Repeated Occurrence of Mobile Colistin Resistance Gene-Carrying Plasmids in Pathogenic Escherichia coli from German Pig Farms

The global spread of plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes threatens the vital role of colistin as a drug of last resort. We investigated whether the recurrent occurrence of specific E. coli pathotypes and plasmids in individual pig farms resulted from the continued presence or repeated reintroduction of distinct E. coli strains. E. coli isolates (n = 154) obtained from three pig farms with at least four consecutive years of mcr detection positive for virulence-associated genes (VAGs) predicting an intestinal pathogenic pathotype via polymerase chain reaction were analyzed. Detailed investigation of VAGs, antimicrobial resistance genes and plasmid Inc types was conducted using whole genome sequencing for 87 selected isolates. Sixty-one E. coli isolates harbored mcr-1, and one isolate carried mcr-4. On Farm 1, mcr-positive isolates were either edema disease E. coli (EDEC; 77.3%) or enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC; 22.7%). On Farm 2, all mcr-positive strains were ETEC, while mcr-positive isolates from Farm 3 showed a wider range of pathotypes. The mcr-1.1 gene was located on IncHI2 (Farm 1), IncX4 (Farm 2) or IncX4 and IncI2 plasmids (Farm 3). These findings suggest that various pathogenic E. coli strains play an important role in maintaining plasmid-encoded colistin resistance genes in the pig environment over time.

Heartworm and seal louse: Trends in prevalence, characterisation of impact and transmission pathways in a unique parasite assembly on seals in the North and Baltic Sea

The ectoparasitic seal louse, Echinophthirius horridus infects harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the North and Baltic Sea. The endoparasitic heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda parasitizes the right heart and blood vessels of harbour seals. The complete lifecycle of the heartworm is not entirely understood although the seal louse is assumed to serve as vector for its transmission. Knowledge about the impact of both parasite species on host health are scarce. In this study, necropsy data and archived parasites of harbour and grey seals in German waters were analysed to determine long-term seal louse (SLP) and heartworm prevalence (HWP) from 2014 to 2021. Histology, microbiology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied on seal louse infected and uninfected skin to investigate associated lesions and the health impact. During the study period, HWP in harbour seals was 13%, the SLP in harbour seals was 4% and in grey seals 10%. HWP of harbour seals was significantly higher during the winter months compared to the summer. SLP in adults was significantly higher in comparison to juvenile harbour seals. SLP varied significantly between grey seals from the North and Baltic Sea. Filarial nematodes were detected in the haemocoel, pharynx, and intestine of E. horridus highlighting the seal louse as vector for heartworms. Alopecia and folliculitis were associated with the attachment posture of E. horridus and microbiological investigations isolated bacteria commonly associated with folliculitis.

Arcanobacterium canis strain DSM 25104 isolated from an English bulldog suffering from otitis externa: complete genome sequence

Many species of the genus Arcanobacterium are known as opportunistic pathogens and have been isolated in association with infectious diseases in humans and animals. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of another opportunistic pathogenic representative, namely Arcanobacterium canis, isolated from the otitis externa of an English bulldog.

Genotypic Characterization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Companion Animals: Predominance of ST372 in Dogs and Human-Related ST73 in Cats

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) account for over 80% and 60% of bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans and animals, respectively. As shared uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains have been previously reported among humans and pets, our study aimed to characterize E. coli lineages among UTI isolates from dogs and cats and to assess their overlaps with human UPEC lineages. We analysed 315 non-duplicate E. coli isolates from the UT of dogs (198) and cats (117) collected in central Germany in 2019 and 2020 utilizing whole genome sequencing and in silico methods. Phylogroup B2 (77.8%), dog-associated sequence type (ST) 372 (18.1%), and human-associated ST73 (16.6%), were predominant. Other STs included ST12 (8.6%), ST141 (5.1%), ST127 (4.8%), and ST131 (3.5%). Among these, 58.4% were assigned to the ExPEC group and 51.1% to the UPEC group based on their virulence associated gene (VAG) profile (ExPEC, presence of ≥VAGs: papAH and/or papC, sfa/focG, afaD/draBC, kpsMTII, and iutA; UPEC, additionally cnf1 or hlyD). Extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance mediated by extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC-β-lactamase was identified in 1.9% of the isolates, along with one carbapenemase-producing isolate and one isolate carrying a mcr gene. Low occurrence of ESC-resistant or multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates (2.9%) in the two most frequently detected STs implies that E. coli isolated from UTIs of companion animals are to a lesser extent associated with resistance, but possess virulence-associated genes enabling efficient UT colonization and carriage. Detection of human-related pandemic lineages suggests interspecies transmission and underscores the importance of monitoring companion animals.

Pathomorphological Findings and Infectious Diseases in Selected European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) Populations from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

In the northernmost German federal state Schleswig-Holstein, populations of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) show diverse densities and varying courses over the years. To examine differences in pathomorphological findings and infectious diseases as possible reasons for varying population dynamics, we assessed 155 hunted hares from three locations in Schleswig-Holstein from 2016 to 2020. We investigated the association of location, year, age, and sex of animals to certain pathomorphological findings and infectious diseases. Frequent pathomorphological findings were intestinal parasites (63.9%), hepatitis (55.5%), nephritis (31.0%), steatitis (23.2%), enteritis (13.5%), and pneumonia (5.2%). Body condition differed significantly between locations, and the prevalence of pneumonia was significantly higher in females. Enteritis was not detected in 2019, when much more juveniles were sampled. Hepatitis and nephritis occurred significantly more often in 2016 and among adults. Additionally, more adults showed hepatitis with concurrent serotitre for European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV), while intestinal parasitosis as well as high excretion rates of coccidia were more common in juveniles. Sampled animals showed high infection rates with Eimeria spp. (96.1%), Trichostrongylus spp. (52.0%), Graphidium strigosum (41.2%), and a high seroprevalence (90.9%) for EBHSV, without severe symptoms. This study revealed a low prevalence of infectious pathogens, but a high prevalence of chronic inflammations of unknown origin in the tested brown hare populations. Overall, our results indicate a rather minor importance of infectious diseases for observed population dynamics of analysed hare populations in Schleswig-Holstein.

