying Klebsiella spp. Most of the 340 unique genes of AHKv-S01 were involved in cell envelop biogenesis, transcription, transport, and metabolic processes. Moreover, AHKv-S01 was sensitive to several antibiotics, but it showed strong resistance to penicillins, macrolides, and lincosamide. The genome contained three drug efflux pump superfamilies, β-lactamase genes, and fosfomycin resistance-related genes. Most drug resistance genes showed amino acid mutations. Multiple virulence and pathogenic factors were also identified, and they were mainly related to adhesion, secretion, iron acquisition, and immune evasion. Chicken embryo lethality assay results revealed that the 7-day chicken embryo lethality rate was 80%, 40%, and 50% for AHKv-S01, K. pneumoniae ATCC10031, and K. pneumoniae CICC24714, respectively. The median lethal dose of AHKv-S01 was 39.9 CFU/embryo. Even low infection levels of AHKv-S01 caused a significant reduction in chicken embryo hatchability. Severe pathological changes to the liver, heart, and brain tissues of embryos infected with AHKv-S01 were observed, and these changes appeared earlier in the heart and brain than in the liver. To conclude, our results provide a foundation for further studies aiming to assess the potential risk of K. variicola to poultry populations and production yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehuai Shen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China
| | - Haitian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaocheng Pan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China.
| | - Danjun Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China.
| | - Ruihong Zhao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China
| | - Yin Dai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China
| | - Hongyan Hou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomiao Hu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Poultry Epidemic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Province, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Anhui, China
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16
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Rezaee MS, Liebhart D, Hess C, Hess M, Paudel S. Bacterial Infection in Chicken Embryos and Consequences of Yolk Sac Constitution for Embryo Survival. Vet Pathol 2020; 58:71-79. [PMID: 33016240 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820960127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infections in chicken eggs often cause mortality of embryos and clinical consequences in chicks but the pathological mechanism is unclear. We investigated the pathological changes and bacterial growth kinetics in dead and live embryos following infection with 2 Escherichia coli strains with a different clinical background and with 1 Salmonella Enteritidis strain. In 2 experiments, 12-day-old embryos were infected via the allantoic sac with 100 µl of 1 to 5 × 102 CFU/ml of one of the bacteria. In experiment 1, only dead embryos were sampled until 4 days postinfection (dpi), and surviving embryos were sampled at 5 dpi. In experiment 2, sampling was performed in dead and killed embryos sequentially at 1, 2, 3, and 4 dpi. The bacteria showed varying pathogenicity in embryos. The yolk sacs of dead embryos showed congestion, inflammation, damaged blood vessels, and abnormal endodermal epithelial cells. Such lesions were absent in the yolk sacs of negative control embryos and in those of embryos that survived infection. The livers and hearts of dead embryos showed congestion and lysed erythrocytes with no morphological changes in hepatocytes or myocardial cells. All bacteria multiplied rapidly in the yolks of infected embryos, although this did not predict survival. However, the livers of dead embryos contained significantly higher bacterial loads than the livers of the embryos that survived infection. The results provide evidence that lesions in the yolk sac, which have been neglected to date, coincide with embryonic mortality, underlining the importance of healthy yolk sacs for embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Hess
- 27260University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- 27260University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Surya Paudel
- 27260University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Walker GK, Suyemoto MM, Gall S, Chen L, Thakur S, Borst LB. The role of Enterococcus faecalis during co-infection with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in avian colibacillosis. Avian Pathol 2020; 49:589-599. [PMID: 32674609 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2020.1796926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. (ENT) are frequently co-isolated with avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) from poultry with colibacillosis, a leading cause of flock mortality. Although largely overlooked, ENT may play an active role in these infections. To assess the frequency of ENT co-isolation in colibacillosis, cultures were collected from birds with gross lesions of omphalitis, polyserositis, and septicaemia over a 3-year period from three turkey flocks and three broiler flocks. In birds diagnosed with colibacillosis based on gross findings and isolation of E. coli, ENT were co-isolated with APEC in 35.7% (n = 41/115) of colibacillosis mortality and 3.7% of total mortality (n = 41/1122). Co-isolated APEC and ENT pairs (n = 41) were further characterized using antimicrobial resistance phenotyping and in vitro co-culture assays. E. faecalis (EF) was the most commonly co-isolated species (68% n = 28/41) and tetracycline resistance was the resistance phenotype most commonly found among APEC (51% n = 21/41) and ENT (93% n = 38/41). Under iron-restricted conditions, EF enhanced APEC growth in a proximity-dependent manner and APEC grown in mixed culture with EF exhibited a significant growth and survival advantage (P ≤ 0.01). In an embryo lethality assay, APEC co-infection with EF resulted in decreased survival of broiler embryos compared to mono-infections (P ≤ 0.05). These data demonstrate that EF augmented APEC survival and growth under iron limiting conditions, possibly translating to the increased virulence of APEC in broiler embryos. Thus, ENT co-infections may be a previously unrecognized contributor to colibacillosis-related mortality. Further investigations into the mechanism of this interaction are warranted. