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Treagus S, Lowther J, Longdon B, Gaze W, Baker-Austin C, Ryder D, Batista FM. Metabarcoding of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 and Norovirus GII from Wastewater Samples in England Using Nanopore Sequencing. Food Environ Virol 2023; 15:292-306. [PMID: 37910379 PMCID: PMC7615314 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09569-w] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus is one of the largest causes of gastroenteritis worldwide, and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen that has become the most dominant cause of acute viral hepatitis in recent years. The presence of norovirus and HEV has been reported within wastewater in many countries previously. Here we used amplicon deep sequencing (metabarcoding) to identify norovirus and HEV strains in wastewater samples from England collected in 2019 and 2020. For HEV, we sequenced a fragment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene targeting genotype three strains. For norovirus, we sequenced the 5' portion of the major capsid protein gene (VP1) of genogroup II strains. Sequencing of the wastewater samples revealed eight different genotypes of norovirus GII (GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.7, GII.9, GII.13 and GII.17). Genotypes GII.3 and GII.4 were the most commonly found. The HEV metabarcoding assay was able to identify HEV genotype 3 strains in some samples with a very low viral concentration determined by RT-qPCR. Analysis showed that most HEV strains found in influent wastewater were typed as G3c and G3e and were likely to have originated from humans or swine. However, the small size of the HEV nested PCR amplicon could cause issues with typing, and so this method is more appropriate for samples with high CTs where methods targeting longer genomic regions are unlikely to be successful. This is the first report of HEV RNA in wastewater in England. This study demonstrates the utility of wastewater sequencing and the need for wider surveillance of norovirus and HEV within host species and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK.
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
- UK Health Security Agency, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, SP4 0JG, Wiltshire, UK.
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK
| | - William Gaze
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK
| | | | - David Ryder
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK
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2
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Dhanji-Rapkova M, Alves MT, Triñanes JA, Martinez-Urtaza J, Haverson D, Bradley K, Baker-Austin C, Huggett JF, Stewart G, Ritchie JM, Turner AD. Sea temperature influences accumulation of tetrodotoxin in British bivalve shellfish. Sci Total Environ 2023; 885:163905. [PMID: 37142018 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163905] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin mostly associated with pufferfish poisoning, is also found in bivalve shellfish. Recent studies into this emerging food safety threat reported TTX in a few, mainly estuarine, shellfish production areas in some European countries, including the United Kingdom. A pattern in occurrences has started to emerge, however the role of temperature on TTX has not been investigated in detail. Therefore, we conducted a large systematic TTX screening study, encompassing over 3500 bivalve samples collected throughout 2016 from 155 shellfish monitoring sites along the coast of Great Britain. Overall, we found that only 1.1 % of tested samples contained TTX above the reporting limit of 2 μg/kg whole shellfish flesh and these samples all originated from ten shellfish production sites in southern England. Subsequent continuous monitoring of selected areas over a five-year period showed a potential seasonal TTX accumulation in bivalves, starting in June when water temperatures reached around 15 °C. For the first time, satellite-derived data were also applied to investigate temperature differences between sites with and without confirmed presence of TTX in 2016. Although average annual temperatures were similar in both groups, daily mean values were higher in summer and lower in winter at sites where TTX was found. Here, temperature also increased significantly faster during late spring and early summer, the critical period for TTX. Our study supports the hypothesis that temperature is one of the key triggers of events leading to TTX accumulation in European bivalves. However, other factors are also likely to play an important role, including the presence or absence of a de novo biological source, which remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
| | - Mickael Teixeira Alves
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquin A Triñanes
- Laboratory of Systems, Department of Electronics and Computer Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Universitario Sur, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Haverson
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Bradley
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Jim F Huggett
- National Measurement Laboratory, LGC, Teddington TW11 0LY, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Stewart
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer M Ritchie
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
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3
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Campbell AM, Hauton C, Baker-Austin C, van Aerle R, Martinez-Urtaza J. An integrated eco-evolutionary framework to predict population-level responses of climate-sensitive pathogens. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 80:102898. [PMID: 36739640 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
It is critical to gain insight into how climate change impacts evolutionary responses within climate-sensitive pathogen populations, such as increased resilience, opportunistic responses and the emergence of dominant variants from highly variable genomic backgrounds and subsequent global dispersal. This review proposes a framework to support such analysis, by combining genomic evolutionary analysis with climate time-series data in a novel spatiotemporal dataframe for use within machine learning applications, to understand past and future evolutionary pathogen responses to climate change. Recommendations are presented to increase the feasibility of interdisciplinary applications, including the importance of robust spatiotemporal metadata accompanying genome submission to databases. Such workflows will inform accessible public health tools and early-warning systems, to aid decision-making and mitigate future human health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Campbell
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, UK
| | - Chris Hauton
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, UK
| | - Ronny van Aerle
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, UK
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, UK; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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Batista FM, Hatfield R, Powell A, Baker-Austin C, Lowther J, Turner AD. Methodological advances in the detection of biotoxins and pathogens affecting production and consumption of bivalve molluscs in a changing environment. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 80:102896. [PMID: 36773575 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The production, harvesting and safe consumption of bivalve molluscs can be disrupted by biological hazards that can be divided into three categories: (1) biotoxins produced by naturally occurring phytoplankton that are bioaccumulated by bivalves during filter-feeding, (2) human pathogens also bioaccumulated by bivalves and (3) bivalve pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks. Environmental changes caused by human activities, such as climate change, can further aggravate these challenges. Early detection and accurate quantification of these hazards are key to implementing measures to mitigate their impact on production and safeguard consumers. This review summarises the methods currently used and the technological advances in the detection of biological hazards affecting bivalves, for the screening of known hazards and discovery of new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico M Batista
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert Hatfield
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
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5
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Archer EJ, Baker-Austin C, Osborn TJ, Jones NR, Martínez-Urtaza J, Trinanes J, Oliver JD, González FJC, Lake IR. Climate warming and increasing Vibrio vulnificus infections in North America. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3893. [PMID: 36959189 PMCID: PMC10036314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28247-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, occurring in warm low-salinity waters. V. vulnificus wound infections due to seawater exposure are infrequent but mortality rates are high (~ 18%). Seawater bacterial concentrations are increasing but changing disease pattern assessments or climate change projections are rare. Here, using a 30-year database of V. vulnificus cases for the Eastern USA, changing disease distribution was assessed. An ecological niche model was developed, trained and validated to identify links to oceanographic and climate data. This model was used to predict future disease distribution using data simulated by seven Global Climate Models (GCMs) which belong to the newest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Risk was estimated by calculating the total population within 200 km of the disease distribution. Predictions were generated for different "pathways" of global socioeconomic development which incorporate projections of greenhouse gas emissions and demographic change. In Eastern USA between 1988 and 2018, V. vulnificus wound infections increased eightfold (10-80 cases p.a.) and the northern case limit shifted northwards 48 km p.a. By 2041-2060, V. vulnificus infections may expand their current range to encompass major population centres around New York (40.7°N). Combined with a growing and increasingly elderly population, annual case numbers may double. By 2081-2100 V. vulnificus infections may be present in every Eastern USA State under medium-to-high future emissions and warming. The projected expansion of V. vulnificus wound infections stresses the need for increased individual and public health awareness in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Archer
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Timothy J Osborn
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Natalia R Jones
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | | | - Joaquín Trinanes
- CRETUS, Department Electronics and Computer Science, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Universitario Sur, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - James D Oliver
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, USA
| | - Felipe J Colón González
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
- Data for Science and Health, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Iain R Lake
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
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6
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Lau DYL, Aguirre Sánchez JR, Baker-Austin C, Martinez-Urtaza J. What Whole Genome Sequencing Has Told Us About Pathogenic Vibrios. Adv Exp Med Biol 2023; 1404:337-352. [PMID: 36792883 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22997-8_16] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
When the first microbial genome sequences were published just 20 years ago, our understanding regarding the microbial world changed dramatically. The genomes of the first pathogenic vibrios sequenced, including Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus revealed a functional and phylogenetic diversity previously unimagined as well as a genome structure indelibly shaped by horizontal gene transfer. The initial glimpses into these organisms also revealed a genomic plasticity that allowed these bacteria to thrive in challenging and varied aquatic and marine environments, but critically also a suite of pathogenicity attributes. In this review we outline how our understanding of vibrios has changed over the last two decades with the advent of genomics and advances in bioinformatic and data analysis techniques, it has become possible to provide a more cohesive understanding regarding these bacteria: how these pathogens have evolved and emerged from environmental sources, their evolutionary routes through time and space, how they interact with other bacteria and the human host, as well as initiate disease. We outline novel approaches to the use of whole genome sequencing for this important group of bacteria and how new sequencing technologies may be applied to study these organisms in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Yan Lam Lau
