1
|
Athanasakopoulou Z, Sofia M, Skampardonis V, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Tsolakos K, Spyrou V, Chatzopoulos DC, Satra M, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Galamatis D, G. Papatsiros V, Billinis C. Indication of West Nile Virus (WNV) Lineage 2 Overwintering among Wild Birds in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece. Vet Sci 2023; 10:661. [PMID: 37999484 PMCID: PMC10674244 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110661] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus, has recently caused human outbreaks in Europe, including Greece. Its transmission cycle in nature includes wild birds as amplifying hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to assess WNV circulation among wild birds from two regions of Greece, Peloponnese and Western Greece, during 2022. To this end, a total of 511 birds belonging to 37 different species were sampled and molecularly screened. WNV RNA was detected from February to November in a total of 71 wild birds of nine species originating from both investigated regions. The first eight positive samples were sequenced on a part of NS3 and, according to the phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to evolutionary lineage 2 and presented similarity to previous outbreak-causing Greek strains (Argolis 2017, Macedonia 2010 and 2012). It was more likely to identify a PCR positive bird as the population density and the distance from water sources decreased. The present report provides evidence of WNV occurrence in both Peloponnese and Western Greece during 2022 and underlines its possible overwintering, highlighting the need for avian species surveillance to be conducted annually and throughout the year. Magpies are proposed as sentinels for WNV monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Vassilis Skampardonis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Satra
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Touloudi A, McGiven J, Cawthraw S, Valiakos G, Kostoulas P, Duncombe L, Gortázar C, Boadella M, Sofia M, Athanasakopoulou Z, Chatzopoulos DC, Spyrou V, Petrovska L, Billinis C. Development of a Multiplex Bead Assay to Detect Serological Responses to Brucella Species in Domestic Pigs and Wild Boar with the Potential to Overcome Cross-Reactivity with Yersinia enterocolitica O:9. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071362. [PMID: 35889081 PMCID: PMC9324436 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071362] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex bead assay using a Brucella rLPS antigen, a Brucella suis smooth antigen, and a Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 antigen that not only discriminates Brucella-infected from Brucella-uninfected pigs and wild boar, but also overcomes the cross reactivity with Y. enterocolitica O:9. Sera from 126 domestic pigs were tested: 29 pigs were Brucella infected, 80 were non-infected and 17 were confirmed to be false positive serological reactors (FPSR). Sera from 49 wild boar were tested: 18 were positive and 31 were negative. Using the rLPS antigen, 26/29 Brucella-infected domestic pigs and 15/18 seropositive wild boar were positive, while 75/80 non-Brucella infected domestic pigs, all FPSR, and all seronegative wild boar were negative. Using the smooth B. suis 1330 antigen, all Brucella-infected domestic pigs, 9/17 FPSR and all seropositive wild boar were positive, while all non-infected pigs and 30/31 seronegative wild boar were negative. The ratio of the readouts from the smooth B. suis antigen and Y. enterocolitica O:9 antigen enabled discriminating all Brucella infected individuals from the FPSR domestic pigs. These results demonstrate the potential of this assay for use in the surveillance of brucellosis, overcoming the cross-reactivity with Y. enterocolitica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Touloudi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (A.T.); (G.V.); (M.S.); (Z.A.)
| | - John McGiven
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, OIE/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (J.M.); (S.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Shaun Cawthraw
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, OIE/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (J.M.); (S.C.); (L.D.)
| | - George Valiakos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (A.T.); (G.V.); (M.S.); (Z.A.)
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (P.K.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Lucy Duncombe
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, OIE/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (J.M.); (S.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | | | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (A.T.); (G.V.); (M.S.); (Z.A.)
| | - Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (A.T.); (G.V.); (M.S.); (Z.A.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (P.K.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 412 22 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Liljana Petrovska
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, OIE/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (J.M.); (S.C.); (L.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (A.T.); (G.V.); (M.S.); (Z.A.)
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 431 00 Karditsa, Greece; (P.K.); (D.C.C.)