Brucella suis biovar 1 infection in a dog with orchitis in Germany

In 2021, a case of canine brucellosis diagnosed in a dog with orchitis was presented to a veterinary practice in Germany. Serological testing excluded Brucella (B.) canis as a causative agent, but molecular analysis revealed the presence of B. suis biovar 1. Since biovar 1 is not endemic in Europe and the dog had no history of travel to endemic areas, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation was conducted using whole genome sequence data to determine the source of infection. We describe the clinical progress of the animal and the potential infection of a veterinary clinic employee. The findings highlight the importance of considering less common Brucella species as possible causes of canine brucellosis. The data also emphasize that it is quite challenging to identify Brucella species in a routine diagnostic laboratory and to conduct epidemiological investigations to unveil possible transmission routes.

Heartworms in Halichoerus grypus: first records of Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Onchocercidae; Filarioidea) in 2 grey seals from the North Sea

The assumed definitive host of the heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Onchocerdidae; Filarioidea) is the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). This filaroid nematode parasitizing in cardiac ventricles and blood vessel lumina of harbour seals (P. vitulina) has a low prevalence and seldom causes severe health impacts. The seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) is the assumed intermediate host for transmission of A. spirocauda filariae between seals, comprising a unique parasite assembly conveyed from the terrestrial ancestors of pinnipeds. Although grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are infected by seal lice, heartworm infection was not verified. Analysing a longterm dataset compiled over decades (1996–2021) of health monitoring seals along the German coasts comprising post mortem investigations and archived parasites, 2 cases of A. spirocauda infected male grey seals were detected. Tentative morphological identification was confirmed with molecular tools by sequencing a section of mtDNA COI and comparing nucleotide data with available heartworm sequence. This is the first record of heartworm individuals collected from the heart of grey seals at necropsy. It remains puzzling why heartworm infection occur much less frequently in grey than in harbour seals, although both species use the same habitat, share mixed haul-outs and consume similar prey species. If transmission occurs directly via seal louse vectors on haul-outs, increasing seal populations in the North- and Baltic Sea could have density dependent effects on prevalence of heartworm and seal louse infections. It remains to be shown how species-specificity of filarial nematodes as well as immune system traits of grey seals influence infection patterns of A. spirocauda.

Occurrence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 colistin resistance genes in porcine Escherichia coli isolates (2010-2020) and genomic characterization of mcr-2-positive E. coli

Introduction

The global emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance is threatening the efficacy of colistin as one of the last treatment options against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. To date, ten mcr-genes (mcr-1 to mcr-10) were reported. While mcr-1 has disseminated globally, the occurrence of mcr-2 was reported scarcely.

Methods and results

We determined the occurrence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes among Escherichia coli isolates from swine and performed detailed genomic characterization of mcr-2-positive strains. In the years 2010-2017, 7,614 porcine E. coli isolates were obtained from fecal swine samples in Europe and isolates carrying at least one of the virulence associated genes predicting Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) or enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) were stored. 793 (10.4%) of these isolates carried the mcr-1 gene. Of 1,477 additional E. coli isolates obtained from sheep blood agar containing 4 mg/L colistin between 2018 and 2020, 36 (2.4%) isolates were mcr-1-positive. In contrast to mcr-1, the mcr-2 gene occurred at a very low frequency (0.13%) among the overall 9,091 isolates. Most mcr-2-positive isolates originated from Belgium (n = 9), one from Spain and two from Germany. They were obtained from six different farms and revealed multilocus sequence types ST10, ST29, ST93, ST100, ST3057 and ST5786. While the originally described mcr-2.1 was predominant, we also detected a new mcr-2 variant in two isolates from Belgium, which was termed mcr-2.8. MCR-2 isolates were mostly classified as ETEC or ETEC-like, while one isolate from Spain represented an atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC; eae+). The ST29-aEPEC isolate carried mcr-2 on the chromosome. Another eight isolates carried their mcr-2 gene on IncX4 plasmids that resembled the pKP37-BE MCR-2 plasmid originally described in Belgium in 2015. Three ST100 E. coli isolates from a single farm in Belgium carried the mcr-2.1 gene on a 47-kb self-transmissible IncP type plasmid of a new IncP-1 clade.

Discussion

This is the first report of mcr-2 genes in E. coli isolates from Germany. The detection of a new mcr-2 allele and a novel plasmid backbone suggests the presence of so far undetected mcr-2 variants and mobilizable vehicles.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacterial Uropathogens Isolated from Dogs and Cats

Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common diagnosis in companion animal practice and is one of the leading reasons for antimicrobial prescriptions. We analysed 1862 samples from the urinary tract of dogs and cats, submitted to a veterinary microbiological diagnostic laboratory in 2019 and 2020 in Germany. Susceptibility of 962 uropathogenic isolates to 15 antimicrobials, suggested as first- and second-line treatment options for UTI, was determined according to CLSI recommendations. Bacterial growth of uropathogens was detected in 43.9% of dog and in 38.5% of cat samples. Escherichia (E.) coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (48.4%), followed by Enterococcus spp. (11.9%) and coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS; 11.5%). Females were more likely to exhibit a positive microbiological culture. Regarding first-line antibiotics, 93.4% of the most commonly isolated uropathogenic species were susceptible to the first-line antibiotics amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) and 87.6% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), while 76.1% showed decreased susceptibility to ampicillin (AMP). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 11.9% of E. coli, 50.4% of enterococci, and 42.7% of CoPS; 90.6% of these isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin (NIT). Our data indicate that empiric treatment of UTI with AMC or SXT could be recommended and is preferable to treatment with AMX. NIT should be considered for the treatment of MDR uropathogens.