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Jose Roberto Aguirre Sánchez
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, UK.,Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo (CIAD), Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, UK. .,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Light E, Baker-Austin C, Card RM, Ryder D, Alves MT, Al-Sarawi HA, Abdulla KH, Stahl H, Al-Ghabshi A, Alghoribi MF, Balkhy HH, Joseph A, Hughes A, Quesne WJL, Verner-Jeffreys DW, Lyons BP. Establishing a marine monitoring programme to assess antibiotic resistance: A case study from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Environ Adv 2022; 9:None. [PMID: 36466197 PMCID: PMC9710716 DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2022.100268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization considers antimicrobial resistance as one of the most pressing global issues which poses a fundamental threat to human health, development, and security. Due to demographic and environmental factors, the marine environment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region may be particularly susceptible to the threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, there is currently little information on the presence of AMR in the GCC marine environment to inform the design of appropriate targeted surveillance activities. The objective of this study was to develop, implement and conduct a rapid regional baseline monitoring survey of the presence of AMR in the GCC marine environment, through the analysis of seawater collected from high-risk areas across four GCC states: (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates). 560 Escherichia coli strains were analysed as part of this monitoring programme between December 2018 and May 2019. Multi-drug resistance (resistance to three or more structural classes of antimicrobials) was observed in 32.5% of tested isolates. High levels of reduced susceptibility to ampicillin (29.6%), nalidixic acid (27.9%), tetracycline (27.5%), sulfamethoxazole (22.5%) and trimethoprim (22.5%) were observed. Reduced susceptibility to the high priority critically important antimicrobials: azithromycin (9.3%), ceftazidime (12.7%), cefotaxime (12.7%), ciprofloxacin (44.6%), gentamicin (2.7%) and tigecycline (0.5%), was also noted. A subset of 173 isolates was whole genome sequenced, and high carriage rates of qnrS1 (60/173) and bla CTX-M-15 (45/173) were observed, correlating with reduced susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins, respectively. This study is important because of the resistance patterns observed, the demonstrated utility in applying genomic-based approaches to routine microbiological monitoring, and the overall establishment of a transnational AMR surveillance framework focussed on coastal and marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel Light
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
- UK FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Roderick M. Card
- UK FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - David Ryder
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Mickael Teixeira Alves
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Hanan A. Al-Sarawi
- Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA), P.O. Box: 24395, Safat 13104, Kuwait
| | | | - Henrik Stahl
- Zayed University, Academic City, 192 82 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aliya Al-Ghabshi
- Al-Khabourah Vocational College for Marine Sciences, Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Oman
| | - Majed F. Alghoribi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, KAIMRC, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Andrew Joseph
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Hughes
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Will J.F. Le Quesne
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Suffolk, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Verner-Jeffreys
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
- UK FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Brett P. Lyons
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
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8
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Stentiford GD, Peeler EJ, Tyler CR, Bickley LK, Holt CC, Bass D, Turner AD, Baker-Austin C, Ellis T, Lowther JA, Posen PE, Bateman KS, Verner-Jeffreys DW, van Aerle R, Stone DM, Paley R, Trent A, Katsiadaki I, Higman WA, Maskrey BH, Devlin MJ, Lyons BP, Hartnell DM, Younger AD, Bersuder P, Warford L, Losada S, Clarke K, Hynes C, Dewar A, Greenhill B, Huk M, Franks J, Dal-Molin F, Hartnell RE. A seafood risk tool for assessing and mitigating chemical and pathogen hazards in the aquaculture supply chain. Nat Food 2022; 3:169-178. [PMID: 37117966 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Intricate links between aquatic animals and their environment expose them to chemical and pathogenic hazards, which can disrupt seafood supply. Here we outline a risk schema for assessing potential impacts of chemical and microbial hazards on discrete subsectors of aquaculture-and control measures that may protect supply. As national governments develop strategies to achieve volumetric expansion in seafood production from aquaculture to meet increasing demand, we propose an urgent need for simultaneous focus on controlling those hazards that limit its production, harvesting, processing, trade and safe consumption. Policies aligning national and international water quality control measures for minimizing interaction with, and impact of, hazards on seafood supply will be critical as consumers increasingly rely on the aquaculture sector to supply safe, nutritious and healthy diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Stentiford
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK.
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - E J Peeler
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - C R Tyler
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - L K Bickley
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - C C Holt
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D Bass
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - A D Turner
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - C Baker-Austin
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - T Ellis
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - J A Lowther
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - P E Posen
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - K S Bateman
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - D W Verner-Jeffreys
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - R van Aerle
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - D M Stone
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - R Paley
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - A Trent
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - I Katsiadaki
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - W A Higman
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - B H Maskrey
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - M J Devlin
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - B P Lyons
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - D M Hartnell
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - A D Younger
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - P Bersuder
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - L Warford
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - S Losada
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - K Clarke
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - C Hynes
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - A Dewar
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - B Greenhill
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - M Huk
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - J Franks
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - F Dal-Molin
- Lowestoft Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - R E Hartnell
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK.
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9
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Treagus S, Wright C, Baker-Austin C, Longdon B, Lowther J. The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans. Food Environ Virol 2021; 13:127-145. [PMID: 33738770 PMCID: PMC8116281 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth, UK.
| | - James D Oliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA.,Duke University Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC, USA
| | - Munirul Alam
- icddr,b, formerly known as the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afsar Ali
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health & Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute (EPI), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Matthew K Waldor
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- icddr,b, formerly known as the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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11
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Dhanji-Rapkova M, Turner AD, Baker-Austin C, Huggett JF, Ritchie JM. Distribution of Tetrodotoxin in Pacific Oysters ( Crassostrea gigas). Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19020084. [PMID: 33540777 PMCID: PMC7913107 DOI: 10.3390/md19020084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A potent and heat-stable tetrodotoxin (TTX) has been found to accumulate in various marine bivalve species, including Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), raising a food safety concern. While several studies on geographical occurrence of TTX have been conducted, there is a lack of knowledge about the distribution of the toxin within and between bivalves. We, therefore, measured TTX in the whole flesh, mantle, gills, labial palps, digestive gland, adductor muscle and intravalvular fluid of C. gigas using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Weekly monitoring during summer months revealed the highest TTX concentrations in the digestive gland (up to 242 µg/kg), significantly higher than in other oyster tissues. Intra-population variability of TTX, measured in the whole flesh of each of twenty animals, reached 46% and 32% in the two separate batches, respectively. In addition, an inter-population study was conducted to compare TTX levels at four locations within the oyster production area. TTX concentrations in the whole flesh varied significantly between some of these locations, which was unexplained by the differences in weight of flesh. This is the first study examining TTX distribution in C. gigas and the first confirmation of the preferential accumulation of TTX in oyster digestive gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (A.D.T.); (C.B.-A.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.D.-R.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Andrew D. Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (A.D.T.); (C.B.-A.)
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (A.D.T.); (C.B.-A.)
| | - Jim F. Huggett
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- National Measurement Laboratory, LGC, Queens Rd, Teddington TW11 0LY, UK
| | - Jennifer M. Ritchie
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.D.-R.); (J.M.R.)
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12
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Abanto M, Gavilan RG, Baker-Austin C, Gonzalez-Escalona N, Martinez-Urtaza J. Global Expansion of Pacific Northwest Vibrio parahaemolyticus Sequence Type 36. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:323-326. [PMID: 31961301 PMCID: PMC6986845 DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.190362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We report transcontinental expansion of Vibrio parahaemolyticus sequence type 36 into Lima, Peru. From national collections, we identified 7 isolates from 2 different Pacific Northwest complex lineages that surfaced during 2011–2016. Sequence type 36 is likely established in environmental reservoirs. Systematic surveillance enabled detection of these epidemic isolates.
