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Gothe J, Pfetzing S, Ulrich R, Schrödl W, Baums CG, Heilmann RM. Brachyspira in dogs: risk factors of shedding in central Germany and longitudinal study of an infected kennel. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:136. [PMID: 38575983 PMCID: PMC10993570 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03989-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachyspira (B.) pilosicoli is a zoonotic pathogen, able to infect different animal species such as pigs, poultry, and rodents, causing intestinal spirochetosis. An association of gastrointestinal clinical signs, such as diarrhea, with the isolation of B. pilosicoli from fecal samples or rectal swabs has not been proven in dogs. Other Brachyspira species commonly isolated from dogs, such as "B. canis" and "B. pulli", are considered commensals. This study investigated the occurrence of different Brachyspira species in rectal swabs and fecal samples in an independent canine cohort in central Germany. These included samples from shelter dogs, hunting dogs, and dogs presenting at regional small animal practices with various clinical signs. Data about the dogs, including potential risk factors for Brachyspira isolation, were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. The study also longitudinally investigated a colony of Beagle dogs for Brachyspira over 5 years. RESULTS The rate of Brachyspira spp. isolation was 11% and included different Brachyspira species ("B. canis", "B. pulli", and B. pilosicoli). "B. canis" was detected in 18 dogs, whereas B. pilosicoli was only isolated from 1 dog in the independent cohort (not including the Beagle colony). Risk factors for shedding Brachyspira and "B. canis" were being less than 1 year of age and shelter origin. Gastrointestinal signs were not associated with the shedding of Brachyspira. B. pilosicoli and "B. canis" were isolated from several dogs of the same Beagle colony in 2017 and again in 2022, while Brachyspira was not isolated at multiple sampling time points in 2021. CONCLUSIONS Shedding of B. pilosicoli in dogs appears to be uncommon in central Germany, suggesting a low risk of zoonotic transmission from dogs. Commensal status of "B. canis" and "B. pulli" is supported by the results of this study. Findings from the longitudinal investigation of the Beagle colony agree with an asymptomatic long-term colonization of dogs with "B. canis" and B. pilosicoli and suggest that introducing new animals in a pack can trigger an increased shedding of B. pilosicoli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gothe
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Pfetzing
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph G Baums
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Romy M Heilmann
- Department for Small Animals, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Pérez-Tanoira R, Tamarit MDP, Montaña AMV, Carmena D, Köster P, Górgolas M, Fortes Alen JR, Cabello-Úbeda A, Prieto-Pérez L. Increased Prevalence of Symptomatic Human Intestinal Spirochetosis in MSM with High-Risk Sexual Behavior in a Cohort of 165 Individuals. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050250. [PMID: 37235298 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, although asymptomatic infections have been described. Individuals from low-income countries, people living with HIV, and men who have sex with men (MSM) show increased risk. A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with HIS (n = 165) between January 2013 and October 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain, was performed to assess risk factors for symptomatic HIS, symptoms, and response to treatment. Most patients were male (n = 156; 94.5%), 86.7% were MSM, and 23.5% practiced chemsex, of whom most were symptomatic (p = 0.039). Most patients (78.4%) reported unprotected oral-anal intercourse. A total of 124 (81.1%) were symptomatic; diarrhea was the most common complaint (68.3%). Multivariable regression showed increased odds of symptoms associated with age under 41 (odds ratio 5.44, 95% CI 1.87-15.88; p = 0.002). Colonoscopy was normal in 153 (92.7%). Furthermore, 66.7% presented previous or concomitant sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Among the patients, 102 underwent testing for other gastrointestinal pathogens, with positive results in 20 (19.6%). All symptomatic patients without concomitant gastrointestinal infection presenting improvement on follow-up (42 of 53) had received either metronidazole or doxycycline (p = 0.049). HIS should be considered as a cause of chronic diarrhea in MSM with high-risk sexual behavior after other causes have been ruled out; treatment with metronidazole is recommended. Coinfection with other STDs is common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Pérez-Tanoira
- Department of Microbiology, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Alcalá, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pamela Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Górgolas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José R Fortes Alen
- Department of Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura Prieto-Pérez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Wang L, Wu J, Chen J, Dou W, Zhao Q, Han J, Liu J, Su W, Li A, Liu P, An Z, Xu C, Sun Y. Advances in reconstructing intestinal functionalities in vitro: From two/three dimensional-cell culture platforms to human intestine-on-a-chip. Talanta 2021; 226:122097. [PMID: 33676654 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Standard two/three dimensional (2D/3D)-cell culture platforms have facilitated the understanding of the communications between various cell types and their microenvironments. However, they are still limited in recapitulating the complex functionalities in vivo, such as tissue formation, tissue-tissue interface, and mechanical/biochemical microenvironments of tissues and organs. Intestine-on-a-chip platforms offer a new way to mimic intestinal behaviors and functionalities by constructing in vitro intestinal models in microfluidic devices. This review summarizes the advances and limitations of the state-of-the-art 2D/3D-cell culture platforms, animal models, intestine chips, and the combined multi-organ chips related with intestines. Their applications to studying intestinal functions, drug testing, and disease modeling are introduced. Different intestinal cell sources are compared in terms of gene expression abilities and the recapitulated intestinal morphologies. Among these cells, cells isolated form human intestinal tissues and derived from pluripotent stem cells appear to be more suitable for in vitro reconstruction of intestinal organs. Key challenges of current intestine-on-a-chip platforms and future directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China.
| | - Wenkun Dou
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System (IRAIS) and the Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotic (tjKLIR), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Junlei Han
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Weiguang Su
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Anqing Li
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Pengbo Liu
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Zhao An
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chonghai Xu
- Advanced Micro and Nano-instruments Center, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
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Medhanie G, Mcewen S, Slavic D, Guerin M. Brachyspira spp. and avian intestinal spirochaetosis: an epidemiological review. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2013; 69:541-52. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933913000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Abstract
Brachyspira pilosicoli is a slow-growing anaerobic spirochete that colonizes the large intestine. Colonization occurs commonly in pigs and adult chickens, causing colitis/typhlitis, diarrhea, poor growth rates, and reduced production. Colonization of humans also is common in some populations (individuals living in village and peri-urban settings in developing countries, recent immigrants from developing countries, homosexual males, and HIV-positive patients), but the spirochete rarely is investigated as a potential human enteric pathogen. In part this is due to its slow growth and specialized growth requirements, meaning that it is not detectable in human fecal samples using routine diagnostic methods. Nevertheless, it has been identified histologically attached to the colon and rectum in patients with conditions such as chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and/or nonspecific abdominal discomfort, and one survey of Australian Aboriginal children showed that colonization was significantly associated with failure to thrive. B. pilosicoli has been detected in the bloodstream of elderly patients or individuals with chronic conditions such as alcoholism and malignancies. This review describes the spirochete and associated diseases. It aims to encourage clinicians and clinical microbiologists to consider B. pilosicoli in their differential diagnoses and to develop and use appropriate diagnostic protocols to identify the spirochete in clinical specimens.