European-wide antimicrobial resistance monitoring in commensal Escherichia coli isolated from healthy food animals between 2004 and 2018

OBJECTIVES

To describe the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to medically important antibiotics, collected over four periods (2004-2006, 2008-2009, 2013-2014, 2017-2018), from food-producing animals at slaughter.

METHODS

Intestinal contents from cattle, pigs and broilers were randomly sampled (5-6 countries/host; ≥4 abattoirs/country; one sample/animal/farm) for isolation of Escherichia coli; antimicrobial susceptibilities were centrally determined by CLSI agar dilution. Clinical breakpoints (CLSI) and epidemiological cut-off values (EUCAST) were applied for data interpretation.

RESULTS

In total, 10 613 E. coli strains were recovered. In broilers, resistance percentages were the lowest (P ≤ 0.01) in the latest time period. A significant decrease in MDR over time was also observed for broilers and a tendency for a decrease for pigs. Resistance to meropenem and tigecycline was absent, and resistance to azithromycin was 0.2%-2.0%. Also, low resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (1.1%-7.4%) was detected in broilers. Resistance to colistin varied between 0.1%-4.8%. E. coli from broilers showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin (7.3%-23.3%), whereas for cattle and pigs this was 0.2%-2.5%. Low/moderate resistance to chloramphenicol (9.3%-21.3%) and gentamicin (0.9%-7.0%) was observed in pigs and broilers. The highest resistance was noted for ampicillin (32.7%-65.3%), tetracycline (41.3%-67.5%), trimethoprim (32.0%-35.7%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (27.5%-49.7%) from pigs and broilers, with marked country differences. MDR peaked in pigs and broilers with 24 and 26 phenotypes, with 21.9%-26.2% and 18.7%-34.1% resistance, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pan-EU survey antibiotic susceptibility of commensal E. coli varied largely between antibiotics, animal species and countries. Resistance to critically important antibiotics for human medicine was absent or low, except for ciprofloxacin in broilers and ampicillin in pigs and broilers.

Arcanobacterium buesumense sp. nov., isolated from an anal swab of a male harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified previously described Arcanobacterium -like Gram-positive strain 2701T isolated from an anal swab of a dead male harbour seal. Comparative 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium in the family Arcanobacteriaceae . The genome sequence of the strain was obtained by Borowiak et al. []. The genome had a G+C content of 49 mol% and a total length of 1.94 Mb. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of the isolate with the genus Arcanobacterium . The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid as major components and two unidentified lipids, a further unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified phosphoglycolipids as well as phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 and C18 : 0. Biochemical and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished the isolate from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium and closely related other species. Based on these results, it is proposed that the unknown Arcanobacterium sp. strain 2701T should be classified as representing a novel species with the name Arcanobacterium buesumense sp. nov. The type strain is 2701T (=DSM 112952T=LMG 32446T).

Challenging diagnosis and successful treatment of localised Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis glossitis in a dog on long-term immunomodulatory therapy

CASE HISTORY

A 3-year-old, intact female mixed-breed dog, weighing 7 kg, was presented with generalised swelling of the tongue, leading to impaired deglutition and episodes of dyspnoea. From the age of 2 years the dog had been under immunosuppressive therapy due to atopic dermatitis.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT

Multiple nodular lesions at the apex of the tongue were noted as well as mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph node enlargement. Serum biochemistry results showed inflammatory changes. The results of several biopsies taken over 7 months indicated persistent pyogranulomatous and necrotising glossitis despite ongoing antimicrobial treatment with first amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and then pradofloxacin. No foreign material, acid-fast bacteria or fungal hyphae were detected throughout. The final diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (Mah) was reached after PCR and bacterial culture were carried out on the third biopsy sample. Therapy was initiated with rifampicin, clarithromycin and doxycycline, leading to complete remission of the lesions.

DIAGNOSIS

Severe chronic pyogranulomatous and necrotising glossitis associated with infection by Mah.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This report describes challenges in the diagnosis and therapy of a localised Mah infection in an iatrogenically immunocompromised dog. Successful treatment was only achieved with a specific combination of antibiotics administered long-term.

Imported Pet Reptiles and Their “Blind Passengers”—In-Depth Characterization of 80 Acinetobacter Species Isolates

Reptiles are popular pet animals and important food sources, but the trade of this vertebrate class is—besides welfare and conservation—under debate due to zoonotic microbiota. Ninety-two shipments of live reptiles were sampled during border inspections at Europe’s most relevant transshipment point for the live animal trade. Acinetobacter spp. represented one significant fraction of potentially MDR bacteria that were further analyzed following non-selective isolation or selective enrichment from feces, urinate, or skin samples. Taxonomic positions of respective isolates were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and whole-genome sequencing analysis (GBDP, dDDH, ANIb, and rMLST). The majority of the 80 isolates represented established species; however, a proportion of potentially novel taxa was found. Antimicrobial properties and genome-resistance gene screening revealed novel and existing resistance mechanisms. Acinetobacter spp. strains were most often resistant to 6–10 substance groups (n = 63) in vitro. Resistance to fluorchinolones (n = 4) and colistin (n = 7), but not to carbapenems, was noted, and novel oxacillinase variants (n = 39) were detected among other genes. Phylogenetic analysis (MLST) assigned few isolates to the known STs (25, 46, 49, 220, and 249) and to a number of novel STs. No correlation was found to indicate that MDR Acinetobacter spp. in reptiles were associated with harvesting mode, e.g., captive-bred, wild-caught, or farmed in natural ecosystems. The community of Acinetobacter spp. in healthy reptiles turned out to be highly variable, with many isolates displaying a MDR phenotype or genotype.