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Enterococcus is frequently co-isolated with avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Enterococcus faecalis (EF) enhances survival of APEC in iron restricted conditions. EF co-infection increases APEC virulence in broiler embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grayson K Walker
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sesny Gall
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Laura Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Siddhartha Thakur
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Luke B Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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18
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Presence of Virulence Genes in Enterococcus Species Isolated from Meat Turkeys in Germany Does Not Correlate with Chicken Embryo Lethality. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6147695. [PMID: 32083120 PMCID: PMC7012276 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6147695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Virulence-associated traits have frequently been studied in enterococci and are considered to contribute towards the pathogenicity of infections. In the present study, Enterococcus isolates were collected during diagnostic investigations from meat turkeys in Germany. Twenty-eight isolates of three different Enterococcus species were analyzed for five selected putative virulence traits to understand their potential role in the pathogenicity using the chicken embryo lethality assay. Ten E. faecalis, ten E. faecium, and eight E. gallinarum isolates were examined for the presence of common virulence genes and their phenotypic expression, namely, the cytolysin operon, five individual cyl genes (cylLL, cylLS, cylM, cylB, and cylA), gelatinase (gelE), hyaluronidase (hylEfm), aggregation substance (asa1), and enterococcal surface protein (esp). The Enterococcus isolates showed significant species-dependent differences in the presence of genotypic traits (p < 0.001 by Fisher's exact test; Cramer's V = 0.68). At least one gene and up to three virulence traits were found in E. faecalis, while six E. faecium isolates and one E. gallinarum isolate did not display any virulence-associated pheno- or genotype. More than half of the Enterococcus isolates (n = 15) harbored the gelE gene, but only E. faecalis (n = 10) expressed the gelatinase activity in vitro. The hylEfm gene was found in five E. gallinarum isolates only, while seven isolates showed the hyaluronidase activity in the phenotypic assay. In Cramer's V statistic, a moderate association was indicated for species (V ≤ 0.35) or genotype (V < 0.43) and the results from the embryo lethality assay, but the differences were not significant. All E. gallinarum isolates were less virulent with mortality rates ranging between 0 and 30%. Two E. faecalis isolates were highly virulent, harboring the whole cyl-operon as well as gelE and asa1 genes. Likewise, one E. faecium isolate caused high embryo mortality but did not harbor any of the investigated virulence genes. For the first time, Enterococcus isolates of three different species collected from diseased turkeys were investigated for their virulence properties in comparison. The results differed markedly between the Enterococcus species, with E. faecalis harboring the majority of investigated genes and virulence traits. However, the genotype did not entirely correlate with the phenotype or the isolates' virulence potential and pathogenicity for chicken embryos.
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19
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Borst L, McLamb K, Suyemoto M, Chen L, Levy M, Sarsour A, Cordova H, Barnes H, Oviedo-Rondón E. Coinfection with Eimeria spp. decreases bacteremia and spinal lesions caused by pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Trotereau A, Schouler C. Use of a Chicken Embryo Lethality Assay to Assess the Efficacy of Phage Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1898:199-205. [PMID: 30570735 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8940-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
To combat infectious diseases induced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in human and animals, phage therapy has regained attention by the scientific community. Before phages can be widely accepted as therapeutics in the same way as antibiotics, convincing detailed applied experimental evidence must be available. The embryonated chicken egg model has been used to study the virulence of many pathogens. We describe here a procedure to test the efficacy of phage therapy to treat colibacillosis using a chicken embryo lethality assay, this being potentially applied to others bacterial infection.