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Ek CE, Nosach R, Fernando C, Huang Y, Perez JBDS, Costa MO, Ekanayake S, Hill JE, Harding JCS. An optimized swine dysentery murine model to characterize shedding and clinical disease associated with "Brachyspira hampsonii" infection. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:261. [PMID: 28830508 PMCID: PMC5568335 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of a mouse model as an in vivo pathogenicity screening tool for Brachyspira spp. has advanced the study of these economically important pathogens in recent years. However, none of the murine models published to date have been used to characterize the clinical signs of disease in mice, instead focusing on pathology following oral inoculation with various Brachyspira spp. The experiments described herein explore modifications of published models to characterize faecal consistency, faecal shedding and pathology in mice challenged with “Brachyspira hampsonii” clade II (Bhamp). Methods and results In Experiment 1, 24 CF-1 mice were randomly allocated to one of three inoculation groups: sham (Ctrl), Bhamp, or B. hyodysenteriae (Bhyo; positive control). Half of each group was fed normal mouse chow (RMH) while the other received a low-zinc diet (TD85420). In Experiment 2, eight CF-1 mice and nine C3H/HeN mice were divided into Ctrl or Bhamp inoculation groups, and all fed TD85420. In Experiment 1, mice fed TD85420 demonstrated more severe mucoid faeces (P = 0.001; Kruskal Wallis) and faecal shedding for a significantly greater number of days (P = 0.005; Kruskal Wallis). Mean faecal scores of Bhamp inoculated mice trended higher than Ctrl (P = 0.06; Wilcoxon rank-sum) as did those of Bhyo mice (P = 0.0; Wilcoxon rank-sum). In Experiment 2, mean faecal scores of inoculated CF-1 mice were significantly greater than in C3H mice (P = 0.049; Kruskal Wallis) but no group differences in faecal shedding were observed. In both experiments, mice clustered based on the severity of colonic and caecal histopathology but high lesion scores were not always concurrent with high fecal scores. Conclusion In our laboratory, CF-1 mice and the lower-zinc TD85420 diet provide a superior murine challenge model of “Brachyspira hampsonii” clade II. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1166-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Ek
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Studies, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Roman Nosach
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Studies, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Yanyun Huang
- Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Matheus O Costa
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Studies, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Ekanayake
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Janet E Hill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - John C S Harding
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Studies, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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Hess C, Zloch A, Bilic I, Hacksteiner K, Kuchling S, Hess M. High prevalence of Brachyspira spp. in layers kept in alternative husbandry systems associated with frequent species variations from end of rearing to slaughter. Avian Pathol 2017; 46:481-487. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1315049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Zloch
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivana Bilic
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Hacksteiner
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Kuchling
- Division for Data, Statistics and Risk Assessment, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
The 'colonic' spirochetes assigned to the genus Brachyspira are slow-growing anaerobic bacteria. The genus includes both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, and these variously colonise the large intestines of different species of birds and animals, including humans. Scientific understanding of the physiology and molecular biology of Brachyspira spp. remains very limited compared with that of other pathogenic spirochetes, and there are few descriptions of successful genetic manipulations undertaken to investigate gene function. An important boost to knowledge occurred in 2009 when, for the first time, the whole genome sequence of a Brachyspira strain (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae strain WA1) was obtained. The genomics analysis provided a significant increase in knowledge: for example, a previously unknown ~36 Kb plasmid was discovered and metabolic pathways were constructed. The study also revealed likely acquisition of genes involved in transport and central metabolic functions from other enteric bacterial species. Four subsequent publications have provided a similarly detailed analysis of other Brachyspira genomes, but of these only two included more than one strain of a species (20 strains of B. hyodysenteriae in one and three strains of B. pilosicoli in the other). Since then, more Brachyspira genomes have been made publicly available, with the sequences of at least one representative of each of the nine officially recognised species deposited at public genome repositories. All species have a single circular chromosome varying in size from ~2.5 to 3.3 Mb, with a C + G content of around 27%. In this chapter, we summarise the current knowledge and present a preliminary comparative genomic analysis conducted on 56 strains covering the official Brachyspira species. Besides providing detailed genetic maps of the bacteria, this analysis has revealed gene island rearrangements, putative phenotypes (including antimicrobial drug resistance) and genetic mutation mechanisms that enable brachyspires to evolve and respond to stress. The application of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to generate genomic data from many more Brachyspira species and strains increasing will improve our understanding of these enigmatic spirochetes.
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Le Roy CI, Mappley LJ, La Ragione RM, Woodward MJ, Claus SP. Brachyspira pilosicoli-induced avian intestinal spirochaetosis. Microb Ecol Health Dis 2015; 26:28853. [PMID: 26679774 PMCID: PMC4683989 DOI: 10.3402/mehd.v26.28853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Avian intestinal spirochaetosis (AIS) is a common disease occurring in poultry that can be caused by Brachyspira pilosicoli, a Gram-negative bacterium of the order Spirochaetes. During AIS, this opportunistic pathogen colonises the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract of poultry (principally, the ileum, caeca, and colon), which can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, reduced growth rate, and reduced egg production and quality. Due to the large increase of bacterial resistance to antibiotic treatment, the European Union banned in 2006 the prophylactic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock. Consequently, the number of outbreaks of AIS has dramatically increased in the UK resulting in significant economic losses. This review summarises the current knowledge about AIS infection caused by B. pilosicoli and discusses various treatments and prevention strategies to control AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline I Le Roy
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Luke J Mappley
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Roberto M La Ragione
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK.,Department of Bacteriology, APHA, Weybridge, UK
| | - Martin J Woodward
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Sandrine P Claus
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK;
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Mappley LJ, La Ragione RM, Woodward MJ. Brachyspira and its role in avian intestinal spirochaetosis. Vet Microbiol 2013; 168:245-60. [PMID: 24355534 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The fastidious, anaerobic spirochaete Brachyspira is capable of causing enteric disease in avian, porcine and human hosts, amongst others, with a potential for zoonotic transmission. Avian intestinal spirochaetosis (AIS), the resulting disease from colonisation of the caeca and colon of poultry by Brachyspira leads to production losses, with an estimated annual cost of circa £ 18 million to the commercial layer industry in the United Kingdom. Of seven known and several proposed species of Brachyspira, three are currently considered pathogenic to poultry; B. alvinipulli, B. intermedia and B. pilosicoli. Currently, AIS is primarily prevented by strict biosecurity controls and is treated using antimicrobials, including tiamulin. Other treatment strategies have been explored, including vaccination and probiotics, but such developments have been hindered by a limited understanding of the pathobiology of Brachyspira. A lack of knowledge of the metabolic capabilities and little genomic information for Brachyspira has resulted in a limited understanding of the pathobiology. In addition to an emergence of antibiotic resistance amongst Brachyspira, bans on the prophylactic use of antimicrobials in livestock are driving an urgent requirement for alternative treatment strategies for Brachyspira-related diseases, such as AIS. Advances in the molecular biology and genomics of Brachyspira heralds the potential for the development of tools for genetic manipulation to gain an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of Brachyspira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Mappley
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AP, UK.
| | - Roberto M La Ragione
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Martin J Woodward
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AP, UK
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Naresh R, Hampson DJ. Strains of the intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli attach to and aggregate erythrocytes. Lett Appl Microbiol 2013; 58:65-9. [PMID: 24033419 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The anaerobic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli colonizes the large intestine of various species of mammals and birds, where it may induce colitis. Strains of the spirochaete have also been isolated from the bloodstream of immunocompromised human patients and have been seen in liver sections, and a similar systemic spread was recently observed in experimentally infected chickens. Some other spirochaete species that may be present in blood attach to and aggregate erythrocytes, and this is believed to contribute to disease severity. The aim of the current study was to determine whether B. pilosicoli strains have the capacity to attach to and aggregate erythrocytes. Initially, four strains of B. pilosicoli were incubated with erythrocytes from sheep, cows, pigs, dogs, humans, chickens and geese, and were observed by phase-contrast microscopy. Only strain WesB attached, and this was only with erythrocytes from chickens and geese. Subsequently, six other strains of B. pilosicoli were tested just with goose erythrocytes, and five attached to and caused aggregation of the erythrocytes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that spirochaetes abutted and apparently firmly attached to the erythrocyte membranes. Aggregation of erythrocytes by B. pilosicoli may contribute to disease severity in species that develop a spirochaetaemia. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli has been isolated from the bloodstream of immunocompromised human patients, and spread to the liver has been reported in humans and in experimentally infected chickens. In this study, B. pilosicoli was shown to undergo attachment by one cell end to chicken and goose erythrocytes in vitro and to aggregate them. This activity has the potential to contribute to disease severity in avian and possibly other species that develop a spirochaetaemia and systemic spread. Avian erythrocytes may be useful for studying the mechanisms by which B. pilosicoli attaches to cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Naresh
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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Westerman LJ, Stel HV, Schipper MEI, Bakker LJ, Neefjes-Borst EA, van den Brande JHM, Boel ECH, Seldenrijk KA, Siersema PD, Bonten MJM, Kusters JG. Development of a real-time PCR for identification of brachyspira species in human colonic biopsies. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52281. [PMID: 23284968 PMCID: PMC3527525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachyspira species are fastidious anaerobic microorganisms, that infect the colon of various animals. The genus contains both important pathogens of livestock as well as commensals. Two species are known to infect humans: B. aalborgi and B. pilosicoli. There is some evidence suggesting that the veterinary pathogenic B. pilosicoli is a potential zoonotic agent, however, since diagnosis in humans is based on histopathology of colon biopsies, species identification is not routinely performed in human materials. METHODS The study population comprised 57 patients with microscopic evidence of Brachyspira infection and 26 patients with no histopathological evidence of Brachyspira infection. Concomitant faecal samples were available from three infected patients. Based on publically available 16S rDNA gene sequences of all Brachyspira species, species-specific primer sets were designed. DNA was extracted and tested by real-time PCR and 16S rDNA was sequenced. RESULTS Sensitivity and specificity for identification of Brachyspira species in colon biopsies was 100% and 87.7% respectively. Sequencing revealed B. pilosicoli in 15.4% of patients, B. aalborgi in 76.9% and a third species, tentatively named "Brachyspira hominis", in 26.2%. Ten patients (12.3%) had a double and two (3.1%) a triple infection. The presence of Brachyspira pilosicoli was significantly associated with inflammatory changes in the colon-biopsy (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS This newly designed PCR allows for sub-differentiation of Brachyspira species in patient material and thus allows large-scaled surveillance studies to elucidate the pathogenicity of human Brachyspira infections. One-third of affected patients appeared to be infected with a novel species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens J. Westerman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Herbert V. Stel
- Department of Pathology, Tergooiziekenhuizen, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leendert J. Bakker