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Athanasakopoulou Z, Diezel C, Braun SD, Sofia M, Giannakopoulos A, Monecke S, Gary D, Krähmer D, Chatzopoulos DC, Touloudi A, Birtsas P, Palli M, Georgakopoulos G, Spyrou V, Petinaki E, Ehricht R, Billinis C. Occurrence and Characteristics of ESBL- and Carbapenemase- Producing Escherichia coli from Wild and Feral Birds in Greece. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1217. [PMID: 35744734 PMCID: PMC9227375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061217] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild and feral birds are known to be involved in the maintenance and dissemination of clinically-important antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, such as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli among wild and feral birds from Greece and to describe their antimicrobial resistance characteristics. In this context, fecal samples of 362 birds were collected and cultured. Subsequently, the antimicrobial resistance pheno- and geno-type of all the obtained E. coli isolates were determined. A total of 12 multidrug-resistant (MDR), ESBL-producing E. coli were recovered from eight different wild bird species. Eleven of these isolates carried a blaCTX-M-1 group gene alone or in combination with blaTEM and one carried only blaTEM. AmpC, fluoroquinolone, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycoside and macrolide resistance genes were also detected. Additionally, one carbapenemase-producing E. coli was identified, harboring blaNDM along with a combination of additional resistance genes. This report describes the occurrence of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing E. coli among wild avian species in Greece, emphasizing the importance of incorporating wild birds in the assessment of AMR circulation in non-clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Celia Diezel
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha D. Braun
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Stefan Monecke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Dominik Gary
- fzmb GmbH, Forschungszentrum für Medizintechnik und Biotechnologie, 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany; (D.G.); (D.K.)
| | - Domenique Krähmer
- fzmb GmbH, Forschungszentrum für Medizintechnik und Biotechnologie, 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany; (D.G.); (D.K.)
| | | | - Antonia Touloudi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Matina Palli
- Wildlife Protection & Rehabilitation Center, 24400 Gargalianoi, Greece; (M.P.); (G.G.)
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | | | - Ralf Ehricht
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lianou DT, Skoulakis A, Michael CK, Katsarou EI, Chatzopoulos DC, Solomakos N, Tsilipounidaki K, Florou Z, Cripps PJ, Katsafadou AI, Vasileiou NGC, Dimoveli KS, Bourganou MV, Liagka DV, Papatsiros VG, Kontou PI, Mavrogianni VS, Caroprese M, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Isolation of Listeria ivanovii from Bulk-Tank Milk of Sheep and Goat Farms-From Clinical Work to Bioinformatics Studies: Prevalence, Association with Milk Quality, Antibiotic Susceptibility, Predictors, Whole Genome Sequence and Phylogenetic Relationships. Biology (Basel) 2022; 11:biology11060871. [PMID: 35741392 PMCID: PMC9220212 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary An extensive countrywide study in Greece revealed that isolation of the zoonotic pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii from the milk produced in sheep or goat farms was infrequent: 1.2% of farms sampled. The presence of pigs on the farms, low average relative humidity in the environment and a high number of animals on the farms were found to be associated with the isolations. Detailed assessment of the L. ivanovii strains, for which there is a paucity of information worldwide, revealed that the isolated strains belonged to the L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii branch. All strains of the branch appeared to be very similar, with the distance between them being small, which suggests that global spread of this clonal branch is a recent evolutionary event or that the branch is characterized by a slow evolutionary rate. Abstract A cross-sectional study was performed in 325 sheep and 119 goat dairy farms in Greece. Samples of bulk-tank milk were examined by standard microbiological techniques for Listeria spp. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from one (0.3%) and Listeria ivanovii from three (0.9%) sheep farms. No associations between the isolation of L. monocytogenes or L. ivanovii and milk quality were found. No resistance to antibiotics was identified. Three variables emerged as significant predictors of isolation of the organism: the presence of pigs, low average relative humidity and a high number of ewes on the farm. The three L. ivanovii isolates were assessed in silico for identification of plasmids, prophages, antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, CRISPRs and CAS genes. Phylogenetic analysis using the core genome revealed that the three strains belonged to the L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii branch and were especially close to the PAM 55 strain. All strains of the branch appeared to be very similar, with the distance between them being small.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne T. Lianou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | | | - Charalambia K. Michael
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Eleni I. Katsarou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (A.I.K.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Nikolaos Solomakos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | | | - Zoe Florou
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (Z.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Peter J. Cripps
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Angeliki I. Katsafadou
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (A.I.K.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Natalia G. C. Vasileiou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (N.G.C.V.); (D.V.L.)
| | - Konstantina S. Dimoveli
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Maria V. Bourganou
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (A.I.K.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Dimitra V. Liagka
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (N.G.C.V.); (D.V.L.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | | | - Vasia S. Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Mariangela Caroprese
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (Z.F.); (E.P.)