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21
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Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Chen LR, Barnes HJ. Vaccination of breeder hens with a polyvalent killed vaccine for pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum does not protect offspring from enterococcal spondylitis. Avian Pathol 2018; 48:17-24. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2018.1536819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Laura R. Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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22
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Jung A, Chen LR, Suyemoto MM, Barnes HJ, Borst LB. A Review ofEnterococcus cecorumInfection in Poultry. Avian Dis 2018; 62:261-271. [DOI: 10.1637/11825-030618-review.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559 Hannover, Germany,
| | - Laura R. Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
| | - Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
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23
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Braga JFV, Martins NRS, Ecco R. Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Broilers: A Review. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2017-0690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JFV Braga
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Brazil
| | - NRS Martins
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - R Ecco
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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24
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Chen LR, Suyemoto MM, Sarsour AH, Cordova HA, Oviedo-Rondón EO, Barnes HJ, Borst LB. Prevalence and severity of osteochondrosis of the free thoracic vertebra in three modern broiler strains and the Athens Canadian Random Bred control broiler. Avian Pathol 2017; 47:152-160. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1388499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura R. Chen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Albarra H. Sarsour
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H. Alejandro Cordova
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edgar O. Oviedo-Rondón
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Dolka B, Chrobak-Chmiel D, Czopowicz M, Szeleszczuk P. Characterization of pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum from different poultry groups: Broiler chickens, layers, turkeys, and waterfowl. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185199. [PMID: 28934313 PMCID: PMC5608366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is known as a commensal in the intestines of mammals and birds. However, it has been described as an emerging pathogen in poultry industry worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare EC isolated from clinical material collected from poultry groups with different production purposes. The genetic diversity among pathogenic EC in relation to each specific poultry type was examined. In total, 148 isolates from independent infection outbreaks (2011–2016) were used: 76 broiler chickens (CB), 37 broiler breeders (BB), 23 layers (CL), 7 waterfowl (W) and 5 turkey (T) flocks (1 isolate/1 flock). We provided age ranges at diagnosis of EC-infection for 5 poultry groups. Isolates obtained from CB were significantly more frequently retrieved from bone marrow, joints, spine, and contrary to BB, CL less frequently retrieved from respiratory system. The study showed differences between EC of various poultry types in relation to 10/32 (31.3%) biochemical parameters. EC isolates from CB were significantly more often positive for βGAL, βNAG, MLZ, and less often positive for PAL and βMAN than isolates from other poultry types. However, BB and W isolates showed higher ability to metabolise mannitol than CB, CL, and T. CB isolates showed lower ability to survive at 60°C. Only chicken EC-isolates harbored virulence genes: CB (8.1%) > BB (3.4%) > CL (2%). No specific pulsotype of EC was associated with a specific poultry. One or several various (up to 6) genetic types of EC may be involved in outbreaks in CB flocks within one year in one region. Outbreaks reported in following years in the same region were usually caused by a distinct set of EC-genetic types. PFGE results indicated at the genetic heterogeneity among pathogenic isolates involved in outbreaks in relation to each poultry type. To our best knowledge, this is the first study which provides a comparison between clinical EC from 5 poultry groups. The study provides a new insight into EC as pathogen of different bird species. The obtained data may be useful in further studies on EC-infections more focused on a specific type of poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Szeleszczuk
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
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26
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Blanco AE, Barz M, Cavero D, Icken W, Sharifi AR, Voss M, Buxadé C, Preisinger R. Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis isolates by chicken embryo lethality assay and ERIC-PCR. Avian Pathol 2017; 47:23-32. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1359404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana E. Blanco
- Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - A. Reza Sharifi
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Carlos Buxadé