- Central Laboratory for Bacteriology and Serology, Tergooiziekenhuizen, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Edwin C. H. Boel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kees A. Seldenrijk
- Department of Pathology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Peter D. Siersema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc J. M. Bonten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G. Kusters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Mappley LJ, Black ML, AbuOun M, Darby AC, Woodward MJ, Parkhill J, Turner AK, Bellgard MI, La T, Phillips ND, La Ragione RM, Hampson DJ. Comparative genomics of Brachyspira pilosicoli strains: genome rearrangements, reductions and correlation of genetic compliment with phenotypic diversity. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:454. [PMID: 22947175 PMCID: PMC3532143 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The anaerobic spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli causes enteric disease in avian, porcine and human hosts, amongst others. To date, the only available genome sequence of B. pilosicoli is that of strain 95/1000, a porcine isolate. In the first intra-species genome comparison within the Brachyspira genus, we report the whole genome sequence of B. pilosicoli B2904, an avian isolate, the incomplete genome sequence of B. pilosicoli WesB, a human isolate, and the comparisons with B. pilosicoli 95/1000. We also draw on incomplete genome sequences from three other Brachyspira species. Finally we report the first application of the high-throughput Biolog phenotype screening tool on the B. pilosicoli strains for detailed comparisons between genotype and phenotype. Results Feature and sequence genome comparisons revealed a high degree of similarity between the three B. pilosicoli strains, although the genomes of B2904 and WesB were larger than that of 95/1000 (~2,765, 2.890 and 2.596 Mb, respectively). Genome rearrangements were observed which correlated largely with the positions of mobile genetic elements. Through comparison of the B2904 and WesB genomes with the 95/1000 genome, features that we propose are non-essential due to their absence from 95/1000 include a peptidase, glycine reductase complex components and transposases. Novel bacteriophages were detected in the newly-sequenced genomes, which appeared to have involvement in intra- and inter-species horizontal gene transfer. Phenotypic differences predicted from genome analysis, such as the lack of genes for glucuronate catabolism in 95/1000, were confirmed by phenotyping. Conclusions The availability of multiple B. pilosicoli genome sequences has allowed us to demonstrate the substantial genomic variation that exists between these strains, and provides an insight into genetic events that are shaping the species. In addition, phenotype screening allowed determination of how genotypic differences translated to phenotype. Further application of such comparisons will improve understanding of the metabolic capabilities of Brachyspira species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Mappley
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Reading University, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
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Prapasarakul N, Lugsomya K, Disatian S, Lekdumrongsak T, Banlunara W, Chetanachan P, Hampson DJ. Faecal excretion of intestinal spirochaetes by urban dogs, and their pathogenicity in a chick model of intestinal spirochaetosis. Res Vet Sci 2011; 91:e38-43. [PMID: 21320714 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to obtain information about the types of spirochaetes colonising urban dogs in Thailand, and to investigate their pathogenic potential in a day-old chick model of intestinal spirochaetosis. Spirochaetes were isolated from the faeces of six of 47 (12.8%) healthy dogs and 11 of 104 (10.6%) dogs with diarrhoea. Their biochemical properties and 16S ribosomal DNA sequences were analysed. Four isolates were identified as Brachyspira pilosicoli, three resembled "Brachyspira pulli", nine clustered with "Brachyspira canis" and one was similar to Brachyspira intermedia. Canine isolates of B. pilosicoli, "B. canis" and "B. pulli", and control strains of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli and Brachyspira innocens colonised experimentally infected day-old chicks. The chicks did not develop diarrhoea, but were significantly lighter than the non-infected group and those infected with B. innocens after 21 days (P<0.05). Using immunohistochemistry, spirochaetes were observed covering the surface epithelium and in the crypts of chicks in all three groups challenged with the canine isolates. Variable histopathological changes were seen, with the greatest inflammatory cell infiltration into the lamina propria occurring in the group infected with "B. pulli". Canine "B. canis", "B. pulli" and B. pilosicoli isolates may have pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuvee Prapasarakul
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Naresh R, Song Y, Hampson DJ. The intestinal spirochete Brachyspira pilosicoli attaches to cultured Caco-2 cells and induces pathological changes. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8352. [PMID: 20020053 PMCID: PMC2791440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachyspira pilosicoli is an anaerobic spirochete that has received relatively little study, partly due to its specialized culture requirements and slow growth. This bacterium colonizes the large intestine of various species, including humans; typically, a dense layer of spirochete cells may be found intimately attached by one cell end to the surface of colonic enterocytes. Colonized individuals may develop colitis, but the mechanisms involved are not understood. The current study aimed to develop an in vitro model to investigate this process. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Four strains of B. pilosicoli were incubated at a high multiplicity of infection with monolayers of a human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2 cells). One strain isolated from a pig (95/1000) and one from a human (WesB) attached to the monolayers. Colonization increased with time, with the Caco-2 cell junctions being the initial targets of attachment. By electron microscopy, individual spirochete cells could be seen to have one cell end invaginated into the Caco-2 cell membranes, with the rest of the spirochete draped over the Caco-2 cell surface. After 6 h incubation, the monolayer was covered with a layer of spirochetes. Colonized monolayers demonstrated a time-dependent series of changes: staining with labelled phalloidin identified accumulation of actin at the cell junctions; ZO-1 staining revealed a loss of Caco-2 tight junction integrity; and Hoechst staining showed condensation and fragmentation of nuclear material consistent with apoptosis. Using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, the colonized monolayers demonstrated a significant up-regulation of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-8 expression. B. pilosicoli sonicates caused significant up-regulation of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6, but culture supernatants and non-pathogenic Brachyspira innocens did not alter cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The changes induced in the Caco-2 cells provide evidence that B. pilosicoli has pathogenic potential, and give insights into the likely in vivo pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Naresh
- Animal Research Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Yong Song
- Animal Research Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - David J. Hampson
- Animal Research Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The anaerobic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli colonizes the large intestine of various species, including humans. In the colon this spirochaete can penetrate the overlying mucus layer, attach by one cell end to the underlying enterocytes, and initiate localized colitis and diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to investigate whether, as part of the colonization process, B. pilosicoli is attracted to mucin. Fifteen B. pilosicoli strains isolated from humans, pigs, chickens and dogs, and a control strain of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, were analysed for their ability to enter solutions of hog gastric mucin in an in vitro capillary tube assay. No significant attraction was detected with 1 % mucin, but some strains started to enter a 2 % solution, and attraction then increased with increasing concentrations to peak at around 6-8 % mucin. A similar increase was seen with B. hyodysenteriae, although this activity peaked at 6 % mucin and then declined, suggesting that the two species have different affinities for mucin. These mucin concentrations were much higher than those used in previous experimental studies with Brachyspira species. The viscosities of the 6-8 % mucin solutions were around 7-12 mPa s, which were similar to the measured viscosities of the mucus layer overlying the epithelium in the caecum and colon of experimental pigs. The strains varied in their motility, as assessed by their ability to enter tubes containing chemotaxis buffer, but there was no significant relationship between this motility and the extent of their ability to enter the mucin solutions. Different strains also had different propensities to enter the mucin solutions, but there were no consistent differences according to the host species of origin. B. pilosicoli strain 95/1000 was attracted towards a solution of d-serine, suggesting that chemotaxis was involved in the attraction to mucin; however, 95/1000 was also attracted to viscous solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), in a manner mirroring the response to mucin, and hence suggesting the involvement of viscotaxis in the attraction to mucin. B. hyodysenteriae B204 showed a similar viscotaxis to PVP. Further studies are required to determine whether the in vitro interaction of a given strain with mucin is a useful indicator of its in vivo colonization ability, and hence could be used as a potential marker for virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Naresh
- Animal Research Institute, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - David J Hampson
- Animal Research Institute, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Nelson EJ, Tanudra A, Chowdhury A, Kane AV, Qadri F, Calderwood SB, Coburn J, Camilli A. High prevalence of spirochetosis in cholera patients, Bangladesh. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 15:571-3. [PMID: 19331734 PMCID: PMC2671413 DOI: 10.3201/eid1504.081214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbes that accompany the etiologic agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae, are only now being defined. In this study, spirochetes from the genus Brachyspira were identified at high titers in more than one third of cholera patients in Bangladesh. Spirochetosis should now be tracked in the setting of cholera outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nelson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute-Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Calderaro A, Bommezzadri S, Gorrini C, Piccolo G, Peruzzi S, Villanacci V, Zambelli C, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Infective colitis associated with human intestinal spirochetosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:1772-9. [PMID: 17914949 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04606.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM Our study reports the detection and identification of intestinal spirochetosis in patients with colonic diseases in a tertiary-care hospital over a 12-year period, and includes a description of all cases we diagnosed. METHODS Our patients (8323) underwent colonoscopy and histopathological examinations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy. Specimens from patients suspected of intestinal spirochetosis at histopathology (17 patients) underwent microbiological investigation performed by culture and molecular methods (16S restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction [RFLP-PCR], nox RFLP-PCR assays). RESULTS Seventeen cases were diagnosed: seven patients were infected by B. aalborgi, one by B. pilosicoli, two by both species and four by Brachyspira spp. diagnosed both histopathology and microbiology (culture and molecular methods: 16S RFLP-PCR and nox RFLP-PCR assays). Three cases were referred to as Brachyspira spp. infections using only histopathology, including TEM. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that intestinal spirochetosis, although rarely occurring, might play a role in chronic diarrhea and suggested a pathogenetic mechanism of intestinal spirochetosis based on the destruction of colonic microvilli and colitis histologically documented, providing additional clinical and pathological information on this entity. This study suggests that metronidazole seems to be the drug of choice for the eradication of intestinal spirochetosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Calderaro A, Gorrini C, Peruzzi S, Piccolo G, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Occurrence of human intestinal spirochetosis in comparison with infections by other enteropathogenic agents in an area of the Northern Italy. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 59:157-63. [PMID: 17662556 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2007.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2007] [Revised: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 05/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of human intestinal spirochetosis (IS) by a 16S rRNA restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) in a selected group (234) of patients with gastrointestinal complaints and/or potential risk factors for IS in comparison with the occurrence of infections by other enteropathogenic agents. By using 16S rRNA RFLP-PCR, 16 patients (6.8%) with IS were found (11 infected by Brachyspira aalborgi, 3 by Brachyspira pilosicoli, and 2 by both species); moreover, 10 patients with gastroenteric viruses (4.2%), 13 with enteropathogenic bacteria other than intestinal spirochetes (5.5%), and 24 with intestinal parasites (10.2%) were found. This study provides an enhancement of the knowledge about the distribution of IS, suggesting that it may be more frequent than suspected and that clinicians should consider IS when patients present with long-standing diarrhea. Moreover, 16S rRNA RFLP-PCR might be a powerful tool not only for diagnostic purpose but also to investigate the occurrence of IS just on fecal samples, not requiring invasive diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy.