| | - George C. Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.T.L.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (N.S.); (P.J.C.); (K.S.D.); (V.G.P.); (V.S.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Katsafadou AI, Vasileiou NG, Tsangaris GT, Ioannidi KS, Anagnostopoulos AK, Billinis C, Fragkou IA, Papadopoulos E, Mavrogianni VS, Lianou DT, Chatzopoulos DC, Fthenakis GC. Presence of Cathelicidin-1 in Milk as an Indicator of the Severity of Mammary Infection in Ewes. CURR PROTEOMICS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1570164617999200510234638] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aims:
The importance of cathelicidin-1 as an indicator of the severity of mammary infection
in ewes.
Background:
Mastitis is an important disease of sheep, affecting their health and welfare.
Objective:
The association of the presence of cathelicidin-1 in milk samples from ewes with mastitis
with the severity of the infection.
Methods:
Ewes were intramammarily inoculated with Mannheimia haemolytica or Staphylococcus
chromogenes. Conventional (clinical, bacteriological and cytological examinations; milk yield measurements)
and proteomics evaluation (2-DE, MALDI-TOF MS) to record cathelicidin-1 spot optical
densities in milk samples were recorded.
Results:
Ewes challenged with M. haemolytica developed clinical and ewes challenged with S.
chromogenes subclinical mastitis (P=0.05). The challenged organism was isolated from milk samples
from inoculated mammary glands; increased somatic cell counts were also recorded. Cathelicidin-
1 was detected in milk samples from the inoculated side of udders of all ewes. Mean spot density
of cathelicidin-1 from samples from inoculated glands of ewes challenged with M. haemolytica
was higher than from ewes challenged with S. chromogenes: 2896 ± 973 versus 1312 ± 361 (P
=0.034). There were significant correlations between the presence of clinical mastitis / somatic cell
counts with the spot density of cathelicidin-1 on 2-DE gels (P=0.043 and P=0.023, respectively).
There was also a significant inverse correlation between the mean spot densities of cathelicidin-1
in milk samples and the milk yield of respective ewes on D10 (P =0.031).
Conclusion:
Potentially, cathelicidin-1 could be used as a marker to indicate the severity of damage
to the mammary parenchyma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | | | - Dafni T. Lianou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa 43100, Greece
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Katsarou EI, Katsafadou AI, Karakasidis T, Chatzopoulos DC, Vasileiou NGC, Lianou DT, Mavrogianni VS, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis on the Surface of Teatcups from Milking Parlours. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040852. [PMID: 33921135 PMCID: PMC8071573 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of two Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates (one biofilm-forming and one not) on teatcups for cattle (made of rubber) or sheep (made of silicone) were assessed in nine multiplicates for 24 h post-smearing on the teatcup surface. Staphylococci were smeared on an area of 0.0003142 m2 on the material and their growth and expansion further on were monitored for 24 h. There were no differences in the frequency of recoveries between the two isolates (p > 0.82 for all comparisons). There were more recoveries from sheep teatcups than from cattle teatcups: 1280/1728 (74.1%) versus 942/1728 (54.5%), for both isolates (p < 0.0001). Significance was observed only 6 h to 15 h after smearing (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). The median speed of linear dissemination of the isolates was 0.00000021 m s−1 on cattle teatcups and 0.00000033 m s−1 on sheep teatcups (p < 0.0001). The increased growth and faster expansion of staphylococci on silicone teatcups raise important points from a clinical viewpoint. The model could be used in the testing of staphylococcal growth in the material of milking parlours in various conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni I. Katsarou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Angeliki I. Katsafadou
- Faculty of Public and Integrated (One) Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (A.I.K.); (D.C.C.)
| | | | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and Integrated (One) Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (A.I.K.); (D.C.C.)
| | | | - Daphne T. Lianou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Vasia S. Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.)