Blast injury on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the Baltic Sea after explosions of deposits of World War II ammunition

Harbour porpoises are under pressure from increasing human activities. This includes the detonation of ammunition that was dumped in large amounts into the sea during and after World War II. In this context, forty-two British ground mines from World War II were cleared by means of blasting in the period from 28 to 31 August 2019 by a NATO unit in the German Exclusive Economic Zone within the marine protected area of Fehmarn Belt in the Baltic Sea, Germany. Between September and November 2019, 24 harbour porpoises were found dead in the period after those clearing events along the coastline of the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein and were investigated for direct and indirect effects of blast injury. Health evaluations were conducted including examinations of the brain, the air-filled (lungs and gastrointestinal tract) and acoustic organs (melon, acoustic fat in the lower jaw, ears and their surrounding tissues). The bone structure of the tympano-periotic complexes was examined using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). In 8/24 harbour porpoises, microfractures of the malleus, dislocation of middle ear bones, bleeding, and haemorrhages in the melon, lower jaw and peribullar acoustic fat were detected, suggesting blast injury. In addition, one bycaught animal and another porpoise with signs of blunt force trauma also showed evidence of blast injury. The cause of death of the other 14 animals varied and remained unclear in two individuals. Due to the vulnerability and the conservation status of harbour porpoise populations in the Baltic Sea, noise mitigation measures must be improved to prevent any risk of injury. The data presented here highlight the importance of systematic investigations into the acute and chronic effects of blast and acoustic trauma in harbour porpoises, improving the understanding of underwater noise effects and herewith develop effective measures to protect the population level.

Pathological Findings in Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra) Found Dead between 2015-2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

In times of massive biodiversity loss and ongoing environmental crises, it is extremely important to ensure long-term conservation efforts of threatened species like Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). To gain insights into the status of Northern Germany's otter population, 92 otters found dead in Schleswig-Holstein between 2015-2020 were collected and underwent detailed dissection with the aim to establish a monitoring program for this population. Examinations followed a protocol especially designed for otters, including various biological data assessments and extended sampling. The finding sites showed a clear concentration in the Continental region. Seasonal concentration differed among the years, yet peaks were seen from fall to winter. Overall, more males than females were found, although this differed among the years. The majority of otters that could be aged were between 1-3 years. Placental scars and pregnancy were recorded in only few females. Nutritional status was good in most cases. Infectious diseases found included Vagococcus lutrae, Toxoplasma gondii, and Emmonsia spp. A major cause of death was roadkill. Known sample bias in studies focusing on roadkill was considered in the finding interpretation. Continuation of the population health investigations is mandatory to analyze potential trends and to establish an actual monitoring program for Eurasian otters in Schleswig-Holstein.

First isolation of Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum from a grey seal pup (Halichoerus grypus) in the UK

In the present study, a single Arcanobacterium (A.) pinnipediorum strain isolated from discharge of a jaw swelling of a grey seal pup (Halichoerus grypus) in England, UK, was identified. This strain was further characterized by phenotypical investigations, by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and genotypically by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and the genes gap encoding glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, tuf encoding elongation factor tu, and rpoB encoding the β subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase. The present study gives a first detailed characterization of the species A. pinnipediorum from a grey seal in the UK. However, the route of infection of the grey seal with the bacterial pathogen remains unclear.

Mycobacterium setense isolated from a cat with atypical mycobacterial panniculitis

Atypical mycobacterial panniculitis was diagnosed in a cat. Mycobacterium setense was identified as causative agent by 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis. This a gram-positive rod-shaped acid-fast bacterium belonging to Mycobacterium fortuitum group was never reported before in diseased animals. Resistance to doxycycline and clarithromycin was detected. During treatment with pradofloxacin, additional resistance to fluoroquinolones developed which was due to a mutation in the gyrase gene gyrA (S90W exchange). Despite of antimicrobial treatment for 33 months the patient did not fully recover. Species identification and susceptibility testing for choosing adequate antimicrobial treatment is recommended in cases of feline mycobacterial panniculitis.

Genomic Diversity and Virulence Potential of ESBL- and AmpC-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Strains From Healthy Food Animals Across Europe