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13
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
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14
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Baker-Austin C, Pruzzo C, Oliver JD, Destoumieux-Garzon D. Vibrios - from genes to ecosystems. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4093-4095. [PMID: 32902106 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Carla Pruzzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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15
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Bowley J, Baker-Austin C, Porter A, Hartnell R, Lewis C. Oceanic Hitchhikers - Assessing Pathogen Risks from Marine Microplastic. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:107-116. [PMID: 32800610 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
As plastic debris in the environment continues to increase, an emerging concern is the potential for microplastic to act as vectors for pathogen transport. With aquaculture the fastest growing food sector, and microplastic contamination of shellfish increasingly demonstrated, understanding any risk of pathogen transport associated with microplastic is important for this industry. However, there remains a lack of detailed, systematic studies assessing the interactions and potential impacts that the attachment of human and animal pathogens on microplastic may have. Here we synthesise current knowledge regarding these distinct microplastic-associated bacterial communities and microplastic uptake pathways into bivalves, and discuss whether they represent a human and animal health threat, highlighting the outstanding questions critical to our understanding of this potential risk to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Bowley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Adam Porter
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Rachel Hartnell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ceri Lewis
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
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16
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Ford CL, Powell A, Lau DYL, Turner AD, Dhanji-Rapkova M, Martinez-Urtaza J, Baker-Austin C. Isolation and characterization of potentially pathogenic Vibrio species in a temperate, higher latitude hotspot. Environ Microbiol Rep 2020; 12:424-434. [PMID: 32452117 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of Vibrio infections at high latitudes represents a clear human health risk attributable to climate change. Here, we investigate the population dynamics of three Vibrio species: Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae within a British coastal estuarine site, with contrasting salinity and temperature regimes during an intense heatwave event. Water samples were collected weekly through the summer of 2018 and 2019 and filtered using membrane filtration and subsequently grown on selective media. Suspected vibrios were confirmed using a conventional species-specific PCR assay and further analysed for potential pathogenic markers. Results showed that Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae were present at high concentrations throughout both years, with their populations at substantially greater abundances corresponding to conditions of higher water temperatures during the heatwave of 2018 and at lower salinity sites, which is comparable to the results of previous studies. A subset of strains isolated during the extreme heatwave event in 2018 (46 Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 11 Vibrio cholerae and 4 Vibrio vulnificus) were genomically sequenced. Analysis of these 63 sequenced strains revealed a broad phenotypic and genomic diversity of strains circulating in the environment. An analysis of pathogenicity attributes identified a broad array of virulence genes across all three species, including a variety of genes associated with human disease. This study highlights the importance of the need for an increased Vibrio spp. surveillance system in temperate regions and the potential impact warming events such as heatwaves may have on the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte L Ford
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Dawn Yan Lam Lau
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
| | | | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
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17
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Vezzulli L, Baker-Austin C, Kirschner A, Pruzzo C, Martinez-Urtaza J. Global emergence of environmental non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae infections linked with climate change: a neglected research field? Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4342-4355. [PMID: 32337781 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is a natural inhabitant of aquatic ecosystems across the planet. V. cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 are responsible for cholera outbreaks in developing countries accounting for 3-5 million infections worldwide and 28.800-130.000 deaths per year according to the World Health Organization. In contrast, V. cholerae serogroups other than O1 and O139, also designated as V. cholerae non-O1/O139 (NOVC), are not associated with epidemic cholera but can cause other illnesses that may range in severity from mild (e.g. gastroenteritis, otitis, etc.) to life-threatening (e.g. necrotizing fasciitis). Although generally neglected, NOVC-related infections are on the rise and represent one of the most striking examples of emerging human diseases linked to climate change. NOVC strains are also believed to potentially contribute to the emergence of new pathogenic strains including strains with epidemic potential as a direct consequence of genetic exchange mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer and genetic recombination. Besides general features concerning the biology and ecology of NOVC strains and their associated diseases, this review aims to highlight the most relevant aspects related to the emergence and potential threat posed by NOVC strains under a rapidly changing environmental and climatic scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vezzulli
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS, Weymouth, UK
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Carla Pruzzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS, Weymouth, UK.,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Facultat de Biociéncies, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Roig FJ, González-Candelas F, Sanjuán E, Fouz B, Feil EJ, Llorens C, Baker-Austin C, Oliver JD, Danin-Poleg Y, Gibas CJ, Kashi Y, Gulig PA, Morrison SS, Amaro C. Corrigendum: Phylogeny of Vibrio vulnificus From the Analysis of the Core-Genome: Implications for Intra-Species Taxonomy. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1904. [PMID: 31481942 PMCID: PMC6713118 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Roig
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Biotechvana, Parc Cientific, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- Joint Research Unit on Infection and Public Health FISABIO-Salud Pública and Universitat de Valencia-I2SysBio, Valencia, Spain.,CIBEResp, National Network Center for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Sanjuán
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Fouz
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Edward J Feil
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Llorens
- Biotechvana, Parc Cientific, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, United Kingdom
| | - James D Oliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC, United States
| | - Yael Danin-Poleg
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Cynthia J Gibas
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Yechezkel Kashi
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Paul A Gulig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Shatavia S Morrison
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Carmen Amaro
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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19
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Hatfield RG, Bean T, Turner AD, Lees DN, Lowther J, Lewis A, Baker-Austin C. Development of a TaqMan qPCR assay for detection of Alexandrium spp and application to harmful algal bloom monitoring. Toxicon X 2019; 2:100011. [PMID: 32550568 PMCID: PMC7285902 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2019.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Genus Alexandrium is a widespread dinoflagellate marine phytoplankton that is the primary causative organism causing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) intoxications in European waters. EU food safety directives specify that EU Member States must implement a routine monitoring programme to mitigate risks associated with bio-accumulation of biotoxins by bivalve shellfish, such as those produced by Alexandrium. This strategic drive comprises of both direct testing of bivalve flesh for the presence of regulated toxins and an early warning phytoplankton monitoring programme. In the UK the flesh testing moved away from animal bio-assays to analytical chemistry techniques, whereas phytoplankton monitoring methods have seen little technological advancement since implementation. Methods currently utilize light microscopy and manual enumeration of different algal species. These methods although proven are time consuming, reliant on highly trained staff, have high limits of detection (LOD) with low specificity, unable to reliably identify Alexandrium to species level. The implications of these limitations of the techniques mean that in the case of Alexandrium the LOD is also the action limit and as such it is easy to miss positive samples affecting the efficacy of any early warning strategy. This study outlines the development, preliminary method characterisation, validation and trial implementation of an alternative early warning technique, utilizing quantitative PCR to identify water samples containing Alexandrium cells. The approach outlined in this document, showed an improved correlation with flesh toxicity, improved sensitivity, improved throughput compared to traditional light microscopy methods and there was also good correlation with higher cell abundance samples when compared to the light microscopy results. The application of this approach to routine water samples was explored and was found to demonstrate potential as a corroborative method for use during flesh intoxication episodes. This study offers potential for future improvements in the accuracy and sensitivity of phytoplankton monitoring whilst ensuring continuity of public safety, providing cost savings and offering new research opportunities. An inhouse qPCR assay was developed using the 18s rDNA to detect Alexandrium spp. qPCR had reduced LOD & improved specificity when compared to light microscopy. qPCR had a higher correlation to toxicity data when compared to light microscopy DNA extracts were found to be stable when fixed with Lugol's for >800 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Hatfield
- Corresponding author. Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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20
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Martinez-Urtaza J, Trinanes J, Abanto M, Lozano-Leon A, Llovo-Taboada J, Garcia-Campello M, Pousa A, Powell A, Baker-Austin C, Gonzalez-Escalona N. Epidemic Dynamics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Illness in a Hotspot of Disease Emergence, Galicia, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:852-859. [PMID: 29664388 PMCID: PMC5938774 DOI: 10.3201/eid2405.171700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Galicia in northwestern Spain has been considered a hotspot for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. Infections abruptly emerged in 1998 and, over the next 15 years, were associated with large outbreaks caused by strains belonging to a single clone. We report a recent transition in the epidemiologic pattern in which cases throughout the region have been linked to different and unrelated strains. Global genome-wide phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the pathogenic strains isolated from infections were associated with globally diverse isolates, indicating frequent episodic introductions from disparate and remote sources. Moreover, we identified that the 2 major switches in the epidemic dynamics of V. parahaemolyticus in the regions, the emergence of cases and an epidemiologic shift in 2015-2016, were associated with the rise of sea surface temperature in coastal areas of Galicia. This association may represent a fundamental contributing factor in the emergence of illness linked to these introduced pathogenic strains.