| | | | - George C. Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Athanasakopoulou Z, Reinicke M, Diezel C, Sofia M, Chatzopoulos DC, Braun SD, Reissig A, Spyrou V, Monecke S, Ehricht R, Tsilipounidaki K, Giannakopoulos A, Petinaki E, Billinis C. Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from Animals in Greece. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:389. [PMID: 33916633 PMCID: PMC8067336 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of multidrug resistant, extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is increasing worldwide. The present study aimed to provide an overview of the multidrug resistance phenotype and genotype of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates of livestock and wild bird origin in Greece. Nineteen phenotypically confirmed ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from fecal samples of cattle (n = 7), pigs (n = 11) and a Eurasian magpie that presented resistance to at least one class of non β-lactam antibiotics, were selected and genotypically characterized. A DNA-microarray based assay was used, which allows the detection of various genes associated with antimicrobial resistance. All isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1/15, while blaTEM was co-detected in 13 of them. The AmpC gene blaMIR was additionally detected in one strain. Resistance genes were also reported for aminoglycosides in all 19 isolates, for quinolones in 6, for sulfonamides in 17, for trimethoprim in 14, and for macrolides in 8. The intI1 and/or tnpISEcp1 genes, associated with mobile genetic elements, were identified in all but two isolates. This report describes the first detection of multidrug resistance genes among ESBL-producing E. coli strains retrieved from feces of cattle, pigs, and a wild bird in Greece, underlining their dissemination in diverse ecosystems and emphasizing the need for a One-Health approach when addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Martin Reinicke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.R.); (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (A.R.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Celia Diezel
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.R.); (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (A.R.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Sascha D. Braun
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.R.); (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (A.R.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Annett Reissig
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.R.); (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (A.R.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Stefan Monecke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.R.); (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (A.R.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institut fuer Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Medizinische Fakultaet “Carl Gustav Carus”, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.R.); (C.D.); (S.D.B.); (A.R.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07737 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.)
- Faculty of Public and Integrated Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Athanasakopoulou Z, Tsilipounidaki K, Sofia M, Chatzopoulos DC, Giannakopoulos A, Karakousis I, Giannakis V, Spyrou V, Touloudi A, Satra M, Galamatis D, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Petinaki E, Billinis C. Poultry and Wild Birds as a Reservoir of CMY-2 Producing Escherichia coli: The First Large-Scale Study in Greece. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030235. [PMID: 33652621 PMCID: PMC7996950 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance mediated by β-lactamases is a globally spread menace. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of Escherichia coli producing plasmid-encoded AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpC) in animals. Fecal samples from chickens (n = 159), cattle (n = 104), pigs (n = 214), and various wild bird species (n = 168), collected from different Greek regions during 2018-2020, were screened for the presence of pAmpC-encoding genes. Thirteen E. coli displaying resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and a positive AmpC confirmation test were detected. blaCMY-2 was the sole pAmpC gene identified in 12 chickens' and 1 wild bird (Eurasian magpie) isolates and was in all cases linked to an upstream ISEcp1-like element. The isolates were classified into five different sequence types: ST131, ST117, ST155, ST429, and ST1415. Four chickens' stains were assigned to ST131, while five chickens' strains and the one from the Eurasian magpie belonged to ST117. Seven pAmpC isolates co-harbored genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines (tetM, tetB, tetC, tetD), 3 carried sulfonamide resistance genes (sulI and sulII), and 10 displayed mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of gyrA (S83L+D87N) and parC (S80I+E84V). This report provides evidence of pAmpC dissemination, describing for the first time the presence of CMY-2 in chickens and wild birds from Greece.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | | | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Antonia Touloudi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Maria Satra
- Faculty of Public and Integrated Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA (ELGO DIMITRA), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (D.C.C.); (A.G.); (A.T.)
- Faculty of Public and Integrated Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Katsarou EI, Chatzopoulos DC, Giannoulis T, Ioannidi KS, Katsafadou AI, Kontou PI, Lianou DT, Mamuris Z, Mavrogianni VS, Michael CK, Papadopoulos E, Petinaki E, Sarrou S, Vasileiou NGC, Fthenakis GC. MLST-Based Analysis and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis from Cases of Sheep Mastitis in Greece. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:biology10030170. [PMID: 33668332 PMCID: PMC7996216 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is an important causal agent of ovine mastitis. A literature search indicated a lack of systematic studies of causal agents of the infection by using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The objectives were to analyse MLST-based data and evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of S. epidermidis isolates from ovine mastitis in Greece. The database included 1593 isolates from 46 countries: 1215 of human, 195 of environmental and 134 of animal origin, distributed into 949 sequence types (STs) and cumulatively with 450 alleles therein. Among mastitis isolates, bovine isolates were distributed into 36 different STs and ovine ones into 15 STs. The 33 isolates from ovine mastitis in Greece were in 15 different STs, 6 of these (ST677, ST678, ST700, ST 709, ST710, ST711) assigned for the first time; in addition, 5 alleles (65 for arcC, 59 for aroE, 56 and 57 for gtr and 48 for tpiA) were identified for the first time. The spanning tree of these isolates included 15 nodes and 14 edges (i.e., branches). Among these isolates, 19 showed resistance to antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, penicillin, fucidic adic, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefoxitin). Resistance-related genes (tetK, tetT, msrA, tetM, tetS, ermC, mecA) were detected. There was no association between STs and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Isolates with antimicrobial resistance were recovered more often from flocks where hand-milking was practised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni I. Katsarou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Themis Giannoulis
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (T.G.); (N.G.C.V.)