The role of livestock animals as a putative source of ESBL/pAmpC E. coli for humans is a central issue of research. In a large-scale pan-European surveillance, 2,993 commensal Escherichia spp. isolates were recovered from randomly collected fecal samples of healthy cattle, pigs and chickens in various abattoirs. One-hundred Escherichia spp. isolates (0.5% from cattle, 1.3% pigs, 8.0% chickens) fulfilled the criteria for cefotaxime and ceftazidime non-wildtype (EUCAST). In silico screening of WGS data of 99 isolates (98 E. coli and 1 E. fergusonii) revealed bla_SHV–12 (32.3%), bla_CTX–M–1 (24.2%), and bla_CMY–2 (22.2%) as predominant ESBL/pAmpC types. Other types were bla_SHV–2 (1.0%), bla_{CTX–M–2/–14/–15} (1.0/6.1/1.0%), and bla_TEM–52 (5.1%). Six isolates revealed AmpC-promoter mutations (position −42 (C > T) and one carried mcr-1. The majority (91.3%) of ESBL/pAmpC genes were located on plasmids. SHV-12 was mainly (50%) encoded on IncI1α plasmids (pST-3/-26/-95), followed by IncX3 (12.5%) and IncK2 (3.1%). The bla_TEM–52 genes were located on IncI1α-pST-36 (60%) and IncX1 plasmids (20%). The dominant plasmid lineage among CTX-M-1 isolates was IncI1α (pST-3/-295/-317) (87.5%), followed by IncN-pST-1 (8.3%). CMY-2 was mostly identified on IncI1α (pST-12/-2) (54.5%) and IncK2 (31.8%) plasmids. Several plasmids revealed high similarity to published plasmids from human and animal Enterobacteriaceae. The isolates were assigned to phylogroups A/C (34.7/7.1%), B1 (27.6%), B2 (3.1%), D/F (9.2/10.2%), E (5.1%), and to E. clades (3.0%). With 51 known and 2 novel MLST types, a wide variety of STs was found, including STs previously observed in human isolates (ST10/38/117/131/648). ESBL/AmpC types or STs were rarely correlated with the geographic origin of the isolates or animal species. Virulence gene typing identified extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC; 2.0%), avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC; 51.5%), and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC; 6.1%). In conclusion, the high diversity of STs and phylogenetic groups provides hardly any hint for clonal spread of single lineages but hints toward the dissemination of cephalosporin resistance genes in livestock via distinct, globally successful plasmid lineages. Even though a number of isolates could not be assigned to a distinct pathotype, our finding of combined multidrug-resistance and virulence in this facultative pathogen should be considered an additional threat to public health.

Health assessment of harbour porpoises (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) from Baltic area of Denmark, Germany, Poland and Latvia

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), the only resident cetacean species of the Baltic Sea is formed of two subpopulations populations, occurring in the western Baltic, Belt Seas and Kattegat and the Baltic Proper, respectively. Harbour porpoises throughout these areas are exposed to a large number of human activities causing direct and indirect effects on individuals, that might also harm this species on a population level. From Latvia, Poland, Germany and Denmark 385 out of 1769 collected dead harbour porpoises were suitable for extensive necropsy. The animals were collected between 1990 and 2015 and were either by-caught or found dead on the coastline. Following necropsies, histopathological, microbiological, virological and parasitological investigations were conducted. Females and males were equally distributed among the 385 animals. Most animals from the different countries were juveniles between 3 months and 3 years old (varying between 46.5 and 100% of 385 animals per country). The respiratory tract had the highest number of morphological lesions, including lungworms in 25 to 58% and pneumonia in 21 to 58% of the investigated animals. Of those with pneumonia 8 to 33% were moderate or severe. The alimentary, hearing, and haematopoietic systems had inflammatory lesions and parasitic infections with limited health impact. 45.5 to 100% of the animals from the different countries were known by-caught individuals, of which 20 to 100% varying between countries had netmarks. Inflammatory lesions, especially in the respiratory tract were found in higher numbers when compared to control populations in areas with less human activities such as arctic waters. The high number of morphological changes in the respiratory tract and of bycatches especially among immature animals before reaching sexual maturity is of serious concern, as well as the low number of adult animals among the material. Data on health status and the causes of death are valuable for management. A next step in this regard will combine data from health and genetic investigations in order to detect differences between the two populations of the Baltic.

Arcanobacterium bovis sp. nov., isolated from the milk of a cow with mastitis

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium designated strain C605018/01/1^T isolated from a milk sample collected from the udder of a cow at post mortem. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium (99.76 %); sequence similarities to all other Arcanobacterium species were below 97 %. The wet-lab DNA-DNA hybridization values among strain C605018/01/1^T and A. pluranimalium DSM 13483ᵀ were low, 16.9 % (reciprocal, 49.8 %). Pertaining to the whole genome sequence with a total length of 2.02 Mb and 1654 protein counts, the novel strain C605018/01/01^T displayed a G+C content of 51.6 % mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H₄) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside and unidentified glycolipid and aminophospholipids. Based on these results it is proposed that strain C605018/01/1^T should be classified as representing a novel species, Arcanbacterium bovis sp. nov. The type strain C605018/01/1^T (CCUG 45425^T=DSM 107286^T=BCCM/LMG 30783^T).

[Listeriosis in a chinchilla herd - a case report]

A 6-year-old female chinchilla from a small colony in residential housing was presented due to lethargy and anorexia. Besides a ketoacidosis diagnosed by urinalysis, sepsis was suspected. Symptomatic treatment did not lead to any improvement, in consequence the animal was euthanized. On the basis of histopathological, immunohistological, and bacteriological examinations an infection with Listeria monocytogenes was diagnosed. The pathogen was also detectable in the feces of 2 other animals of the herd, one of which died and the other survived. The herd was treated with antibiotics following microbiologic sensitivity testing. At the end of the 2-month observation period, 3 out of 7 chinchillas were still alive. The presented case report describes the detection of listeriosis in pet chinchillas, the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as the diagnostic options and therapy.