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21
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Le Quesne WJF, Baker-Austin C, Verner-Jeffreys DW, Al-Sarawi HA, Balkhy HH, Lyons BP. Antimicrobial resistance in the Gulf Cooperation Council region: A proposed framework to assess threats, impacts and mitigation measures associated with AMR in the marine and aquatic environment. Environ Int 2018; 121:1003-1010. [PMID: 29980310 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that the genetic diversity and abundance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in non-clinical settings has been underestimated and that the environment plays an integral role in enabling the development of AMR. Due to specific demographic and environmental factors the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region may be particularly susceptible to the threat of AMR, with the marine and aquatic environment potentially playing a specific role in its development and propagation. The demographic factors include rapid population growth, significant international population movements, heavy antibiotic use and insufficient antibiotic stewardship. Environmental factors leading to susceptibility include notable inputs of untreated sewage effluent, high ambient water temperatures, elevated concentrations of heavy metals, and poorly regulated use of antimicrobials in veterinary settings. However, to date there is only a limited understanding of the role that this environment plays in enabling the emergence and propagation AMR in this region. This article provides an overview of the risk associated with AMR in the marine and aquatic environment in the GCC region and proposes a framework for understanding how such environments interact with the wider development and propagation of resistance. It identifies priority actions aligned with the World Health Organisation AMR Global Action Plan and associated national action plans to evaluate the role of marine and aquatic systems relative to the wider factors driving AMR emergence and propagation. The proposed framework and actions to evaluate the role of marine and aquatic environments in driving propagation and emergence of AMR are equally applicable at the regional and national level beyond the GCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J F Le Quesne
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom.
| | - David W Verner-Jeffreys
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Hanan A Al-Sarawi
- School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom; Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Kuwait University, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait; Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA), P.O. Box: 24395, Safat 13104, Kuwait
| | - Hanan H Balkhy
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Infection Prevention and Control Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; GCC Centre for Infection Control, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
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22
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Turner AD, Fenwick D, Powell A, Dhanji-Rapkova M, Ford C, Hatfield RG, Santos A, Martinez-Urtaza J, Bean TP, Baker-Austin C, Stebbing P. New Invasive Nemertean Species ( Cephalothrix Simula) in England with High Levels of Tetrodotoxin and a Microbiome Linked to Toxin Metabolism. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:E452. [PMID: 30453540 PMCID: PMC6266807 DOI: 10.3390/md16110452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine nemertean Cephalothrix simula originates from the Pacific Ocean but in recent years has been discovered in northern Europe. The species has been associated with high levels of the marine neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin, traditionally associated with Pufferfish Poisoning. This study reports the first discovery of two organisms of C. simula in the UK, showing the geographical extent of this species is wider than originally described. Species identification was initially conducted morphologically, with confirmation by Cox 1 DNA sequencing. 16S gene sequencing enabled the taxonomic assignment of the microbiome, showing the prevalence of a large number of bacterial genera previously associated with TTX production including Alteromonas, Vibrio and Pseudomonas. LC-MS/MS analysis of the nemertean tissue revealed the presence of multiple analogues of TTX, dominated by the parent TTX, with a total toxin concentration quantified at 54 µg TTX per g of tissue. Pseudomonas luteola isolated from C. simula, together with Vibrio alginolyticus from the native nemertean Tubulanus annulatus, were cultured at low temperature and both found to contain TTX. Overall, this paper confirms the high toxicity of a newly discovered invasive nemertean species with links to toxin-producing marine bacteria and the potential risk to human safety. Further work is required to assess the geographical extent and toxicity range of C. simula along the UK coast in order to properly gauge the potential impacts on the environment and human safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Charlotte Ford
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Robert G Hatfield
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Andres Santos
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
- Laboratory of Applied and Molecular Biology, Avenida Alemania 0458, 4810296 Temuco, Chile.
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile.
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Tim P Bean
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Paul Stebbing
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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23
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Younger AD, Teixeira Alves M, Taylor NGH, Lowther J, Baker-Austin C, Campos CJA, Price-Hayward M, Lees D. Evaluation of the protection against norovirus afforded by E. coli monitoring of shellfish production areas under EU regulations. Water Sci Technol 2018; 78:1010-1022. [PMID: 30339526 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
EC Regulation 854/2004 requires the classification of bivalve mollusc harvesting areas according to the faecal pollution status of sites. It has been reported that determination of Escherichia coli in bivalve shellfish is a poor predictor of norovirus (NoV) contamination in individual samples. We explore the correlation of shellfish E. coli data with norovirus presence using data from studies across 88 UK sites (1,184 paired samples). We investigate whether current E. coli legislative standards could be refined to reduce NoV infection risk. A significant relationship between E. coli and NoV was found in the winter months (October to February) using data from sites with at least 10 data pairs (51 sites). We found that the ratio of arithmetic means (log10 E. coli to log10 NoV) at these sites ranged from 0.6 to 1.4. The lower ratios (towards 0.6) might typically indicate situations where the contribution from UV disinfected sewage discharges was more significant. Conversely, higher ratios (towards 1.4) might indicate a prevalence of animal sources of pollution; however, this relationship did not always hold true and so further work is required to fully elucidate the factors of relevance. Reducing the current class B maximum (allowed in 10% of samples) from 46,000 E. coli per 100 g (corresponding NoV value of 75750 ± 103) to 18,000 E. coli per 100 g (corresponding NoV value of 29365 ± 69) reduces maximum levels of NoV by a factor of 2.6 to 1; reducing the upper class B limit to 100% compliance with 4,600 E. coli per 100 g (corresponding NoV value of 7403 ± 39) reduces maximum levels of NoV by a factor of 10.2 to 1. We found using the UK filtered winter dataset that a maximum of 200 NoV corresponded to a maximum of 128 ± 7 E. coli per 100 g. A maximum of 1,000 NoV corresponded to a maximum of 631 ± 14 E. coli per 100 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Younger
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - M Teixeira Alves
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - N G H Taylor
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - J Lowther
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - C Baker-Austin
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - C J A Campos
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - M Price-Hayward
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - D Lees
- Centre for Fisheries, Environment and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom E-mail:
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Walker DI, Younger A, Stockley L, Baker-Austin C. Escherichia coli testing and enumeration in live bivalve shellfish – Present methods and future directions. Food Microbiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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25
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Al-Sarawi HA, Jha AN, Baker-Austin C, Al-Sarawi MA, Lyons BP. Baseline screening for the presence of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from Kuwait's marine environment. Mar Pollut Bull 2018; 129:893-898. [PMID: 29079300 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Here we present the findings of a study where 598 isolates of Escherichia coli (351 derived from seawater; 247 derived from the Venus clam, Circenita callipyga) were obtained from Kuwait's marine environment. Isolates were screened for their potential resistance to an array of 23 commonly deployed frontline antibiotics. Results demonstrate the resistant was widespread across all sites with high-levels of resistance (seawater: summer 89-64%; winter 90-57% and biota: summer 77%; winter 88%) observed to at least 1 of the 23 antibiotics tested. Resistance to Ampicillin was by far the most widely observed profile in seawater and biota across both summer and winter seasons, with 55.9 to 70.9% isolates displaying resistance to this antibiotic. This study demonstrates the potential of AMR screening to be used in Kuwait to detect issues related to water quality and the consequences it may pose for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan A Al-Sarawi
- School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Kuwait University, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Awadhesh N Jha
- School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Mohammad A Al-Sarawi
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Kuwait University, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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26
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Baker-Austin C, Trinanes JA, Salmenlinna S, Löfdahl M, Siitonen A, Taylor NGH, Martinez-Urtaza J. Heat Wave-Associated Vibriosis, Sweden and Finland, 2014. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 22:1216-20. [PMID: 27314874 PMCID: PMC4918148 DOI: 10.3201/eid2207.151996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During summer 2014, a total of 89 Vibrio infections were reported in Sweden and Finland, substantially more yearly infections than previously have been reported in northern Europe. Infections were spread across most coastal counties of Sweden and Finland, but unusually, numerous infections were reported in subarctic regions; cases were reported as far north as 65°N, ≈100 miles (160 km) from the Arctic Circle. Most infections were caused by non-O1/O139 V. cholerae (70 cases, corresponding to 77% of the total, all strains were negative for the cholera toxin gene). An extreme heat wave in northern Scandinavia during summer 2014 led to unprecedented high sea surface temperatures, which appear to have been responsible for the emergence of Vibrio bacteria at these latitudes. The emergence of vibriosis in high-latitude regions requires improved diagnostic detection and clinical awareness of these emerging pathogens.