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Abstract
AbstractResearch in the past decade has led to the recognition ofBrachyspira(formerlySerpulina)pilosicolias the primary etiologic agent of colonic spirochetosis (CS), an emerging cause of colitis in humans and animals. Attachment of spirochetes to the epithelial surface of the lower intestine is considered to be the hallmark of CS. However, becauseB. pilosicoli, B. aalborgiand unclassified flagellated bacteria are found singly or together in humans and non-human primates with CS lesions, attachment of spiral-shaped bacteria may not represent the same etiopathogenetic entity in all hosts. Moreover, North American opossums with CS are infected withB. aalborgi-like spirochetes together with flagellated bacteria, whereasB. pilosicoliis found alone in dogs, pigs, chickens and other species of birds with CS. Conversely, guinea-pigs with CS have unidentified spirochetes that may beB. pilosicoli or B. aalborgi.The pig model of CS suggests that attachment ofB. pilosicolito epithelial cells may be transient. By contrast, persistence ofB. pilosicoliin the cecal and colonic crypt lumina, chronic inflammation caused by spirochetal invasion into the subepithelial lamina propria and translocation to extraintestinal sites may be more important than previously thought. This review describes the lesions seen in naturally occurring and experimentally induced CS of animals, and it sets the stage for future research into the pathogenic mechanisms of infection and colitis caused byB. pilosicoli.
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Abstract
AbstractIntestinal spirochetosis in humans (HIS) is a condition defined by the presence of a layer of spirochetes attached by one cell end to the colorectal epithelium. The pathologic significance of HIS is uncertain, but it has been linked to chronic diarrhea and other abdominal complaints. Two anaerobic intestinal spirochete species have been associated with HIS, namelyBrachyspira pilosicoliandBrachyspira aalborgi.Brachyspira pilosicoli, which colonizes many animal species, is common (~30%) in the feces of people from developing countries, including Australian Aborigines, and in HIV+ patients and male homosexuals in Western societies. It is also commonly seen attached to the rectal mucosa of homosexual males. In other groups in Western societies both the presence of B.pilosicoliin feces and histologic HIS are uncommon (~1.5%).Brachyspira aalborgiis an extremely slow growing and fastidious spirochete, which previously had been isolated from an HIS patient in Denmark. Recent studies using polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA from intestinal biopsies from a series of cases of HIS in the general Western population demonstrated thatB. aalborgi, rather thanB. pilosicoli, was the main spirochete species involved in these patients. This review outlines recent developments in the study of HIS and the two spirochete species, and identifies priorities for future research.
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Fellström C, Pettersson B, Zimmerman U, Gunnarsson A, Feinstein R. Classification ofBrachyspiraspp. isolated from Swedish dogs. Anim Health Res Rev 2007. [DOI: 10.1079/ahrr200119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBrachyspira spp.were isolated from 21 of 32 sampled dogs (66%) in a colony of Swedish beagle dogs with a history of diarrhea and from 3 of 17 Swedish pet dogs (17%) with diarrhea. All Swedish isolates were weakly β-hemolytic and gave a negative indole reaction. Eighty-eight percent showed negative α-galactosidase and hippurate reactions, but a positive β-glucosidase reaction. Two isolates were hippurate positive with a negative β-glucosidase reaction. One additional German isolate diverged by showing a positive indole reaction in combination with a positive hippurate reaction. Sequencing of 16S rDNA indicated that the hippurate-positive isolates belonged to the speciesBrachyspira pilosicoli. Four representative isolates were examined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and compared with six reference strains and five porcine isolates ofBrachyspiraspp. The canine isolates clustered together in the PFGE analysis. Necropsy examination of a culture-positiveB. pilosicolicolony-raised beagle dog revealed macro- and microscopical lesions of colitis with numerous spiral-shaped bacteria in the lumens of the crypts, in goblet cells and within the colonic epithelium.
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Kraatz W, Thunberg U, Pettersson B, Fellström C. Human intestinal spirochetosis diagnosed with colonoscopy and analysis of partial 16S rDNA sequences of involved spirochetes. Anim Health Res Rev 2007. [DOI: 10.1079/ahrr200121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDNA was extracted from colonic biopsies of 33 patients with and three without evidence of intestinal spirochetosis (IS) in the large bowel. The biopsies were subjected to PCR. A pair of primers, generating a 207 bp fragment, were designed to detect specifically the 16S rDNA gene ofBrachyspira. PCR products of the expected size were obtained from 33 samples with histologic evidence of IS. The PCR amplicons were used for sequencing. The sequences obtained were aligned to the corresponding 16S rRNA sequences of five type strains ofBrachyspira. The sequences of 23 PCR products were 99–100% identical with the correspond-ingB.aalborgitype strain sequence. Two cases showed 99–100% sequence similarity with the type strain ofB.pilosicoliP43/6/78. Six cases could not be referred to any of the known species ofBrachyspira. Two PCR products gave incomplete sequences.
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Jansson DS, Bröjer C, Gavier-Widén D, Gunnarsson A, Fellström C. Brachyspiraspp. (Serpulinaspp.) in birds: a review and results from a study of Swedish game birds. Anim Health Res Rev 2007. [DOI: 10.1079/ahrr200122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOnly limited data concerning the prevalence of intestinal spirochetes are available in game birds. This paper describes the prevalence and biochemical reactions of spirochetes isolated from 25 common partridges, 7 pheasants and 16 mallards originating from nine Swedish game-bird farms. The birds, which had been submitted for post-mortem examination due to various problems, showed a variety of underlying diseases. Additionally, fecal droppings from 22 common partridges, 20 pheasants and 20 mallards obtained at one of the farms were included in the study. Intestinal spirochetes were isolated from 85.4% of the game birds and from 71% of the fecal droppings. Seven biochemical types were identified. Seventeen per cent of all isolates were classified as Brachyspira pilosicoli and 3% as B. intermedia. One isolate showed strong -hemolysis and a positive indole reaction that is consistent with B. hyodysenteriae. In addition, three previously unknown biochemical types were found. Unclassified spirochetes in presumed mixed cultures were observed in 21% of all samples of fecal droppings. Histologic examination of spirochete-positive birds revealed numerous spirochetes in the lumen and crypts of the cecum, in some cases densely adhered by one end to the luminal surface. The significance of the findings is discussed.