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Blanco AE, Barz M, Icken W, Cavero D, Sharifi AR, Voss M, Preisinger R, Buxadé C. Chicken embryo lethality assay for determining the lethal dose and virulence of Enterococcus faecalis. Avian Pathol 2017; 46:548-555. [PMID: 28470098 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1324942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is the major pathogen found in field cases of amyloid arthropathy in chickens. Given the need for a better understanding of the virulence mechanisms of the causative strains, the embryo lethality assay (ELA) is proposed in the present study as a model to evaluate the virulence of E. faecalis strains, specifically the pathogenic avian strain K923/96, which was previously related with amyloid arthropathy. Hence, 0.2 ml of five doses of the cited strain (from 2.5 to 2500 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml) were inoculated into the allantoic cavity of 10-day-old embryos. The embryo mortality rate (EMR) was determined by daily candling of the eggs over a period of seven days and based on this information the median lethal dose (LD50) was calculated. The ELA was repeated four times on a sample of 3443 eggs. The infectious dose showed a significant effect on the EMR. The EMR with the doses of 2.5, 5, 25, 250 and 2500 CFU/ml was 43%, 45%, 63%, 90% and 93%, respectively. The estimated dose at LD50 was 6.6 CFU/ml. As expected, the higher the infectious dose, the greater the EMR and the lower the embryo survival time. The highest EMR was recorded after three and four days post-inoculation in all doses. In conclusion, these results can be used as a basis for further researches on the E. faecalis virulence. In order to corroborate its model capacity to predict the virulence of this bacterium, more ELAs with different E. faecalis strains are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana E Blanco
- a Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH , Cuxhaven , Germany.,b Departamento de Produccion Animal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas , Universidad Politécnica de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - Martin Barz
- a Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH , Cuxhaven , Germany
| | | | | | - A Reza Sharifi
- c Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences , Georg-August-University Goettingen , Goettingen , Germany
| | | | | | - Carlos Buxadé
- b Departamento de Produccion Animal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas , Universidad Politécnica de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
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28
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Guo R, Li Z, Jiao Y, Geng S, Pan Z, Chen X, Li Q, Jiao X. O-polysaccharide is important for Salmonella Pullorum survival in egg albumen, and virulence and colonization in chicken embryos. Avian Pathol 2017; 46:535-540. [PMID: 28470101 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1324197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The pathogen Salmonella Pullorum is the causative agent of persistent systemic infection of poultry, leading to economic losses in developing countries due to morbidity, mortality and reduction in egg production. These infections may result in vertical transmission to eggs or progeny. Limited information is available regarding the mechanisms involved in the survival of Salmonella Pullorum in egg albumen and developing chicken embryos. Hence, we investigated the role of O-polysaccharide in the contamination of eggs and the colonization of chicken embryos. Compared with the wild-type strain, the isogenic waaL mutant exhibited an O-antigen-deficient rough phenotype, and increased sensitivity to egg albumen and chicken serum, as well as reduced adherence to DF-1 cells. Infection with Salmonella Pullorum lacking O-polysaccharide resulted in significantly reduced embryo lethality and bacterial colonization. These results suggest that O-polysaccharide is essential for Salmonella Pullorum colonization in eggs, both post-lay and developing embryos. The chicken embryo infection model could be used to characterize the interaction between Salmonella Pullorum and developing embryos, and it will also contribute to the development of more rational vaccines to protect laying hens and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxian Guo
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoyang Li
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Jiao
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Shizhong Geng
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Pan
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Chen
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuchun Li
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Xinan Jiao
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
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29
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Jung A, Metzner M, Ryll M. Comparison of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum strains from different animal species. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:33. [PMID: 28193172 PMCID: PMC5307665 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-0949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enterococcus cecorum (EC) infection currently is one of the most important bacterial diseases of modern broiler chickens but can also affect ducks or other avian species. However, little is known concerning pathogenesis of EC and most studies concentrate on examinations of EC strains from broilers only. The objective of this study was to compare pathogenic and commensal EC strains from different animal species concerning different phenotypic and genotypic traits. Results Pathogenic and commensal EC strains were not clearly separated from each other in a phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of the 16S-rRNA-gene and also based on the fatty acid profile determined with gas chromatography. C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1 w7c, C18:1 w9c and C20:4 w6,9,12,15c were detected as the major fatty acids. None of the 21 pathogenic EC strains was able to utilize mannitol, while 9 of 29 commensal strains were mannitol positive. In a dendrogram based on MALDI-TOF MS data, pathogenic strains were not clearly separated from commensal isolates. However, significant differences concerning the prevalence of several mass peaks were confirmed between the two groups. Two different antisera were produced but none of the serotypes was predominantly found in the pathogenic or commensal EC isolates. Enterococcal virulence factors gelE, esp, asa1, ccf, hyl and efaAfs were only detected in single isolates via PCR. No virulence factor was found significantly more often in the pathogenic isolates. The chicken embryo lethality of the examined EC isolates varied from 0 up to 100%. The mean embryo lethality in the pathogenic EC isolates was 39.7%, which was significantly higher than the lethality of the commensal strains, which was 18.9%. Additionally, five of the commensal isolates showed small colony variant growth, which was never reported for EC before. Conclusions Pathogenic and commensal EC isolates from different animal species varied in chicken embryo lethality, in their ability to metabolize mannitol and probably showed divergent mass peak patterns with MALDI-TOF MS. These differences may be explained by a separate evolution of pathogenic EC isolates. Furthermore, different serotypes of EC were demonstrated for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jung