| | - Katerina S. Ioannidi
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Angeliki I. Katsafadou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Panagiota I. Kontou
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece;
| | - Daphne T. Lianou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Zissis Mamuris
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Vasia S. Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Charalambia K. Michael
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Styliani Sarrou
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (E.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Natalia G. C. Vasileiou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (T.G.); (N.G.C.V.)
| | - George C. Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.I.K.); (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (D.T.L.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chatzopoulos DC, Vasileiou NGC, Ioannidi KS, Katsafadou AI, Mavrogianni VS, Michael CK, Katsarou EI, Karavanis E, Papadopoulos N, Sbiraki A, Athanasiou LV, Billinis C, Fthenakis GC. Experimental Study of the Potential Role of Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae in the Diarrhoeic Syndrome of Lambs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020113. [PMID: 33498660 PMCID: PMC7912070 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this experimental work were the evaluation of the potential role of Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae in diarrhoeic syndrome in lambs and the investigation of facets of the pathogenesis of the infection. In total, 12 lambs were challenged orally on the first day of life, with a S. enterica subsp. diarizonae isolate from a clinical case of diarrhoeic syndrome. Sequential blood, faecal and buccal samples were collected from lambs and faecal and milk samples were taken from their dams. Lambs were euthanised 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after challenge. Samples were processed for recovery of the challenge organism; they were also subjected to examination by PCR for detection of the invA gene. Tissue samples from lambs were also examined as above and histopathologically. S. enterica subsp. diarizonae was recovered from faecal samples of all lambs, in total, from 45/77 samples (median duration: 2.4 days post-inoculation). It was also recovered from buccal samples (10/77) from seven lambs (median duration: 0.8 days), and from tissue samples (small intestine, abomasum, liver, gallbladder) of nine lambs. It was recovered from two consecutive milk samples from the same ewe, but not from any faecal sample from ewes. The invA gene was detected in samples from all lambs (median duration: 5.5 days in faecal and 1.3 days in buccal samples), as well as in milk samples from three ewes. Histopathological findings included abomasitis with subepithelial presence of eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells, consistently observed in all lambs. In the small intestine, salient lesions initially included distension and oedema of intestinal villi, leucocytic infiltration and hyperplasia of lymphoid nodules with apparent germinal centres; this was followed at later stages by atrophy and/or degeneration of the lymphoid tissue of the intestine with marked subepithelial infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | | | - Katerina S. Ioannidi
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Angeliki I. Katsafadou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Vasia S. Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Charalambia K. Michael
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Eleni I. Katsarou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Emmanouil Karavanis
- Histopathology Laboratory, 3rd Veterinary Hospital of Greek Army, 57000 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (N.P.)
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Histopathology Laboratory, 3rd Veterinary Hospital of Greek Army, 57000 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (N.P.)