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Calderaro A, Villanacci V, Bommezzadri S, Gorrini C, Piccolo G, Aquilano MC, Incaprera M, Viviani G, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Colonic amoebiasis and spirochetosis: morphological, ultrastructural and microbiological evaluation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:64-7. [PMID: 17201883 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04396.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study reports on a prompt diagnosis of colonic amoebiasis with colonic spirochetosis by Brachyspira aalborgi and B. pilosicoli; such diagnosis allowed exclusion of other diseases and resolution of the case after specific treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS A 37-year-old Italian man with a history of several months' mucosal diarrhea travelled to Greece, Romania and Tunisia. After his last trip he presented with an increase of up to 3-5 discharges daily, associated with bloody diarrhea, supporting the clinical suspect of inflammatory bowel disease. Colonoscopy revealed erosions from the cecum to the rectum, and ulcers both in the descending and sigmoid colon. Structures resembling amoebic trophozoites and sinusoidal microorganisms were observed in the colonic biopsies at histopathology and electron microscopy. Entamoeba histolytica DNA was detected by small-subunit rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from feces, rectal biopsies and isolated trophozoites. Spirochetes were identified from feces, colonic biopsies and cultures using a 16S rDNA restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR specific for the detection of B. aalborgi and B. pilosicoli. After therapy, the patient was restored to health. CONCLUSIONS The rapid identification of E. histolytica, B. aalborgi and B. pilosicoli using traditional and specific and sensitive molecular methods permitted an accurate diagnosis and a specific therapy. It is suggested that mixed infection by parasites and spirochetes might occur more frequently than expected: it would be of extreme interest and importance to intensify clinical findings, and one infection should not prompt the pathologist/clinician to stop looking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Jacobson M, Råsbäck T, Flöistrup H, Benz M, Braun-Fahrländer C, Riedler J, Schram-Bijkerk D, Fellström C. Survey on the occurrence of Brachyspira species and Lawsonia intracellularis in children living on pig farms. Epidemiol Infect 2006; 135:1043-5. [PMID: 17134531 PMCID: PMC2870646 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268806007606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of Brachyspira species and Lawsonia intracellularis was investigated by PCR analyses of faeces from 60 children living on European pig farms. In addition, 60 other children were included as controls. Two samples were positive for B. aalborgi but B. pilosicoli and L. intracellularis were not demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jacobson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Esteve M, Salas A, Fernández-Bañares F, Lloreta J, Mariné M, Gonzalez CI, Forné M, Casalots J, Santaolalla R, Espinós JC, Munshi MA, Hampson DJ, Viver JM. Intestinal spirochetosis and chronic watery diarrhea: clinical and histological response to treatment and long-term follow up. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 21:1326-33. [PMID: 16872318 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04150.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical significance of intestinal spirochetosis is uncertain, therefore the aim of the present paper was to assess the prevalence of histological intestinal spirochetosis in patients with and without chronic watery diarrhea and to evaluate its clinical relevance. METHODS A prospective diagnostic work-up of intestinal spirochetosis was made on biopsy samples taken from patients with chronic watery diarrhea submitted between 1994 and 2004 (1174 colonoscopies with multiple biopsies). Three other positive cases identified from routine endoscopic biopsies also were reviewed. In addition, samples from 100 asymptomatic control patients and a random sample of another 104 colonic specimens were reviewed for intestinal spirochetosis. The diagnosis was established by light and electron microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase genes of the intestinal spirochetes Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli was performed on tissue biopsies of the 11 positive patients. After diagnosis, treatment with penicillin benzatine (PB) or metronidazole was offered to all symptomatic patients and they were followed for a mean of 45.4 months (range: 37-113 months). RESULTS Eight patients with chronic watery diarrhea were positive for intestinal spirochetosis. Intestinal spirochetosis was not diagnosed in the controls. Histological resolution of the infection paralleled clinical recovery in six patients (following metronidazole treatment in three). Most patients showed mild, non-specific colonic inflammation. Invasion by the spirochetes was not demonstrated by electron microscopy. Brachyspira aalborgi and B. pilosicoli each were identified by PCR in two cases. CONCLUSIONS Histological intestinal spirochetosis appears to be relatively uncommon in Catalonia (Spain) compared to previous reports from other countries, but was identified in patients (0.7%) with chronic watery diarrhea. Sustained clinical recovery after spontaneous or drug-induced spirochetal disappearance in these individuals suggests that intestinal spirochetosis may play a pathogenic role in chronic watery diarrhea. Treatment with metronidazole is advisable in patients with persistent symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Esteve
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mutua Terrassa Hospital, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Abstract
Spirochetes that were identified as Brachyspira pilosicoli were present in the ceca of 7.5- to 18-wk-old turkeys with cecal spirochetosis and typhlitis. The identity of B. pilosicoli was confirmed on the basis of ultrastructural morphology of the cecal epithelium adherent microbes, immunohistochemical staining with a Brachyspira genus-specific monoclonal antibody, and amplification of a B. pilosicoli species-specific 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs gene) sequence by using the polymerase chain reaction and DNA obtained by laser-capture microdissection of the epithelium-adherent microbial fringe. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of B. pilosicoli in the ceca of turkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Shivaprasad
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Fresno Branch University of California, Davis, 2789 S. Orange Avenue, Fresno, CA 93725, USA
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Abstract
Colonic spirochetosis is a disease caused by the gram-negative bacteria Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli. B. pilosicoli induces disease in both humans and animals, whereas B. aalborgi affects only humans and higher primates. Symptoms in humans include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal cramps. Colonic spirochetosis is common in third world countries; however, in developed countries, the disease is observed mainly in homosexual males. Terminally ill patients infected with Brachyspira are particularly at risk for developing spirochetemia. Diarrhea, poor growth performance, and decreased feed-to-gain efficiency is seen in pigs with colonic spirochetosis. The disease in chickens is characterized by delayed and/or reduced egg production, diarrhea, poor feed conversion, and retarded growth. Thus, colonic spirochetosis can represent a serious economic loss in the swine and poultry industries. The organisms are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, and several studies have demonstrated that human, primate, pig, dog, or bird strains of B. pilosicoli can be transmitted to pigs, chickens, and mice. B. pilosicoli may be a zoonotic pathogen, and although it has not been demonstrated, there is a possibility that both B. pilosicoli and B. aalborgi can be transferred to humans via contact with the feces of infected animals, meat from infected animals, or food contaminated by food handlers. Neither B. pilosicoli nor B. aalborgi has been well characterized in terms of basic cellular functions, pathogenicity, or genetics. Studies are needed to more thoroughly understand these Brachyspira species and their disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Smith
- Microbial Food Safety Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038, USA.