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Martin Metzner
- RIPAC LABOR GmbH, Am Muehlenberg 11, D-14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Martin Ryll
- Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
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30
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Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Sarsour AH, Harris MC, Martin MP, Strickland JD, Oviedo EO, Barnes HJ. Pathogenesis of Enterococcal Spondylitis Caused by Enterococcus cecorum in Broiler Chickens. Vet Pathol 2016; 54:61-73. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985816658098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcal spondylitis (ES) is a disease of commercial broiler chickens, with a worldwide distribution. Symmetrical hind limb paralysis typical of ES results from infection of the free thoracic vertebra (FTV) by pathogenic strains of Enterococcus cecorum . To determine the pathogenesis of ES, birds with natural and experimental ES were studied over time. In natural disease, case birds (n = 150) from an affected farm and control birds (n = 100) from an unaffected farm were evaluated at weeks 1–6. In control birds, intestinal colonization by E. cecorum began at week 3. In case birds, E. cecorum was detected in intestine and spleen at week 1, followed by infection of the FTV beginning at week 3. E. cecorum isolates recovered from intestine, spleen, and FTV of case birds had matching genotypes, confirming that intestinal colonization with pathogenic strains precedes bacteremia and infection of the FTV. Clinical intestinal disease was not required for E. cecorum bacteremia. In 1- to 3-week-old case birds, pathogenic E. cecorum was observed within osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the FTV. To determine whether OCD of the FTV was a risk factor for ES, 214 birds were orally infected with E. cecorum, and the FTV was evaluated histologically at weeks 1–7. Birds without cartilage clefts of OCD in the FTV did not develop ES; while birds with OCD scores ≥3 were susceptible to lesion development. These findings suggest that intestinal colonization, bacteremia, and OCD of the FTV in early life are crucial to the pathogenesis of ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. M. Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - A. H. Sarsour
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. C. Harris
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M. P. Martin
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J. D. Strickland
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - E. O. Oviedo
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H. J. Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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31
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Borst LB, Suyemoto MM, Scholl EH, Fuller FJ, Barnes HJ. Comparative genomic analysis identifies divergent genomic features of pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum including a type IC CRISPR-Cas system, a capsule locus, an epa-like locus, and putative host tissue binding proteins. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121294. [PMID: 25860249 PMCID: PMC4393107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is the dominant enteric commensal of adult chickens and contributes to the gut consortia of many avian and mammalian species. While EC infection is an uncommon zoonosis, like other enterococcal species it can cause life-threating nosocomial infection in people. In contrast to other enterococci which are considered opportunistic pathogens, emerging pathogenic strains of EC cause outbreaks of musculoskeletal disease in broiler chickens. Typical morbidity and mortality is comparable to other important infectious diseases of poultry. In molecular epidemiologic studies, pathogenic EC strains were found to be genetically clonal. These findings suggested acquisition of specific virulence determinants by pathogenic EC. To identify divergent genomic features and acquired virulence determinants in pathogenic EC; comparative genomic analysis was performed on genomes of 3 pathogenic and 3 commensal strains of EC. Pathogenic isolates had smaller genomes with a higher GC content, and they demonstrated large regions of synteny compared to commensal isolates. A molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrated sequence divergence in pathogenic EC genomes. At a threshold of 98% identity, 414 predicted proteins were identified that were highly conserved in pathogenic EC but not in commensal EC. Among these, divergent CRISPR-cas defense loci were observed. In commensal EC, the type IIA arrangement typical for enterococci was present; however, pathogenic EC had a type IC locus, which is novel in enterococci but commonly observed in streptococci. Potential mediators of virulence identified in this analysis included a polysaccharide capsular locus similar to that recently described for E. faecium, an epa-like locus, and cell wall associated proteins which may bind host extracellular matrix. This analysis identified specific genomic regions, coding sequences, and predicted proteins which may be related to the divergent evolution and increased virulence of emerging pathogenic strains of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke B. Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - M. Mitsu Suyemoto
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- Bioinformatics Consulting and Service Core, Bioinformatics Research Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fredrick J. Fuller
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - H. John Barnes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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