Pathological Findings in White-Beaked Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) and Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) From the South-Eastern North Sea

In the North Sea, white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) occur regularly and are the second most common cetacean in the area, while their close relative, the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), prefers the deeper waters of the northern North Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean. Though strandings of both species have occurred regularly in the past three decades, they have decreased in the southern North Sea during the last years. Studies describing necropsy findings in stranded Lagenorhynchus spp. are, to date, still scarce, while information gained through post-mortem examinations may reveal valuable information about underlying causes of this decline, including age structure and the reproduction status. Therefore, we retrospectively assessed and compared the necropsy results from fresh Lagenorhynchus spp. stranded along the southeastern North Sea between 1990 and 2019. A full necropsy was performed on 24 white-beaked dolphins and three Atlantic white-sided dolphins from the German and Dutch coast. Samples of selected organs were taken for histopathological, bacteriological, mycological, parasitological and virological examinations. The most common post-mortem findings were emaciation, gastritis and pneumonia. Gastritis and ulceration of the stomach was often associated with an anisakid nematode infection. Pneumonia was most likely caused by bacterial infections. Encephalitis was observed in three animals and morbillivirus antigen was detected immunohistochemically in one case. Although the animal also showed pneumonic lesions, virus antigen was only found in the brain. Parasitic infections mainly affected the gastro-intestinal tract. Lungworm infections were only detected in two cases and no associations with pathological alterations were observed. Stenurus spp. were identified in two of three cases of parasitic infections of the ears. Twelve of the 26 white-beaked dolphins stranded in Germany were found between 1993 and 1994, but there was no evidence of epizootic disease events or mass strandings during the monitored period.

Intestinal displacements in older harbour and grey seals

Intestinal displacements including volvulus, torsion and invagination have been reported in various terrestrial and marine mammals. We conducted pathological investigations on 157 seals that had either stranded on the coasts of the North or Baltic Sea between 1996 and 2015 (115 harbour seals, >19 mo old; 21 grey seals, >13 mo old) or died while in human care (18 harbour seals, >19 mo old; 3 grey seals, >13 mo old). Intestinal displacements were found in 23% of the examined free-living harbour seals, in 5% of the stranded grey seals and in 17% of the harbour seals in human care. Intestinal volvulus, found in 24 cases, was characterized by twisting of the intestine along the mesenteric axis (180-540°) resulting in vascular obstruction and haemorrhagic infarction. In harbour seals, the sex ratio of individuals suffering from volvulus tended to be biased towards females during April to June, suggesting an elevated risk for pregnant females around birth time. Invagination was detected in 11 cases, 5 of which suffered from additional volvulus. Pathological findings associated with intestinal volvulus and invagination were sero-haemorrhagic effusions in the abdominal cavity. Enteritis, parasitic infection with gastric nematodes and intestinal acanthocephalans and bacterial infection with predominantly Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli were observed in most of the affected animals. In total, 30 investigated harbour and grey seals suffered from intestinal displacements. Pregnant females seemed to be more vulnerable around birth time. Causes of intestinal displacements remain undetermined, but are likely multifactorial.

Streptobacillus canis sp. nov. isolated from a dog

From a phlegmon in a dog an aerobic and facultatively anaerobic, indole-, oxidase- and catalase-negative, non-motile bacterium was isolated in 2019 in Germany that stained Gram-negative and showed a pleomorphic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming appearance. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain IHIT1603-19^T was assigned to the genus Streptobacillus with sequence similarities of 98.6, 98.0, 97.9, 97.1 and 94.4 % to the type strains of Streptobacillus felis, Streptobacillus notomytis, Streptobacillus ratti, Streptobacillus moniliformis and Streptobacillus hongkongensis, respectively. Strain IHIT1603-19^T could also clearly be differentiated from other Streptobacillus species by rpoB, groEL and recA gene, nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses as well as by core genome phylogeny. Regarding DNA-DNA relatedness, strain IHIT1603-19^T demonstrated an average nucleotide identity of 83.00 and 82.28 % compared to S. felis 131000547^T and S. moniliformis DSM 12112^T, respectively. Chemotaxonomic and physiological data of strain IHIT1603-19^T were in congruence with other closely related members of the family Leptotrichiaceae, represented by highly similar enzyme profiles and fatty acid patterns. MALDI-TOF MS analysis also proved suitable in unequivocally discriminating strain IHIT1603-19^T from all currently described taxa of the genus Streptobacillus. On the basis of these data, we propose the novel species Streptobacillus canis sp. nov. with the type strain IHIT1603-19^T (=DSM 110501^T=CCUG 74118^T=CIP 111795^T). The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain is 26.6 mol%, genome size is 1.60 Mbp.

Epidemiological analysis of Arcanobacterium phocae isolated from cases of mink dermatitis of a single farm

The present study was designed to identify nine Arcanobacterium phocae strains isolated from cases of mink dermatitis of a single farm in Finland and characterize the strains for epidemiological relationships. All nine strains and previously described A. phocae used for comparative purposes were identified and further characterized phenotypically, by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and genotypically by detection of phocaelysin encoding gene phl with a previously developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay and by sequencing 16S rRNA gene and gene phl, the elongation factor tu encoding gene tuf and the β subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase encoding gene rpoB. Genetic relatedness among isolates was determined using whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis. The wgSNP results, partly the MALDI-TOF MS and FT-IR analyses and sequencing of the genes, revealed that the nine A. phocae strains recovered from a single farm showed close sequence similarities among each other and differed from previously investigated A. phocae strains isolated from other farms and animals in Finland and from the A. phocae type strain. This indicated a close epidemiological relationship of the A. phocae strains isolated from a single farm and that the nine A. phocae strains of the present study might have developed from a common ancestor.