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Paulovich FB, Borowski SM, Driemeier D, Razia LE, Coutinho TA, Prates ABH, Pescador C, Correa A, Barcellos DESD. Avaliação da patogenicidade de amostras de Brachyspira pilosicoli através de técnicas histopatológicas convencionais e por imuno-histoquímica. Pesq Vet Bras 2004. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2004000300005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
O presente trabalho avaliou diferenças de patoge-nicidade entre 19 cepas de Brachyspira pilosicoli isoladas de casos de diarréia em suínos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, usando um modelo de infecção oral de pintos de um dia. Os animais foram inoculados com uma suspensão de bactérias vivas, 21 dias após foram sacrificados e os cecos examinados por histopatologia através da hematoxilina-eosina, coloração pela prata e a imuno-histoquímica usando um anticorpo policlonal anti-Brachyspira pilosicoli. Com o uso das técnicas da prata e da imuno-histoquímica, respectivamente, 21,59% e 70,96% dos pintos mostraram colonização do epitélio do ceco por B. pilosicoli. Houve diferenças no tipo de colonização, ocorrendo aderência contínua, focal ou presença de bactérias livres na luz intestinal. A imuno-histoquímica foi considerada superior para a avaliação da colonização intestinal, pois foi capaz de detectar 49,37% de animais colonizados a mais do que com o uso da coloração pela prata. Em três cepas foram observadas figuras alongadas dentro do citoplasma das células epiteliais cecais de aves inoculadas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - André Correa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Margawani KR, Robertson ID, Brooke CJ, Hampson DJ. Prevalence, risk factors and molecular epidemiology of Brachyspira pilosicoli in humans on the island of Bali, Indonesia. J Med Microbiol 2004; 53:325-332. [PMID: 15017290 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.05415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and epidemiology of the anaerobic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli amongst Indonesians living in rural and urban settings on the island of Bali. Faecal samples (n = 992) were collected on two occasions, 4 months apart, from people living in four traditional farming villages, one peri-urban location and one urban area. Samples were cultured anaerobically on selective agar and intestinal spirochaete isolates were confirmed to be B. pilosicoli by using a species-specific PCR. Forty-eight of the 121 isolates obtained were typed by using PFGE. A questionnaire was administered to participants and analysed in order to identify potential risk factors for colonization. Overall prevalence of carriage on the two visits was 11.8 and 12.6 %, respectively. Prevalence at different locations varied from 3.3 to 23.4 %, with the highest prevalence occurring in the peri-urban location. Considerable strain diversity was found, with the 48 isolates being divided into 44 PFGE types. There was no significant association between colonization and ownership of animals, contact with animals, farming, age or gender. On the first visit, colonization was significantly more common in people who used well water compared to those who used tap water. On the second visit, colonization was significantly more common in people with wet faeces than in those with normal faeces.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rini Margawani
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Ian D Robertson
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - C Josephine Brooke
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - David J Hampson
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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33
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Trott DJ, Alt DP, Zuerner RL, Bulach DM, Wannemuehler MJ, Stasko J, Townsend KM, Stanton TB. Identification and cloning of the gene encoding BmpC: an outer-membrane lipoprotein associated with Brachyspira pilosicoli membrane vesicles. Microbiology (Reading) 2004; 150:1041-1053. [PMID: 15073313 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.26755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal spirochaeteBrachyspira pilosicolicauses colitis in a wide variety of host species. Little is known about the structure or protein constituents of theB. pilosicoliouter membrane (OM). To identify surface-exposed proteins in this species, membrane vesicles were isolated fromB. pilosicolistrain 95-1000 cells by osmotic lysis in dH2O followed by isopycnic centrifugation in sucrose density gradients. The membrane vesicles were separated into a high-density fraction (HDMV;ρ=1·18 g cm−3) and a low-density fraction (LDMV;ρ=1·12 g cm−3). Both fractions were free of flagella and soluble protein contamination. LDMV contained predominantly OM markers (lipo-oligosaccharide and a 29 kDaB. pilosicoliOM protein) and was used as a source of antigens to produce mAbs. FiveB. pilosicoli-specific mAbs reacting with proteins with molecular masses of 23, 24, 35, 61 and 79 kDa were characterized. The 23 kDa protein was only partially soluble in Triton X-114, whereas the 24 and 35 kDa proteins were enriched in the detergent phase, implying that they were integral membrane proteins or lipoproteins. All three proteins were localized to theB. pilosicoliOM by immunogold labelling using specific mAbs. The gene encoding the abundant, surface-exposed 23 kDa protein was identified by screening aB. pilosicoli95-1000 genome library with the mAb and was expressed inEscherichia coli. Sequence analysis showed that it encoded a unique lipoprotein, designated BmpC. Recombinant BmpC partitioned predominantly in the OM fraction ofE. colistrain SOLR. The mAb to BmpC was used to screen a collection of 13 genetically heterogeneous strains ofB. pilosicoliisolated from five different host species. Interestingly, only strain 95-1000 was reactive with the mAb, indicating that either the surface-exposed epitope on BmpC is variable between strains or that the protein is restricted in its distribution withinB. pilosicoli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren J Trott
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - David P Alt
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Richard L Zuerner
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Dieter M Bulach
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Judi Stasko
- Microscopy Services, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Kirsty M Townsend
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thaddeus B Stanton
- Pre-Harvest Food Safety Research, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, USA
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Jamshidian M, La T, Phillips ND, Hampson DJ. Brachyspira pilosicoli colonization in experimentally infected mice can be facilitated by dietary manipulation. J Med Microbiol 2004; 53:313-318. [PMID: 15017288 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.05393-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether defined dietary manipulations would enhance colonization of mice experimentally challenged with the intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli. Weanling C3H/HeJ mice (n = 48) were fed either a standard balanced mouse diet or a diet supplemented with 50 p.p.m. zinc bacitracin (ZnB), with 50 % (w/w) lactose or with both supplements. Eight mice from each group were challenged orally with a human strain of B. pilosicoli (WesB), whilst four in each group acted as uninfected controls to evaluate the effects of the diets alone. The mice were kept for 40 days following challenge and faeces were collected every 3-4 days and subjected to culture and PCR for B. pilosicoli. Feeding ZnB reduced total volatile fatty acid production in the caecum. Feeding lactose alone doubled the weight of the caecum and its contents compared with control mice, and resulted in a relatively greater production of acetate, but a reduction in propionate and isovalerate production. These effects were negated by the addition of ZnB with the lactose. None of the mice fed the standard diet or receiving ZnB alone became colonized following experimental challenge. One of the mice receiving lactose was culture and PCR positive for B. pilosicoli on one sampling 1 week after inoculation, and one was positive on three samplings taken 20, 25 and 29 days after inoculation. All mice receiving both lactose and ZnB became colonized and remained so, with all samples being positive over the last seven samplings. The colonization was not associated with an end-on attachment of the spirochaete to the epithelial cells of the caecum, but colonized mice developed a specific humoral antibody response to the spirochaete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Jamshidian
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Tom La
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Nyree D Phillips
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - David J Hampson
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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35
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Abstract
Spirochaetes are well known causative agents of diarrhoea in veterinary medicine. In human medicine the relationship between presence of spirochaetes in the colon on the one hand, and its clinical significance on the other, is far less clear. In the majority of cases the colonization of the colon with these micro-organisms seems to represent a commensal relationship with the host, and is almost always a coincidental finding with no association with the clinical symptoms of the patient whatsoever. Very infrequently the organism may become invasive. In this article the literature on human intestinal spirochaetosis is reviewed, and key points for daily clinical practice are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walther N K A van Mook
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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36
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Abstract
The anaerobic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli commonly colonizes the large intestine of a number of species, including chickens and human beings. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether an isolate of B. pilosicoli recovered from an HIV-infected patient with diarrhoea could infect and cause disease in adult chickens. Over a 4-week period following experimental infection, a group of eight inoculated chickens showed a persistent and significant increase in faecal water content ( approximately 6-7 %). The faeces of three of the eight birds became culture-positive, and remained so. At post-mortem examination, no specific pathological changes were found, and no spirochaetal attachment to the caecal epithelium was observed. These findings confirm that B. pilosicoli strains can infect across species barriers and cause chronic mild diarrhoea in intact adult chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jamshidi
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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37
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Jensen TK, Boye M, Ahrens P, Korsager B, Teglbjaerg PS, Lindboe CF, Møller K. Diagnostic examination of human intestinal spirochetosis by fluorescent in situ hybridization for Brachyspira aalborgi, Brachyspira pilosicoli, and other species of the genus Brachyspira (Serpulina). J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:4111-8. [PMID: 11682538 PMCID: PMC88495 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.11.4111-4118.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human intestinal spirochetosis, characterized by end-on attachment of densely packed spirochetes to the epithelial surface of the large intestines as a fringe has been associated with the weakly beta-hemolytic spirochetes Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira (Serpulina) pilosicoli. In this study, fluorescent in situ hybridization with oligonucleotide probes targeting 16S or 23S rRNA of B. aalborgi, B. pilosicoli, and the genus Brachyspira was applied to 40 sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded intestinal biopsy specimens from 23 Danish and 15 Norwegian patients with histologic evidence of intestinal spirochetosis. Five biopsy specimens from patients without intestinal spirochetosis and three samples from pigs with experimental B. pilosicoli colitis were examined as well. In addition, the 16S ribosomal DNAs of two clinical isolates of B. aalborgi were sequenced, and a PCR procedure was developed for the identification of B. aalborgi in cultures. The genotypic characteristics of the two clinical isolates showed very high (99.5%) similarity with two existing isolates, the type strain of B. aalborgi and a Swedish isolate. Hybridization with the Brachyspira genus-specific probe revealed a brightly fluorescing fringe of spirochetes on the epithelia of 39 biopsy specimens, whereas 1 biopsy specimen was hybridization negative. The spirochetes in biopsy specimens from 13 Danish and 8 Norwegian patients (55.3%) were identified as B. aalborgi. The spirochetes in the biopsy specimens from the other 17 patients hybridized only with the Brachyspira probe, possibly demonstrating the involvement of as-yet-uncharacterized Brachyspira spirochetes in human intestinal spirochetosis.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Biopsy
- Brachyspira/classification
- Brachyspira/genetics
- Brachyspira/isolation & purification
- Culture Media
- DNA, Bacterial/analysis
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/analysis
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- Female
- Genes, rRNA
- Humans
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Intestinal Diseases/diagnosis