| | - Afroditi Sbiraki
- Veterinary Laboratory of Halkida, Hellenic State Veterinary Service, 34150 Halkida, Greece;
| | - Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
| | - George C. Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (K.S.I.); (A.I.K.); (V.S.M.); (C.K.M.); (E.I.K.); (L.V.A.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vasileiou NGC, Cripps PJ, Ioannidi KS, Katsafadou AI, Chatzopoulos DC, Barbagianni MS, Tsioli V, Dermisiadou E, Karavanis E, Papadopoulos N, Lianou DT, Mavrogianni VS, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Experimental study for evaluation of the efficacy of a biofilm-embedded bacteria-based vaccine against Staphylococcus chromogenes-associated mastitis in sheep. Vet Microbiol 2019; 239:108480. [PMID: 31767091 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although coagulase-negative staphylococci are the primary aetiological agents of subclinical mastitis in ewes, there is little information regarding vaccination against that infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a vaccine against staphylococcal mastitis in ewes under experimental conditions. The antigen in the vaccine is based on a bacterin of Staphylococcus aureus strain, expressing the exopolysaccharide poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), which is involved in biofilm formation by these bacteria. Ewes in groups A (n = 17) or B (n = 6) were given an initial vaccination 5 weeks before expected lambing, followed by a repeat administration 21 days later. Ewes in groups C (n = 8) or D (n = 6) were unvaccinated controls. Ewes in group A (n = 17) or C (n = 8) were challenged with a biofilm-forming S. chromogenes; animals in subgroups A1 or C1 were challenged on the 10th and those in A2 or C2 on the 50th day after lambing. Ewes in groups B or D were uninoculated controls. Clinical examinations of ewes, ultrasonographic examinations of udder, milk yield measurements, blood sampling for detection of anti-PNAG specific antibodies and milk sample collection for bacteriological and cytological examinations were performed up to 52nd day post-challenge. Finally, biopsies were performed for mammary tissue collection for histopathological examination. Among group A ewes, 29% developed systemic signs and 59% signs in the inoculated gland; the respective figures for group C were 50% and 100% (P = 0.040 for mammary signs). The median total clinical score was 2.0 for A and 5.5 for C ewes (P = 0.025). For A, but not for C, clinical scores decreased progressively during the study (P = 0.018 and P = 0.47, respectively). The duration of mastitis was shorter in A (4 days) than in C (17.5 days) ewes (P = 0.022). Bacterial counts were lower in milk samples from A than from C ewes, for samples collected from the inoculated and the uninoculated (P < 0.01) mammary glands of these ewes. Somatic cell counts in samples from inoculated and uninoculated mammary glands of A ewes were higher than in samples of C ewes (P < 0.02). There were differences for gray-scale evaluations during ultrasonographic examination and for milk yield measurements between groups (P < 0.01). Median bacterial counts in tissue samples from A ewes (0 cfu g-1) were lower than in ones from C (6.5 cfu g-1) ewes (P = 0.041). The median score for histopathological findings in tissue samples from inoculated glands of A was lower than that for C ewes: 1 versus 2 (P = 0.014). It is concluded that mastitis was less severe in vaccinated animals, as indicated by a wide array of measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G C Vasileiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - P J Cripps
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, South Wirral, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - K S Ioannidi
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A I Katsafadou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - D C Chatzopoulos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - M S Barbagianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - V Tsioli
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Dermisiadou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Karavanis
- 3rd Veterinary Hospital of Hellenic Army, 57100 Thermi, Greece
| | - N Papadopoulos
- 3rd Veterinary Hospital of Hellenic Army, 57100 Thermi, Greece
| | - D T Lianou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - V S Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Petinaki
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - G C Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vasileiou NGC, Chatzopoulos DC, Cripps PJ, Ioannidi KS, Gougoulis DA, Chouzouris TM, Lianou DT, Gonzalez-Valerio TC, Vallverdu RG, Argyros S, Cesio M, Font I, Mavrogianni VS, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Evaluation of efficacy of a biofilm-embedded bacteria-based vaccine against staphylococcal mastitis in sheep-A randomized, placebo-controlled field study. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:9328-9344. [PMID: 31400892 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a vaccine against staphylococcal mastitis in 5 dairy sheep farms, with 316 ewes in the vaccinated (V) group and 307 in the control (C) group studied throughout a lactation period. Two administrations of the vaccine were performed during the last stage of gestation of ewes. Starting 15 d after lambing and at monthly intervals thereafter, up to 9 milk samplings were performed for bacteriological and cytological examinations. Staphylococcal isolates recovered were examined for biofilm formation. Blood samples were collected for measurement of IgG poly-N-acetylglucosamine-specific antibodies. The most frequently isolated bacteria were staphylococci: 56.4 and 76.1%, respectively, of total isolates recovered from ewes of group V and C, respectively; staphylococci as causal agents of mastitis were isolated less frequently from V (5.3%) than in ewes in C (10.3%). Among mastitis-associated staphylococcal isolates recovered from V ewes, a smaller proportion was biofilm-forming than among ones from C: 53.2% versus 74.9% of isolates; biofilm-forming staphylococci as causal agents of mastitis were isolated less frequently from ewes in group V (2.3%) than in ewes in group C (6.0%). Anti-poly-N-acetylglucosamine-specific