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27
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Roig FJ, González-Candelas F, Sanjuán E, Fouz B, Feil EJ, Llorens C, Baker-Austin C, Oliver JD, Danin-Poleg Y, Gibas CJ, Kashi Y, Gulig PA, Morrison SS, Amaro C. Phylogeny of Vibrio vulnificus from the Analysis of the Core-Genome: Implications for Intra-Species Taxonomy. Front Microbiol 2018; 8:2613. [PMID: 29358930 PMCID: PMC5765525 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus (Vv) is a multi-host pathogenic species currently subdivided into three biotypes (Bts). The three Bts are human-pathogens, but only Bt2 is also a fish-pathogen, an ability that is conferred by a transferable virulence-plasmid (pVvbt2). Here we present a phylogenomic analysis from the core genome of 80 Vv strains belonging to the three Bts recovered from a wide range of geographical and ecological sources. We have identified five well-supported phylogenetic groups or lineages (L). L1 comprises a mixture of clinical and environmental Bt1 strains, most of them involved in human clinical cases related to raw seafood ingestion. L2 is formed by a mixture of Bt1 and Bt2 strains from various sources, including diseased fish, and is related to the aquaculture industry. L3 is also linked to the aquaculture industry and includes Bt3 strains exclusively, mostly related to wound infections or secondary septicemia after farmed-fish handling. Lastly, L4 and L5 include a few strains of Bt1 associated with specific geographical areas. The phylogenetic trees for ChrI and II are not congruent to one another, which suggests that inter- and/or intra-chromosomal rearrangements have been produced along Vv evolution. Further, the phylogenetic trees for each chromosome and the virulence plasmid were also not congruent, which also suggests that pVvbt2 has been acquired independently by different clones, probably in fish farms. From all these clones, the one with zoonotic capabilities (Bt2-Serovar E) has successfully spread worldwide. Based on these results, we propose a new updated classification of the species based on phylogenetic lineages rather than on Bts, as well as the inclusion of all Bt2 strains in a pathovar with the particular ability to cause fish vibriosis, for which we suggest the name "piscis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Roig
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Biotechvana, Parc Cientific, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- Joint Research Unit on Infection and Public Health FISABIO-Salud Pública and Universitat de Valencia-I2SysBio, Valencia, Spain.,CIBEResp, National Network Center for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Sanjuán
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Fouz
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Edward J Feil
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Llorens
- Biotechvana, Parc Cientific, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, United Kingdom
| | - James D Oliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC, United States
| | - Yael Danin-Poleg
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Cynthia J Gibas
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Yechezkel Kashi
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Paul A Gulig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Shatavia S Morrison
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Carmen Amaro
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina BIOTECMED, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Departmento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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28
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Wagley S, Borne R, Harrison J, Baker-Austin C, Ottaviani D, Leoni F, Vuddhakul V, Titball RW. Galleria mellonella as an infection model to investigate virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Virulence 2018; 9:197-207. [PMID: 28960137 PMCID: PMC5801645 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1384895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-toxigenic V. parahaemolyticus isolates (tdh-/trh-/T3SS2-) have recently been isolated from patients with gastroenteritis. In this study we report that the larvae of the wax moth (Galleria mellonella) are susceptible to infection by toxigenic or non-toxigenic clinical isolates of V. parahaemolyticus. In comparison larvae inoculated with environmental isolates of V. parahaemolyticus did not succumb to disease. Whole genome sequencing of clinical non-toxigenic isolates revealed the presence of a gene encoding a nudix hydrolase, identified as mutT. A V. parahaemolyticus mutT mutant was unable to kill G. mellonella at 24 h post inoculation, indicating a role of this gene in virulence. Our findings show that G. mellonella is a valuable model for investigating screening of possible virulence genes of V. parahaemolyticus and can provide new insights into mechanisms of virulence of atypical non-toxigenic V. parahaemolyticus. These findings will allow improved genetic tests for the identification of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus to be developed and will have a significant impact for the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sariqa Wagley
- Biosciences College of life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 S4QD, UK
| | | | - Jamie Harrison
- Biosciences College of life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 S4QD, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB UK
| | - Donatella Ottaviani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento Contaminazioni Batteriologiche dei Molluschi Bivalvi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Leoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento Contaminazioni Batteriologiche dei Molluschi Bivalvi, Ancona, Italy
| | - Varaporn Vuddhakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Thailand
| | - Richard W. Titball
- Biosciences College of life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 S4QD, UK
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29
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Baker-Austin C, Oliver JD. Vibrio vulnificus: new insights into a deadly opportunistic pathogen. Environ Microbiol 2017; 20:423-430. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Baker-Austin
- Weymouth Laboratory; Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth; Dorset DT4 8UB England
| | - James D. Oliver
- Department of Biology; University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Charlotte NC USA
- Duke University Marine Laboratory; Durham NC USA
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30
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Rowe WPM, Baker-Austin C, Verner-Jeffreys DW, Ryan JJ, Micallef C, Maskell DJ, Pearce GP. Overexpression of antibiotic resistance genes in hospital effluents over time. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:1617-1623. [PMID: 28175320 PMCID: PMC5437528 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [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: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Effluents contain a diverse abundance of antibiotic resistance genes that augment the resistome of receiving aquatic environments. However, uncertainty remains regarding their temporal persistence, transcription and response to anthropogenic factors, such as antibiotic usage. We present a spatiotemporal study within a river catchment (River Cam, UK) that aims to determine the contribution of antibiotic resistance gene-containing effluents originating from sites of varying antibiotic usage to the receiving environment. Methods Gene abundance in effluents (municipal hospital and dairy farm) was compared against background samples of the receiving aquatic environment (i.e. the catchment source) to determine the resistome contribution of effluents. We used metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to correlate DNA and RNA abundance and identified differentially regulated gene transcripts. Results We found that mean antibiotic resistance gene and transcript abundances were correlated for both hospital ( ρ = 0.9, two-tailed P <0.0001) and farm ( ρ = 0.5, two-tailed P <0.0001) effluents and that two β-lactam resistance genes ( bla GES and bla OXA ) were overexpressed in all hospital effluent samples. High β-lactam resistance gene transcript abundance was related to hospital antibiotic usage over time and hospital effluents contained antibiotic residues. Conclusions We conclude that effluents contribute high levels of antibiotic resistance genes to the aquatic environment; these genes are expressed at significant levels and are possibly related to the level of antibiotic usage at the effluent source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will P M Rowe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Jim J Ryan
- Environment, Health and Safety, GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, UK
| | - Christianne Micallef
- Pharmacy Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gareth P Pearce
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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31
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Turner AD, Dhanji-Rapkova M, Coates L, Bickerstaff L, Milligan S, O'Neill A, Faulkner D, McEneny H, Baker-Austin C, Lees DN, Algoet M. Detection of Tetrodotoxin Shellfish Poisoning (TSP) Toxins and Causative Factors in Bivalve Molluscs from the UK. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:E277. [PMID: 28867772 PMCID: PMC5618416 DOI: 10.3390/md15090277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) are traditionally associated with the occurrence of tropical Pufferfish Poisoning. In recent years, however, TTXs have been identified in European bivalve mollusc shellfish, resulting in the need to assess prevalence and risk to shellfish consumers. Following the previous identification of TTXs in shellfish from southern England, this study was designed to assess the wider prevalence of TTXs in shellfish from around the coast of the UK. Samples were collected between 2014 and 2016 and subjected to analysis using HILIC-MS/MS. Results showed the continued presence of toxins in shellfish harvested along the coast of southern England, with the maximum concentration of total TTXs reaching 253 µg/kg. TTX accumulation was detected in Pacific oysters (Crassostreagigas), native oysters (Ostreaedulis) common mussels (Mytilusedulis) and hard clams (Mercenariamercenaria), but not found in cockles (Cerastodermaedule), razors (Ensis species) or scallops (Pectenmaximus). Whilst the highest concentrations were quantified in samples harvested during the warmer summer months, TTXs were still evident during the winter. An assessment of the potential causative factors did not reveal any links with the phytoplankton species Prorocentrumcordatum, instead highlighting a greater level of risk in areas of shallow, estuarine waters with temperatures above 15 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Lewis Coates
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Lesley Bickerstaff
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Steve Milligan
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Alison O'Neill
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Dermot Faulkner
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Marine Biotoxin Unit, Chemical Surveillance Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute-Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Hugh McEneny