- Intestinal Diseases/microbiology
- Intestines/microbiology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oligonucleotide Probes
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Spirochaetales Infections/diagnosis
- Spirochaetales Infections/microbiology
- Swine
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Jensen
- Danish Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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38
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Zhang P, Cheng X, Duhamel GE. Cloning and DNA sequence analysis of an immunogenic glucose-galactose MglB lipoprotein homologue from Brachyspira pilosicoli, the agent of colonic spirochetosis. Infect Immun 2000; 68:4559-65. [PMID: 10899855 PMCID: PMC98373 DOI: 10.1128/iai.68.8.4559-4565.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonic spirochetosis (CS) is a newly emerging infectious disease of humans and animals caused by the pathogenic spirochete Brachyspira (formerly Serpulina) pilosicoli. The purpose of this study was to characterize an antigen that was recognized by antibodies present in sera of challenge-exposed pigs. The gene encoding the antigen was identified by screening a plasmid library of human B. pilosicoli strain SP16 (ATCC 49776) genomic DNA with hyperimmune and convalescent swine sera. The predicted amino acid sequence encoded by the cloned B. pilosicoli gene had a high degree of similarity and identity to glucose-galactose MglB lipoprotein. Located 106 bp downstream of the putative mglB gene was a 3'-truncated open reading frame with 73.8% similarity and 66.3% identity to mglA of Escherichia coli, suggesting a gene arrangement within an operon which is similar to those of other bacteria. A single copy of the gene was present in B. pilosicoli, and homologous sequences were widely conserved among porcine intestinal spirochetes Serpulina intermedia, Brachyspira innocens, Brachyspira murdochii, and the avian Brachyspira alvinipulli, but not in porcine Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, human Brachyspira aalborgi, and porcine Treponema succinifaciens. The deduced molecular weight of the mature MglB lipoprotein was consistent with expression by the cloned gene of a polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 36,000, as determined by Western blot analysis and [(3)H]palmitate labeling. Because mucin is the principal constituent of the colonic mucus gel and consists of glycoproteins that can serve as the substrate for growth and chemotaxis of B. pilosicoli in vitro, a role for MglB in mucosal localization of the spirochete appears consistent with the pathogenesis of CS. However, the presence of homologous sequences in closely related but nonpathogenic commensal spirochetes suggests that other virulence determinants may be required for pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zhang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0905, USA
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39
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Witters NA, Duhamel GE. Motility-regulated mucin association of Serpulina pilosicoli, the agent of colonic spirochetosis of humans and animals. Adv Exp Med Biol 2000; 473:199-205. [PMID: 10659359 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-4143-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Colonic spirochetosis is a disease of humans and animals characterized by colonization of the colonic mucus gel and intimate attachment of Serpulina pilosicoli to the apical membrane of enterocytes. Motility-regulated mucin association plays a key role in colonic infection by the related spirochete Serpulina hyodysenteriae, the cause of swine dysentery. In this study the chemotaxis of Serpulina pilosicoli porcine isolate P43/6/78, human isolate SP16, and canine isolate 16242-94 was examined by anaerobic incubation of each spirochete in control medium or medium containing increasing concentrations of D-L serine or porcine gastric mucin (PGM). The porcine isolate had a chemotactic response towards 10 mM D-L serine, but not towards PGM. By contrast, the human and canine isolates were attracted towards 0.1% PGM, but not towards DL-serine. The composition of the growth medium appeared to modulate the chemotactic response of S. pilosicoli towards PGM; the loss of a chemotactic response of spirochetes grown in medium without pig fecal extract was restored by growing the spirochetes in medium containing 0.1% PGM. Serpulina pilosicoli displays a chemotactic response towards PGM which is modulated by the presence of certain substrate during the growth phase of the spirochete.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Witters
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 68583-0905, USA
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40
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Abstract
Enteric bacterial infections are among the most common and economically significant diseases affecting swine production worldwide. Clinical signs of these infections include diarrhea, reduced growth rate, weight loss, and death of preweaned, weanling, grower-finisher, young and adult age breeding animals. The most common etiological agents include Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis, Salmonella enterica, and Brachyspira (Serpulina) spp. With the exception of Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae, the cause of swine dysentery, and Lawsonia intracellularis, the cause of proliferative enteropathy, the pathological changes seen with these agents closely resemble the diseases occurring in human beings. Histological changes in the intestines of swine with enteric bacterial infections include bacterial colonization without significant damage (e.g., certain enterotoxigenic E. coli and C. perfringens type A), attaching and effacing lesions with enteropathogenic E. coli and Brachyspira pilosicoli, the cause of colonic spirochetosis, inflammation with S. enterica, and necrotizing and hemorrhagic lesions with certain C. perfringens. Extraintestinal spread of bacteria and/or toxins occurs with some serotypes of E. coli and most serotypes of S. enterica. Enteric bacterial diseases of swine have been used as models to study the pathogenesis of similar diseases of human beings. Several of these pathogens are also important causes of food-borne disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Moxley
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 68583-0905, USA
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Jensen TK, Møller K, Boye M, Leser TD, Jorsal SE. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent in situ hybridization of experimental Brachyspira (Serpulina) pilosicoli infection in growing pigs. Vet Pathol 2000; 37:22-32. [PMID: 10643977 DOI: 10.1354/vp.37-1-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two groups of six 8-week-old pigs were challenged with 1x10(9) cfu Brachyspira (Serpulina) pilosicoli or Serpulina intermedia daily for 3 consecutive days to study the pathology of porcine colonic spirochetosis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with oligonucleotide probes targeting ribosomal RNA specific for B. pilosicoli and the genus Brachyspira/Serpulina. Six pigs served as noninoculated controls. The animals were euthanatized successively between postinoculation days 14 and 24. B. pilosicoli was reisolated in feces from all of the inoculated pigs; however, only two pigs developed transient watery diarrhea. S. intermedia was reisolated from four of the inoculated pigs, but clinical signs were not observed. Gross examination of the B. pilosicoli-infected pigs revealed dilated large intestines with a hyperemic mucosa, whereas the large intestines of the S. intermedia-inoculated pigs and the control pigs appeared normal. SEM examination of B. pilosicoli-infected pigs revealed degenerated epithelial cells and spirochetal colonization of the colonic mucosa in four pigs. By FISH, B. pilosicoli cells were found colonizing and invading the surface epithelium and the crypts in all the pigs. Spirochetal crypt colonization markedly exceeded the occurrence of spirochetes on the mucosal surface. SEM examination of S. intermedia-inoculated pigs revealed no abnormalities, and Serpulina cells were detected only sporadically in the otherwise normal-appearing mucosa of four pigs by FISH. The results provide further evidence that B. pilosicoli is associated with colitis in pigs, although the gross lesions are mild. The spirochete is capable of colonizing the large intestine, inducing mucosal damage, invasion of the crypt and surface epithelium, and focal infiltration of the lamina propria. In addition, the study shows the applicability of FISH for specific identification of B. pilosicoli in formalin-fixed tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Jensen
- Danish Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen.
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42
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Mikosza AS, La T, Brooke CJ, Lindboe CF, Ward PB, Heine RG, Guccion JG, de Boer WB, Hampson DJ. PCR amplification from fixed tissue indicates frequent involvement of Brachyspira aalborgi in human intestinal spirochetosis. J Clin Microbiol 1999; 37:2093-8. [PMID: 10325391 PMCID: PMC85046 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.37.6.2093-2098.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PCR procedures amplifying portions of the 16S rRNA and NADH oxidase genes of Brachyspira aalborgi and Serpulina pilosicoli were applied to DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded human colonic or rectal tissues from 30 Norwegian, Australian, and U.S. patients, 16 of whom had histologic evidence of intestinal spirochetosis (IS). B. aalborgi-specific sequences were identified by PCR in 10 of the IS patients (62.5%) but none of the others, while S. pilosicoli sequences were not detected in tissues from any patient. Direct sequencing of products from three of the positive samples provided further confirmation of the presence of B. aalborgi. B. aalborgi may be a more common cause of intestinal spirochetosis than has been previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Mikosza
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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43
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Hartland EL, Mikosza AS, Robins-Browne RM, Hampson DJ. Examination of Serpulina pilosicoli for attachment and invasion determinants of Enterobacteria. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1998; 165:59-63. [PMID: 9711840 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1998.tb13127.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The spirochaete, Serpulina pilosicoli, is the agent of intestinal spirochaetosis, a diarrhoeal disease of humans and other species. By mechanisms as yet unknown, large numbers of these spirochaetes intimately attach to the colonic mucosa by one cell end. In some infected individuals, the spirochaetes may invade the lamina propria and adjacent tissues, and they may cause spirochaetaemia. To examine S. pilosicoli for pathogenic determinants homologous with Enterobacteria, DNA was extracted from six strains of S. pilosicoli and hybridised at low stringency with DNA probes derived from the inv, ail and yadA genes of Yersinia enterocolitica, the eae gene from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and a probe derived from the virulence plasmid of Shigella flexneri. No hybridisation of the enterobacterial probes to S. pilosicoli DNA was detected, indicating that these gene sequences, which are known to be involved in the attachment and invasion processes of the other intestinal pathogens, were not present in the spirochaetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Hartland
- Microbiological Research Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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44
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Duhamel GE, Trott DJ, Muniappa N, Mathiesen MR, Tarasiuk K, Lee JI, Hampson DJ. Canine intestinal spirochetes consist of Serpulina pilosicoli and a newly identified group provisionally designated "Serpulina canis" sp. nov. J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:2264-70. [PMID: 9666003 PMCID: PMC105029 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.8.2264-2270.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The spirochetes inhabiting the large intestines of humans and animals consist of a diverse group of related organisms. Intestinal spirochetosis caused by Serpulina pilosicoli is a newly recognized enteric disease of human beings and animals with potential public health significance. The purpose of this study was to determine the species identity of canine intestinal spirochetes by comparing 30 isolates obtained from dogs in Australia (n = 25) and the United States (n = 5) with reference strains representing Serpulina species and Brachyspira aalborgi, by phenotypic and genetically based typing methods. All of the canine isolates were indole negative and produced a weak beta-hemolysis when cultured anaerobically on agar medium containing blood. Four isolates were identified as S. pilosicoli by 16S rRNA-specific PCR assays, rRNA gene restriction fragment length polymorphism or ribotyping, and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. The remaining 26 isolates formed a cluster related to porcine Serpulina innocens as determined by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis but had a unique ribotype pattern. The data suggested the existence of a novel Serpulina species, provisionally designated "Serpulina canis," colonizing the intestines of dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Duhamel
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0905, USA.