antibody values increased in V ewes and were higher than in C; a greater proportion of ewes with low antibody titers developed staphylococcal mastitis (41.4%) than of V ewes with high antibody titers (17.0%). Incidence risk of mastitis, staphylococcal mastitis, and biofilm-associated staphylococcal mastitis was smaller in V than in C: 36.7, 17.1, and 8.0% versus 44.3, 30.9, and 18.9%, respectively. The first case of staphylococcal mastitis occurred later in V than in C: third versus second sampling point. Overall, efficacy of the vaccine was 44.6% for staphylococcal mastitis, 57.7% for biofilm-associated staphylococcal mastitis, 33.1% for staphylococcal intramammary infection, and 51.5% for biofilm-associated staphylococcal intramammary infection. Nevertheless, vaccination should not be the only means for controlling mastitis; other udder health management measures should be included therein to improve control of the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G C Vasileiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - D C Chatzopoulos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - P J Cripps
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, South Wirral, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - K S Ioannidi
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - D A Gougoulis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - T M Chouzouris
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - D T Lianou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | | | - S Argyros
- Laboratorios Hipra S.A., 17170 Amer (Girona), Spain
| | - M Cesio
- Laboratorios Hipra S.A., 17170 Amer (Girona), Spain
| | - I Font
- Laboratorios Hipra S.A., 17170 Amer (Girona), Spain
| | - V S Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Petinaki
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - G C Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vasileiou NGC, Sarrou S, Papagiannitsis C, Chatzopoulos DC, Malli E, Mavrogianni VS, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Antimicrobial Agent Susceptibility and Typing of Staphylococcal Isolates from Subclinical Mastitis in Ewes. Microb Drug Resist 2019; 25:1099-1110. [PMID: 31009324 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2019.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective was to study susceptibility to antimicrobial agents of 142 staphylococcal isolates from subclinical mastitis in ewes. In total, 41.5% of these were resistant and 5.6% multidrug resistant. More coagulase-negative staphylococci (47.0%) were resistant than Staphylococcus aureus (18.5%) isolates. Resistance was greater to penicillin (22.5%), tetracycline, or ampicillin (18.3%). More biofilm-forming (20.6%) isolates were resistant to tetracycline than nonbiofilm-forming (0.0%) ones. Presence of tetK was associated with presence of icaA in the same strains. Further, 76.6% of resistant isolates versus 57.7% of susceptible ones were recovered immediately postpartum and 23.4% of resistant isolates versus 9.9% of susceptible ones were recovered in farms that practiced routine administration of antimicrobial agents at the end of a lactation period. Most S. aureus (59.3%) were classified in ST133 and most Staphylococcus epidermidis were classified in ST100, ST142, or ST152 (19.0% each). There was no association of sequence types with resistance. Whole genome sequencing showed that, in a Staphylococcus lentus strain, the ermB gene was part of transposon Tn917 integrated into the chromosome; also, a small plasmid was observed in an ermC-carrying Staphylococcus hominis strain and, finally, in an S. aureus and an S. epidermidis strains, small tetK-carrying plasmids (pSau-2716Lar, pSau-3893Lar) of 4.439 kb were found.
Collapse
|
14
|
Vasileiou NGC, Cripps PJ, Ioannidi KS, Chatzopoulos DC, Gougoulis DA, Sarrou S, Orfanou DC, Politis AP, Gonzalez-Valerio TC, Argyros S, Mavrogianni VS, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Extensive countrywide field investigation of subclinical mastitis in sheep in Greece. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7297-7310. [PMID: 29859691 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this work were (1) to investigate prevalence of subclinical mastitis, (2) to identify etiological agents involved, and (3) to study factors potentially predisposing ewes to subclinical mastitis. Milk samples were collected from 2,198 ewes in 111 farms with a total population of 35,925 ewes, in all 13 administrative regions of Greece, for bacteriological and cytological examination. Prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 0.260. Main etiological agents were staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative species), which accounted for 0.699 of all isolates recovered; prevalence of staphylococcal mastitis was 0.191. In a multivariable mixed-effects analysis, the primary factor found to be associated with increased prevalence of subclinical mastitis was the management system practiced in flocks (flocks under a semi-intensive system had the highest prevalence). Other factors that were included in the multivariable model were the stage of lactation period (ewes in the 2nd month postpartum showed the highest prevalence) and application of postmilking teat dipping. In contrast, measures taken at the end of a lactation period (e.g., intramammary administration of antimicrobial agents) were not found to have an effect on prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The results confirmed the significance of subclinical mastitis as a frequent problem of ewes, with staphylococci as the primary etiological agent. The findings confirm the multifactorial nature of subclinical mastitis and indicate that its control should rely on many approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G C Vasileiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - P J Cripps
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, South Wirral, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - K S Ioannidi
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - D C Chatzopoulos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - S Sarrou
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - D C Orfanou