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Marine Biotoxin Unit, Chemical Surveillance Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute-Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - David N Lees
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Myriam Algoet
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Food Safety Group, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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32
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Paterson IK, Hoyle A, Ochoa G, Baker-Austin C, Taylor NGH. Optimising Antibiotic Usage to Treat Bacterial Infections. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37853. [PMID: 27892497 PMCID: PMC5124968 DOI: 10.1038/srep37853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria poses a threat to the continued use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has been identified as a significant driver in the emergence of resistance. Finding optimal treatment regimens is therefore critical in ensuring the prolonged effectiveness of these antibiotics. This study uses mathematical modelling to analyse the effect traditional treatment regimens have on the dynamics of a bacterial infection. Using a novel approach, a genetic algorithm, the study then identifies improved treatment regimens. Using a single antibiotic the genetic algorithm identifies regimens which minimise the amount of antibiotic used while maximising bacterial eradication. Although exact treatments are highly dependent on parameter values and initial bacterial load, a significant common trend is identified throughout the results. A treatment regimen consisting of a high initial dose followed by an extended tapering of doses is found to optimise the use of antibiotics. This consistently improves the success of eradicating infections, uses less antibiotic than traditional regimens and reduces the time to eradication. The use of genetic algorithms to optimise treatment regimens enables an extensive search of possible regimens, with previous regimens directing the search into regions of better performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iona K Paterson
- University of Stirling, Computing Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Hoyle
- University of Stirling, Computing Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Ochoa
- University of Stirling, Computing Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
| | - Nick G H Taylor
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, United Kingdom
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33
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McArthur JV, Fletcher DE, Tuckfield RC, Baker-Austin C. Patterns of Multi-Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia Coli from Streams with No History of Antimicrobial Inputs. Microb Ecol 2016; 72:840-850. [PMID: 26530280 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0678-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that contaminated environments may harbor a greater proportion of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms than unpolluted reference sites. Here, we report the screening of 427 Escherichia coli strains isolated from 11 locations on nine streams draining the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site against a panel of five antibiotics. Streams were chosen to capture a wide range of watersheds from minimally disturbed to highly impacted. Overall, higher levels of resistance were found in waterborne E. coli that also generally exhibited low spatial variability. However, 3 of 11 locations also demonstrated elevated resistance levels in sediments. Two of these occurred in highly disturbed tributaries with no obvious sources of antimicrobials. To further investigate these patterns, we screened a subset of isolates obtained from three streams against 23 antibiotics or antibiotic combinations. A large proportion of these isolates (>40 %) demonstrated resistance to 10 or more antimicrobials, suggesting that environmental multi-antibiotic resistance may be prevalent in this bacterial commensal. Only 4 of 87 viable isolates were tested susceptible to all 23 antibiotics and combinations. Among these multi-antibiotic-resistant isolates, several demonstrated resistance to all structural classes of antimicrobial agents tested, including frontline antibiotics such as gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V McArthur
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - D E Fletcher
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | | | - C Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, UK
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Baker-Austin C, Trinanes JA, Salmenlinna S, Löfdahl M, Siitonen A, Taylor NGH, Martinez-Urtaza J. Heat Wave-Associated Vibriosis, Sweden and Finland, 2014. Emerg Infect Dis 2016. [PMID: 27314874 DOI: 10.32032/eid2207.151996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During summer 2014, a total of 89 Vibrio infections were reported in Sweden and Finland, substantially more yearly infections than previously have been reported in northern Europe. Infections were spread across most coastal counties of Sweden and Finland, but unusually, numerous infections were reported in subarctic regions; cases were reported as far north as 65°N, ≈100 miles (160 km) from the Arctic Circle. Most infections were caused by non-O1/O139 V. cholerae (70 cases, corresponding to 77% of the total, all strains were negative for the cholera toxin gene). An extreme heat wave in northern Scandinavia during summer 2014 led to unprecedented high sea surface temperatures, which appear to have been responsible for the emergence of Vibrio bacteria at these latitudes. The emergence of vibriosis in high-latitude regions requires improved diagnostic detection and clinical awareness of these emerging pathogens.
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Martinez-Urtaza J, Powell A, Jansa J, Rey JLC, Montero OP, Campello MG, López MJZ, Pousa A, Valles MJF, Trinanes J, Hervio-Heath D, Keay W, Bayley A, Hartnell R, Baker-Austin C. Epidemiological investigation of a foodborne outbreak in Spain associated with U.S. West Coast genotypes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Springerplus 2016; 5:87. [PMID: 26848427 PMCID: PMC4729754 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-1728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We describe an outbreak of seafood-associated Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Galicia, Spain in on 18th of August 2012 affecting 100 of the 114 passengers travelling on a food banquet cruise boat. Epidemiological information from 65 people was available from follow-on interviews, of which 51 cases showed symptoms of illness. The food items identified through the questionnaires as the most probable source of the infections was shrimp. This product was unique in showing a statistically significant and the highest OR with a value of 7.59 (1.52-37.71). All the nine strains isolated from stool samples were identified as V. parahaemolyticus, seven were positive for both virulence markers tdh and trh, a single strain was positive for trh only and the remaining strain tested negative for both trh and tdh. This is the largest foodborne Vibrio outbreak reported in Europe linked to domestically processed seafood. Moreover, this is the first instance of strains possessing both tdh+ and trh+ being implicated in an outbreak in Europe and that a combination of strains represent several pathogenicity groups and belonging to different genetic variants were isolated from a single outbreak. Clinical isolates were associated with a novel genetic variant of V. parahaemolyticus never detected before in Europe. Further analyses demonstrated that the outbreak isolates showed indistinguishable genetic profiles with hyper-virulent strains from the Pacific Northwest, USA, suggesting a recent transcontinental spread of these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB UK
| | - Josep Jansa
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Tomtebodavägen 11 A, 17183 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - José Luís Castro Rey
- Xefatura territorial de Pontevedra, Consellería de Sanidade, Xunta de Galicia, Galicia, Spain
| | - Oscar Paz Montero
- Xefatura territorial de Pontevedra, Consellería de Sanidade, Xunta de Galicia, Galicia, Spain
| | | | - M José Zamora López
- Servizo Microbioloxia, Complexo Hospitalario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Anxela Pousa
- Dirección Xeral de Innovación e Xestión da Saúde Pública, Consellería de Sanidade, Xunta de Galicia, Galicia, Spain
| | - M José Faraldo Valles
- Xefatura territorial de Pontevedra, Consellería de Sanidade, Xunta de Galicia, Galicia, Spain
| | - Joaquin Trinanes
- Laboratory of Systems, Technological Research Institute, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Universitario Sur, Santiago de Compostela, Spain ; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 USA ; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 USA
| | - Domique Hervio-Heath
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie-LNR, Département Ressources Biologiques et Environnement, Unité Environnement Microbiologie et Phycotoxines, Ifremer, Centre de Brest, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, Plouzané, France
| | - William Keay
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB UK
| | - Amanda Bayley
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB UK
| | - Rachel Hartnell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB UK
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Rowe W, Verner-Jeffreys DW, Baker-Austin C, Ryan JJ, Maskell DJ, Pearce GP. Comparative metagenomics reveals a diverse range of antimicrobial resistance genes in effluents entering a river catchment. Water Sci Technol 2016; 73:1541-1549. [PMID: 27054725 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2015.634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic environment has been implicated as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). In order to identify sources that are contributing to these gene reservoirs, it is crucial to assess effluents that are entering the aquatic environment. Here we describe a metagenomic assessment for two types of effluent entering a river catchment. We investigated the diversity and abundance of resistance genes, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and pathogenic bacteria. Findings were normalised to a background sample of river source water. Our results show that effluent contributed an array of genes to the river catchment, the most abundant being tetracycline resistance genes tetC and tetW from farm effluents and the sulfonamide resistance gene sul2 from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. In nine separate samples taken across 3 years, we found 53 different genes conferring resistance to seven classes of antimicrobial. Compared to the background sample taken up river from effluent entry, the average abundance of genes was three times greater in the farm effluent and two times greater in the WWTP effluent. We conclude that effluents disperse ARGs, MGEs and pathogenic bacteria within a river catchment, thereby contributing to environmental reservoirs of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Rowe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK E-mail:
| | | | | | - Jim J Ryan
- Environment, Health and Safety, GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, UK
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK E-mail:
| | - Gareth P Pearce
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK E-mail:
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Le Roux F, Wegner KM, Baker-Austin C, Vezzulli L, Osorio CR, Amaro C, Ritchie JM, Defoirdt T, Destoumieux-Garzón D, Blokesch M, Mazel D, Jacq A, Cava F, Gram L, Wendling CC, Strauch E, Kirschner A, Huehn S. The emergence of Vibrio pathogens in Europe: ecology, evolution, and pathogenesis (Paris, 11-12th March 2015). Front Microbiol 2015; 6:830. [PMID: 26322036 PMCID: PMC4534830 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Global change has caused a worldwide increase in reports of Vibrio-associated diseases with ecosystem-wide impacts on humans and marine animals. In Europe, higher prevalence of human infections followed regional climatic trends with outbreaks occurring during episodes of unusually warm weather. Similar patterns were also observed in Vibrio-associated diseases affecting marine organisms such as fish, bivalves and corals. Basic knowledge is still lacking on the ecology and evolutionary biology of these bacteria as well as on their virulence mechanisms. Current limitations in experimental systems to study infection and the lack of diagnostic tools still prevent a better understanding of Vibrio emergence. A major challenge is to foster cooperation between fundamental and applied research in order to investigate the consequences of pathogen emergence in natural Vibrio populations and answer federative questions that meet societal needs. Here we report the proceedings of the first European workshop dedicated to these specific goals of the Vibrio research community by connecting current knowledge to societal issues related to ocean health and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Le Roux
- Unié Physiologie Fonctionnelle des Organismes Marins, Ifremer , Plouzané, France ; CNRS, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06 , Roscoff cedex, France
| | - K Mathias Wegner
- Coastal Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research , List, Germany
| | | | - Luigi Vezzulli
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa , Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlos R Osorio
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela , Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Amaro
- Estructura de Investigación Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología y Biomedicina, Department of Microbiology and Ecology, University of Valencia , Valencia, Spain
| | - Jennifer M Ritchie
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey , Guildford, UK
| | - Tom Defoirdt
- UGent Aquaculture R&D Consortium, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delphine Destoumieux-Garzón
- Interactions Hôtes-Pathogènes-Environnements, UMR 5244, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domita, Université de Montpellier , Montpellier, France
| | - Melanie Blokesch
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Didier Mazel
- Département Génomes et Génétique, CNRS UMR3525, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, Institut Pasteur , Paris, France
| | - Annick Jacq
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud , Orsay, France
| | - Felipe Cava
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University , Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lone Gram
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark , Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Eckhard Strauch
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, National Reference Laboratory for Monitoring Bacteriological Contamination of Bivalve Molluscs , Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Huehn
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Free University Berlin , Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
We report the first detection of tetrodotoxins (TTX) in European bivalve shellfish. We demonstrate that TTX is present within the temperate waters of the United Kingdom, along the English Channel, and can accumulate in filter-feeding molluscs. The toxin is heat-stable and thus it cannot be eliminated during cooking. While quantified concentrations were low in comparison to published minimum lethal doses for humans, the results demonstrate that the risk to shellfish consumers should not be discarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Turner
- Food Safety Group, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - A Powell
- Food Safety Group, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - A Schofield
- Food Safety Group, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - D N Lees
- Food Safety Group, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - C Baker-Austin
- Food Safety Group, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Background Many computational methods are available for assembly and annotation of newly sequenced microbial genomes. However, when new genomes are reported in the literature, there is frequently very little critical analysis of choices made during the sequence assembly and gene annotation stages. These choices have a direct impact on the biologically relevant products of a genomic analysis - for instance identification of common and differentiating regions among genomes in a comparison, or identification of enriched gene functional categories in a specific strain. Here, we examine the outcomes of different assembly and analysis steps in typical workflows in a comparison among strains of Vibrio vulnificus. Results Using six recently sequenced strains of V. vulnificus, we demonstrate the "alternate realities" of comparative genomics, and how they depend on the choice of a robust assembly method and accurate ab initio annotation. We apply several popular assemblers for paired-end Illumina data, and three well-regarded ab initio genefinders. We demonstrate significant differences in detected gene overlap among comparative genomics workflows that depend on these two steps. The divergence between workflows, even those using widely adopted methods, is obvious both at the single genome level and when a comparison is performed. In a typical example where multiple workflows are applied to the strain V. vulnificus CECT 4606, a workflow that uses the Velvet assembler and Glimmer gene finder identifies 3275 gene features, while a workflow that uses the Velvet assembler and the RAST annotation system identifies 5011 gene features. Only 3171 genes are identical between both workflows. When we examine 9 assembly/ annotation workflow scenarios as input to a three-way genome comparison, differentiating genes and even differentially represented functional categories change significantly from scenario to scenario. Conclusions Inconsistencies in genomic analysis can arise depending on the choices that are made during the assembly and annotation stages. These inconsistencies can have a significant impact on the interpretation of an individual genome's content. The impact is multiplied when comparison of content and function among multiple genomes is the goal. Tracking the analysis history of the data - its analytic provenance - is critical for reproducible analysis of genome data.
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Grimes DJ, Ford TE, Colwell RR, Baker-Austin C, Martinez-Urtaza J, Subramaniam A, Capone DG. Viewing marine bacteria, their activity and response to environmental drivers from orbit: satellite remote sensing of bacteria. Microb Ecol 2014; 67:489-500. [PMID: 24477922 PMCID: PMC4058845 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Satellite-based remote sensing of marine microorganisms has become a useful tool in predicting human health risks associated with these microscopic targets. Early applications were focused on harmful algal blooms, but more recently methods have been developed to interrogate the ocean for bacteria. As satellite-based sensors have become more sophisticated and our ability to interpret information derived from these sensors has advanced, we have progressed from merely making fascinating pictures from space to developing process models with predictive capability. Our understanding of the role of marine microorganisms in primary production and global elemental cycles has been vastly improved as has our ability to use the combination of remote sensing data and models to provide early warning systems for disease outbreaks. This manuscript will discuss current approaches to monitoring cyanobacteria and vibrios, their activity and response to environmental drivers, and will also suggest future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Jay Grimes
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, The University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
| | - Tim E. Ford
- University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 04103, USA,
| | - Rita R. Colwell
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, UMIACS, University of Maryland, 3103 Biomolecular Sciences Building #296, College Park, MD 20742, USA,
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, UK,
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK,
| | - Ajit Subramaniam
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, USA,
| | - Douglas G. Capone
- Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371, USA,
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, United Kingdom
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42
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Powell A, Baker-Austin C, Wagley S, Bayley A, Hartnell R. Isolation of pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus from UK water and shellfish produce. Microb Ecol 2013; 65:924-927. [PMID: 23455432 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacterium found commonly in temperate and warm estuarine waters worldwide. V. parahaemolyticus is considered an emerging bacterial pathogen in Europe and has been responsible for several recent seafood-associated outbreaks. During ad hoc testing of raw shellfish produce in May 2012, pandemic group (O3:K6) V. parahaemolyticus was isolated from Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), harvested in Southern England. Follow-on testing of water and shellfish, encompassing a small number geographically diverse sites, also retrieved pandemic group isolates. These strains are amongst the most northerly pandemic strains described to date and represent the first instance of pandemic V. parahaemolyticus isolated in the UK, highlighting the expanding geographical distribution of these foodborne pathogens in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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Verner-Jeffreys DW, Baker-Austin C, Pond MJ, Rimmer GSE, Kerr R, Stone D, Griffin R, White P, Stinton N, Denham K, Leigh J, Jones N, Longshaw M, Feist SW. Zoonotic disease pathogens in fish used for pedicure. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 18:1006-8. [PMID: 22608013 PMCID: PMC3358165 DOI: 10.3201/eid1806.111782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
“Doctor” fish might not be such good doctors after all. These fish are used for the increasingly popular spa treatment called fish pedicures. During these sessions, spa patrons immerse their feet in water, allowing the live fish to feed on dead skin, mainly for cosmetic reasons. However, examinations of doctor fish destined for these spas found that they can carry harmful bacteria. Thus, although reports of human infection after fish pedicures are few, there may be some risks. Spa patrons who have underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, immunosuppression, or even simple breaks in the skin) are already discouraged from taking such treatments. However, spas that offer fish pedicures should also consider using only disease-free fish reared in controlled facilities under high standards of husbandry and welfare.