Epidemiological analysis of Trueperella abortisuis isolated from cases of pig abortion of a single farm

The present study was designed to characterize six Trueperella (T.) abortisuis strains, cultured over a period of 5 months from fetus and abortion material of six pigs of a single farm in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania federal state, Germany. It was of interest to investigate the epidemiological relationships of the six strains among each other and whether a single bacterial clone was responsible for the abortion situation of the single farm. All six strains were identified phenotypically, by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and by phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and gap (encoding the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and tuf (encoding elongation factor tu) gene sequencing. Further genotypic comparison was performed using different genomic DNA fingerprint methods including BOX-PCR, (GTG)₅-PCR, and three RAPD-PCRs. The sequence analysis of the genes gap and tuf and the genomic DNA fingerprinting results revealed, as noval findings, that the six T. abortisuis strains cultured from a single farm represent six different bacterial clones showing a genetic variability of this bacterial species in the pig population. All six T. abortisuis strains were isolated in mixed culture with several other bacterial species. However, the T. abortisuis strain, generally found in high numbers, seemed to be responsible for the abortion situation in the farm.

Multispecies and Clonal Dissemination of OXA-48 Carbapenemase in Enterobacteriaceae From Companion Animals in Germany, 2009-2016

The increasing spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) poses a serious threat to public health. Recent studies suggested animals as a putative source of such bacteria. We investigated 19,025 Escherichia coli, 1607 Klebsiella spp. and 570 Enterobacter spp. isolated from livestock, companion animal, horse, and pet samples between 2009 and 2016 in our routine diagnostic laboratory for reduced susceptibility to carbapenems (CP) by using meropenem-containing media. Actively screened CP non-susceptible strains as well as 367 archived ESBL/AmpC-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were then tested for the presence of CP genes by PCRs. Among 21,569 isolates, OXA-48 could be identified as the sole carbapenemase type in 137 (0.64%) strains. The bla_OXA-48 gene was located on an ∼60-kb IncL plasmid and sequence analysis revealed high similarity to reference plasmid pOXA-48a, which has been involved in the global spread of the bla_OXA-48 gene in humans for many years. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant OXA-48 producer (n = 86; 6.6% of all K. pneumoniae isolates), followed by E. cloacae (n = 28; 5.0%), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 1; 0.3%), and E. coli (n = 22, 0.1%). OXA-48 was not found in livestock, but in dogs (120/3182; 3.8%), cats (13/792; 1.6%), guinea pig (1/43; 2.3%), rat (1/23; 4.3%), mouse (1/180; 0.6%), and one rabbit (1/144; 0.7%). Genotyping identified few major clones among the different enterobacteria species, including sequence types ST11 and ST15 for K. pneumoniae, ST1196 for E. coli, and ST506 and ST78 for E. cloacae, most of which were previously involved in the dissemination of multidrug-resistant strains in humans. The majority of OXA-48 isolates (n = 112) originated from a university veterinary clinic (UVC), while animals from further 16 veterinary institutions were positive. Clonal analyses suggested nosocomial events related to different species and STs in two veterinary clinics and horizontal transfer of the pOXA-48-like plasmid between bacterial species and animals. A systematic monitoring is urgently needed to assess the dissemination of CPE not only in livestock but also in companion animals and veterinary clinics.

Occurrence of anthropozoonotic parasitic infections and faecal microbes in free-ranging sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) from the Mediterranean Sea

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed whales and only living member of family Physeteridae. Present survey represents first report on cultivable faecal microbes and gastrointestinal helminths and protozoans infecting free-ranging sperm whales inhabiting Mediterranean Sea waters surrounding Balearic Archipelago, Spain. Twenty-five individual sperm whale scat samples, including one calf, were collected without disturbance of animals during the summer of 2016. Parasitological diagnostic methods, such as sodium acetate acetic formalin (SAF) method, carbol fuchsin-stained faecal smears, Giardia/Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISAs and an Anisakis-specific PCR were applied for further identification. Five bacterial genera, i.e. Acinetobacter, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, and one fungus namely Cladosporium were identified. Parasitological infections included seven different parasite species with some of them bearing anthropozoonotic potential. Thus, four of these parasites were zoonotic, i.e. Anisakis, Balantidium, Diphyllobothriidae gen. sp. and Giardia. Additionally, Zalophotrema curilensis eggs, spirurid-like eggs and Cystoisospora-like oocysts were identified. Molecular characterization identified Anisakis physeteris as the species infecting these whales. This survey provides first records on occurrence of two zoonotic enteropathogenic protozoan parasites (Giardia and Balantidium) and of facultative pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium and Enterococcus) in sperm whales. Presented data should be considered as a baseline study for future monitoring surveys on anthropozoonotic pathogens affecting free-living sperm whale populations and enhance investigations on possible impact on public health as well as on isolated Mediterranean sperm whale subpopulation.

Lactococcus lactis, causative agent of an endocarditis valvularis and parietalis thromboticans in the allis shad, Alosa alosa (L.)

Since the 1940s, the anadromous allis shad, Alosa alosa (L.), has suffered population declines throughout its distribution range in Europe. In context of EU-LIFE projects for the reintroduction of the allis shad in the Rhine system, a comprehensive study was started in 2012 to investigate infectious diseases occurring in allis shad. In course of the study, 217 mature and young-of-the-year allis shad originating from the wild population from the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne system (GGD-system) and the Rhine system as well as 38 allis shad from the breeding population were examined by use of bacteriological and histological methods. In 2012 and 2014, an endocarditis valvularis thromboticans caused by a coccoid bacterium was detected in 16% and 25% of mature allis shad originating from the GGD-system. Results of microbiologic examinations, including biochemical characteristics, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, revealed Lactococcus lactis as causative agent of this infection. This is the first report of an endocarditis valvularis and parietalis thromboticans caused by Lactococcus lactis in fish. Possible sources of infection as well as the impact for the reintroduction programme are discussed.