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Trott DJ, Hampson DJ. Evaluation of day-old specific pathogen-free chicks as an experimental model for pathogenicity testing of intestinal spirochaete species. J Comp Pathol 1998; 118:365-81. [PMID: 9651813 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9975(07)80012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Specific pathogen-free chicks aged 1 day were challenged per os with strains of five different species of intestinal spirochaete originally isolated from pigs or human beings. A virulent strain of Serpulina hyodysenteriae (WA 15) colonized chicks, causing retarded growth rate and histological changes, including caecal atrophy, epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia, and crypt elongation. A further strain of S. hyodysenteriae (SA3), which was apparently avirulent for pigs, and a strain of Serpulina intermedia (889) colonized fewer chicks, caused less severe lesions and did not significantly depress growth rate. Strains of Serpulina murdochii and Brachyspira aalborgi failed to colonize or cause histological changes. Four strains of Serpulina pilosicoli (Kar, Rosie-2299 and GAP 401, isolated from human beings, and 3295, isolated from a pig) colonized chicks, and large numbers showed polar attachment to the caecal epithelium; all strains, apart from Rosie-2299, caused watery diarrhoea and wet litter, but did not significantly retard growth. Variation both in the degree of spirochaetal attachment and the resulting development of lesions was observed between S. pilosicoli strains as well as between individual chicks infected with the same strain. The study indicated that chicks may be useful in studying the pathogenicity of strains of S. hyodysenteriae, S. intermedia and S. pilosicoli.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Trott
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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Calderaro A, Dettori G, Grillo R, Cattani P, Viani I, Fadda G, Chezzi C. Cooperative haemolysis between weakly-beta haemolytic human intestinal spirochaetes and Clostridium perfringens. Zentralbl Bakteriol 1998; 287:315-30. [PMID: 9638862 DOI: 10.1016/s0934-8840(98)80166-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between human intestinal spirochaetes (HIS) related to intestinal spirochaetosis and intestinal pathogenic anaerobic bacteria were investigated by searching for the presence of cooperative haemolysis among 39 strains of weakly beta-haemolytic human intestinal spirochaetes and Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin producers on plates carrying six different sheep blood agar media. An area of intense cooperative haemolysis (about 3-10 mm) was observed between all tested spirochaetal strains and C. perfringens where the clostridial alpha-toxin diffused toward the colonies of the spirochaetes overlapping part of their growth zone. The cooperative haemolysis was a potentiation of the haemolysis due to the single cultivation of human intestinal spirochaetes and C. perfringens and was observed after anaerobic incubation for 24-48 hours when both bacteria at a concentration range of 10(8)-10(3) CFU/ml were streaked at a distance of 3-10 mm to each other. A cooperative haemolysis was also observed between C. perfringens and weakly beta-haemolytic spirochaetes related to porcine and avian intestinal spirochaetosis and the spirochaete causing swine dysentery. The present study indicated that the damage produced in vitro by the clostridial alpha-toxin was enhanced only on the red blood cells which were in proximity to the HIS colonies causing the complete lysis of the erythrocytes. It is hence possible that the potentiation of the damage to red blood cells observed in vitro mimics an in vivo damage on the membranes of enterocytes to which HIS are attached when intestinal spirochaetosis occurs and when cytolysins similar to the alpha-toxin are available in the intestine of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calderaro
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
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Møller K, Jensen TK, Jorsal SE, Leser TD, Carstensen B. Detection of Lawsonia intracellularis, Serpulina hyodysenteriae, weakly beta-haemolytic intestinal spirochaetes, Salmonella enterica, and haemolytic Escherichia coli from swine herds with and without diarrhoea among growing pigs. Vet Microbiol 1998; 62:59-72. [PMID: 9659692 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1135(98)00199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was optimized to detect Lawsonia intracellularis in faeces from naturally infected pigs. By combining a boiling procedure to extract DNA and a nested PCR procedure, a detection limit at 2 x 10(2) bacterial cells per gram of faeces was achieved. The optimized PCR was used together with conventional culture techniques to detect Serpulina hyodysenteriae, weakly beta-haemolytic intestinal spirochaetes (WBHIS), Salmonella enterica, and haemolytic Escherichia coli, in a case control study to examine selected risk factors for the development of diarrhoea in growing pigs. Herds with diarrhoea were selected as cases and randomly chosen herds without diarrhoea were chosen as controls. Infection with L. intracellularis significantly enhanced the chance of diarrhoea. S. hyodysenteriae, WBHIS group IV (Serpulina pilosicoli), and S. enterica were isolated only from case herds which indicate that these species may influence the development of diarrhoea. In addition, herd-type had a significant impact, that is specific pathogen-free herds showed an odds ratio at 0.2 relative to conventional herds for the development of diarrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Møller
- Danish Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen V, Denmark.
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Trivett-Moore NL, Gilbert GL, Law CL, Trott DJ, Hampson DJ. Isolation of Serpulina pilosicoli from rectal biopsy specimens showing evidence of intestinal spirochetosis. J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:261-5. [PMID: 9431961 PMCID: PMC124848 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.1.261-265.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Histologic evidence of intestinal spirochetosis (IS) was found in 22 of 41 (53.7%) rectal biopsy specimens from homosexual men attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic. Serpulina pilosicoli was cultured from 11 of the IS-positive biopsy specimens (50%) and from 2 specimens (10.5%) in which spirochetes were not observed. The association between seeing spirochetes in biopsy specimens and isolating S. pilosicoli was statistically significant, clearly indicating that this spirochete is the agent of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Trivett-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
A 65-year-old Japanese male consulted Ozuchi Prefectural Hospital (Iwate, Japan) on 19 January 1994 complaining of weight loss. Cecal mucosal biopsy material, which was stained with hematoxylin-eosin revealed a thick, basophilic fuzzy fringe covering the surface epithelium. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy observations demonstrated the presence of slightly wavy spirochaetes with tapered ends, which were attached to the surface epithelium of the colonic mucosa via one of these ends. The patient did not display any clinical symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, and laboratory tests eliminated an immunodeficiency condition. Thus, in the present case, the intestinal spirochaetes appear to be harmless commensals. This paper presents the first reported case of intestinal spirochaetosis in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nakamura
- Division of Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.
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Abstract
C3H/HeJ (lps(d)/lps(d)) and C3H/HeOuJ (lps(n)/lps(n)) mice were infected via gastric intubation with avian, porcine, or human isolates of weakly hemolytic spirochetes classified as Serpulina pilosicoli. Upon histopathological examination of cecal tissue from mice infected with avian or porcine isolates, colonization of spirochetes attached end-on to the apical surface of enterocytes was observed. There were no apparent differences in severity of cecal lesions between the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive (C3H/HeOuJ) and LPS-hyporesponsive (C3H/HeJ) mouse strains infected with these isolates. Transmission electron microscopy showed spirochetes invaginated into the host cell membrane with resultant effacement of microvilli and loss of the glycocalyx. End-on attachment of the human isolate S. jonesii was not observed in the present studies, although weakly hemolytic spirochetes were reisolated from mice infected with S. jonesii. Moreover, results of Western immunoblot experiments showed mice developed serum antibody responses to the S. pilosicoli isolates examined. Thus, the present results indicate that specific isolates of S. pilosicoli can colonize mice and exhibit end-on attachment to cecal enterocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Sacco
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA
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