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of Rhodes, Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 85100 Rhodes, Greece
| | - A P Politis
- Politis Veterinary Center, 26500 Ovria Ahaias, Greece
| | | | - S Argyros
- Laboratorios HIPRA S.A., 17170 Amer (Girona), Spain
| | - V S Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Petinaki
- University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - G C Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vasileiou NGC, Fthenakis GC, Amiridis GS, Athanasiou LV, Birtsas P, Chatzopoulos DC, Chouzouris TM, Giannakopoulos A, Ioannidi KS, Kalonaki SN, Katsafadou AI, Kyriakis CS, Mavrogianni VS, Papadopoulos E, Spyrou V, Valiakos G, Venianaki AP, Billinis C. Experiences from the 2014 outbreak of bluetongue in Greece. Small Rumin Res 2016; 142:61-68. [PMID: 32288210 PMCID: PMC7126986 DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective of this paper was to review relevant work and to present a general account of the bluetongue outbreak, which occurred in Greece in 2014. In total, 2895 outbreaks of the disease have been reported by the veterinary authorities of Greece; sheep, goats and cattle were affected with officially reported morbidity rates of 11.0%, 2.0% and 3.5%, respectively. No vaccinations were allowed and conservative measures were implemented to attempt to limit the disease, which at the end had expanded throughout the country. In field investigations, a significantly higher bluetongue morbidity rate (27.5%) in sheep has been reported. During that work, clinical anaemia was encountered, which was characterised as macrocytic, hypochromic, regenerative and non-haemolytic. Other investigations, which are reviewed in this paper, have described an outbreak of Citrobacter freundii-associated enteritis in newborn kids, offspring of goats subclinically infected with Bluetongue virus, increased rate of early embryonic deaths, reduced conception rates, increased incidence risk of mastitis and reduced milk yield in herds of subclinically-infected cattle and detection of the virus from hunter-harvested tissue samples of roe-deer. In 2015, vaccines against the disease have been licenced; vaccinations started in May 2015. Then, in 2015, only one outbreak of the disease was confirmed, which could have been the result of a combination of reasons acting concurrently to prevent further cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G C Vasileiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - G C Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - G S Amiridis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - L V Athanasiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - P Birtsas
- Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - T M Chouzouris
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - K S Ioannidi
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - S N Kalonaki
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A I Katsafadou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - C S Kyriakis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - V S Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Spyrou
- Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - G Valiakos
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A P Venianaki
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - C Billinis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Mamuris Z, Birtsas P, Papaspyropoulos K, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Lefkaditis M, Chatzopoulos DC, Kantere M, Manolakou K, Touloudi A, Burriel AR, Ferroglio E, Hadjichristodoulou C, Billinis C. First evidence of Leishmania infection in European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Greece: GIS analysis and phylogenetic position within the Leishmania spp. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:313-21. [PMID: 26386969 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the existence of a sylvatic transmission cycle of Leishmania spp., independent from the domestic cycle, has been proposed, data are scarce on Leishmania infection in wild mammals in Greece. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of Leishmania infection in the European brown hare in Greece, to infer the phylogenetic position of the Leishmania parasites detected in hares in Greece, and to identify any possible correlation between Leishmania infection in hares with environmental parameters, using the geographical information system (GIS). Spleen samples from 166 hares were tested by internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1)-nested PCR for the detection of Leishmania DNA. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on Leishmania sequences from hares in Greece in conjunction with Leishmania sequences from dogs in Greece and 46 Leishmania sequences retrieved from GenBank. The Leishmania DNA prevalence in hares was found to be 23.49 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 17.27-30.69). The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Leishmania sequences from hares in Greece belong in the Leishmania donovani complex. The widespread Leishmania infection in hares should be taken into consideration because under specific circumstances, this species can act as a reservoir host. This study suggests that the role of wild animals, including hares, in the epidemiology of Leishmania spp. in Greece deserves further elucidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - C Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Z Mamuris
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - P Birtsas
- Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - K Papaspyropoulos
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - V Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - M Lefkaditis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - D C Chatzopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - M Kantere
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - K Manolakou
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A Touloudi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A Rodi Burriel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.,Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP), Ministry of Health, Athens, Greece
| | - C Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|