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Morrison SS, Williams T, Cain A, Froelich B, Taylor C, Baker-Austin C, Verner-Jeffreys D, Hartnell R, Oliver JD, Gibas CJ. Pyrosequencing-based comparative genome analysis of Vibrio vulnificus environmental isolates. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37553. [PMID: 22662170 PMCID: PMC3360785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Between 1996 and 2006, the US Centers for Disease Control reported that the only category of food-borne infections increasing in frequency were those caused by members of the genus Vibrio. The Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio vulnificus is a ubiquitous inhabitant of estuarine waters, and is the number one cause of seafood-related deaths in the US. Many V. vulnificus isolates have been studied, and it has been shown that two genetically distinct subtypes, distinguished by 16S rDNA and other gene polymorphisms, are associated predominantly with either environmental or clinical isolation. While local genetic differences between the subtypes have been probed, only the genomes of clinical isolates have so far been completely sequenced. In order to better understand V. vulnificus as an agent of disease and to identify the molecular components of its virulence mechanisms, we have completed whole genome shotgun sequencing of three diverse environmental genotypes using a pyrosequencing approach. V. vulnificus strain JY1305 was sequenced to a depth of 33×, and strains E64MW and JY1701 were sequenced to lesser depth, covering approximately 99.9% of each genome. We have performed a comparative analysis of these sequences against the previously published sequences of three V. vulnificus clinical isolates. We find that the genome of V. vulnificus is dynamic, with 1.27% of genes in the C-genotype genomes not found in the E- genotype genomes. We identified key genes that differentiate between the genomes of the clinical and environmental genotypes. 167 genes were found to be specifically associated with environmental genotypes and 278 genes with clinical genotypes. Genes specific to the clinical strains include components of sialic acid catabolism, mannitol fermentation, and a component of a Type IV secretory pathway VirB4, as well as several other genes with potential significance for human virulence. Genes specific to environmental strains included several that may have implications for the balance between self-preservation under stress and nutritional competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatavia S. Morrison
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Williams
- Department of Biology, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aurora Cain
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brett Froelich
- Department of Biology, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Casey Taylor
- Department of Biology, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - David Verner-Jeffreys
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Hartnell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - James D. Oliver
- Department of Biology, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cynthia J. Gibas
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Baker-Austin C, Lemm E, Hartnell R, Lowther J, Onley R, Amaro C, Oliver JD, Lees D. pilF polymorphism-based real-time PCR to distinguish Vibrio vulnificus strains of human health relevance. Food Microbiol 2012; 30:17-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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46
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Reilly GD, Reilly CA, Smith EG, Baker-Austin C. Vibrio alginolyticus-associated wound infection acquired in British waters, Guernsey, July 2011. Euro Surveill 2011; 16:19994. [PMID: 22027377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In July 2011, a Vibrio alginolyticus infection was diagnosed in a woman from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, British Isles after sea bathing and application of a natural seaweed dressing to a pre-existing leg wound. Microbiological investigation confirmed Vibrio in the wound and the species of seaweed used for the dressing. The washing of open wounds in seawater and use of unsterilised seaweed dressings should be discouraged, particularly in individuals with underlying risk conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Reilly
- Department of Dermatology, Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Guernsey
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47
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Reilly GD, Reilly CA, Smith EG, Baker-Austin C. Vibrio alginolyticus-associated wound infection acquired in British waters, Guernsey, July 2011. Euro Surveill 2011. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.16.42.19994-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In July 2011, a Vibrio alginolyticus infection was diagnosed in a woman from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, British Isles after sea bathing and application of a natural seaweed dressing to a pre-existing leg wound. Microbiological investigation confirmed Vibrio in the wound and the species of seaweed used for the dressing. The washing of open wounds in seawater and use of unsterilised seaweed dressings should be discouraged, particularly in individuals with underlying risk conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Reilly
- Department of Dermatology, Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Guernsey
| | - C A Reilly
- Barts and The London Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - E G Smith
- Health Protection Agency, Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - C Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
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48
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Taylor NG, Verner-Jeffreys DW, Baker-Austin C. Aquatic systems: maintaining, mixing and mobilising antimicrobial resistance? Trends Ecol Evol 2011; 26:278-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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49
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Baker-Austin C, Potrykus J, Wexler M, Bond PL, Dopson M. Biofilm development in the extremely acidophilic archaeon 'Ferroplasma acidarmanus' Fer1. Extremophiles 2010; 14:485-91. [PMID: 20835877 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-010-0328-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
'Ferroplasma acidarmanus' Fer1 is an iron-oxidizing extreme acidophile isolated from the Iron Mountain mine, California, USA. This archaeon is predominantly found in biofilm-associated structures in the environment, and produces two distinct biofilm morphologies. Bioinformatic analysis of the 'F. acidarmanus' Fer1 genome identified genes annotated as involved in attachment and biofilm formation. No putative quorum sensing signaling genes were identified and no N-acyl homoserine lactone-like compounds were found in 'F. acidarmanus' Fer1 biofilm supernatant. Scanning confocal microscopy analysis of biofilm development on the surface of pyrite demonstrated the temporal and spatial development of biofilm growth. Furthermore, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to examine differential protein expression patterns between biofilm and planktonic populations. Ten up-regulated proteins were identified that included six enzymes associated with anaerobic growth, suggesting that the dominating phenotype in the mature biofilm was associated with anaerobic modes of growth. This report increases our knowledge of the genetic and proteomic basis of biofilm formation in an extreme acidophilic archaeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Baker-Austin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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Baker-Austin C, Gore A, Oliver JD, Rangdale R, McArthur JV, Lees DN. Rapid in situ detection of virulent Vibrio vulnificus strains in raw oyster matrices using real-time PCR. Environ Microbiol Rep 2010; 2:76-80. [PMID: 23766001 DOI: 10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00092.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen responsible for the vast majority of bacterially mediated fatalities from the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood in the USA. Vibrio vulnificus-associated septicaemia can occur rapidly (< 24 h); however, methods for the isolation and confirmation of V. vulnificus from seafood samples typically require several days. A real-time PCR assay was developed for V. vulnificus biotype 1 that provides a rapid means of identifying a gene fragment (vcgC) previously indicated as a strong predictor of potential virulence. PCR probe specificity was confirmed by amplification of 17 clinical V. vulnificus strains and by the lack of amplification with seven non-pathogenic V. vulnificus isolates and a wide range of closely related bacteria. Oyster and seawater samples were amended with a range of environmentally realistic concentrations of C-genotype V. vulnificus cells, which were quantitatively and unambiguously identified according to biotype. Of some significance, we utilized a sample processing and nucleic acid extraction procedure that allowed identification of pathogenic strains of V. vulnificus from oyster matrices without prior enrichment or culturing of strains. This outlined approach allowed the detection of as little as 50 cfu of V. vulnificus in less than 5 h, which compares favourably with culture-based approaches. The results indicate the applicability of this approach for monitoring purposes or as a potential diagnostic tool in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, Dorset, UK. Kings College, London, UK. Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
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