Further characteristics of Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum DSM 28752T and Arcanobacterium wilhelmae DSM 102162T, two novel species of genus Arcanobacterium

The newly described type strains Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum DSM 28752^T and Arcanobacterium wilhelmae DSM 102162^T, initially isolated from an anal swab of a harbor seal (Sammra et al. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 65:4539-4543, 2015) and the genital tract of a rhinoceros (Sammra et al. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 67:2093-2097, 2017), could be further characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and by sequencing the genomic targets 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) and the genes rpoB, gap, and tuf. The two strains investigated in the present study were isolated together with several other bacterial species indicating that the pathogenic importance of both species remained unclear. However, the detection of specific spectra by MALDI-TOF MS and by FT-IR spectroscopy and the presented genotypic approaches might help to identify A. pinnipediorum and A. wilhelmae in the future and might elucidate the role these two species play in infections of animals.

Bacteriological findings in the canine uterus during Caesarean section performed due to dystocia and their correlation to puppy mortality at the time of parturition

Canine intrauterine bacteriological flora during dystocia is unknown. Thus, frequency (bacterial growth (not) detected), quality (species and number of different bacterial isolates) and quantity (colony-forming units) of intrauterine bacteria in relation to in utero foetal death in 50 bitches undergoing emergency Caesarean section were investigated. Bacterial growth was quantified from single colonies, (+) (0.5), to strong growth, +++ (3) and was observed in 34 bitches (68%), with Staph. epidermidis (n = 12), Staph. intermedius-group (n = 7), β-haemolytic streptococci (n = 6), Staph. aureus, α- and γ-haemolytic streptococci (n = 4 each) being most common and one to four bacteria per sample. Regarding the quantity, most often (n = 46) low growth was identified. In bitches with living pups only (group I), mean number of isolates was 0.78 ± 0.83 compared to 1.60 ± 1.10 (living + stillborn pups, group II) and 1.0 ± 1.15 (stillborn pups only, group III) and mean bacterial growth in groups I/II/III was + (1.0, quantity), + (1.4) and ++ (1.6). Taking just positive samples into consideration, mean number of bacterial isolates was significantly higher in group II compared to I (p = .0088). We concluded that the canine uterus cannot be considered free of bacteria during dystocia. Mean numbers of different bacterial isolates and quantity of bacterial growth are higher in bitches with in utero foetal death.

Identification of Arcanobacterium phocae isolated from fur animals by phenotypic properties, by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and by detection of phocaelysin encoding gene phl as probable novel target

In the present study 12 Arcanobacterium phocae strains isolated from fur animals in Finland, including foxes, minks and Finnraccoons, could successfully be identified phenotypically, by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and genotypically by sequencing 16S rDNA and phocaelysin (PHL) encoding gene phl. The PHL of all 12 A. phocae strains in the present study and reference strains A. phocae DSM 10002^T and A. phocae DSM 10003 displayed, as typical members of the cholesterol dependent cytolysin-group of toxins, the variant undecapeptide sequence EATGLAWDPWW which appeared to be most closely related to arcanolysin of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum and pyolysin of Trueperella pyogenes. In addition, gene phl could be determined with a newly designed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. The detection of mass spectra by MALDI-TOF MS and the LAMP assay based on gene phl might help to reliably identify A. phocae in future and also elucidate the role this species plays in infections of fur animals.

Bakterienisolate aus dem unteren Respirationstrakt von erkrankten Hunden und deren aktuelle Resistenzsituation

Gegenstand: Retrospektive Untersuchung der mittels bronchoalveolärer Lavage (BAL) gewonnenen Keimflora der tiefen Atemwege erkrankter Hunde auf ihre Antibiotikaempfindlichkeit über 5 Jahre.

Material und Methoden: Auswertung der Ergebnisse der Agardiffusionstests von Bakterienisolaten, die in den Jahren 2004–2009 von 84 Hunden isoliert wurden, und Vergleich mit den Resultaten einer gleichartigen Analyse der Jahre 1999/2000.

Ergebnisse: Bei den 99 geprüften Bakterienisolaten handelte es sich um Pasteurella spp. (27,3%), Bordetella bronchiseptica (20,2%), Staphylococcus spp. (18,2%), Escherichia coli (15,2%), Klebsiella spp. (8,1%), Pseudomonas spp. (7,0%) und Streptococcus spp. (4,0%). Bei acht Hunden lagen Mischkulturen vor. Die Mehrzahl der Bordetella-(B.-)bronchiseptica-Isolate erwies sich als sensibel gegenüber den Fluorchinolonen sowie Tetracyclin, Doxycyclin und Polymyxin B. Im Vergleich zu 1999/2000 zeigte sich ein höherer Anteil der gegenüber Amoxicillin/Clavulansäure und Chloramphenicol empfindlichen B.-bronchiseptica-Isolate, wobei die Zunahme bezüglich Chloramphenicol statistisch signifikant war. Die überwiegende Anzahl der Staphylococcus-Isolate erwies sich gegenüber Enrofloxacin, Marbofloxacin, Amoxicillin/Clavulansäure, Chloramphenicol, Cephalexin, Doxycyclin und Polymyxin B sensibel. Im Vergleich zu 1999/2000 ergab sich ein erhöhter Anteil an Chloramphenicolund Tetracyclin-sensiblen Staphylococcus-Isolaten. Der Anteil Enrofloxacin-sensibler KlebsiellenIsolate betrug 62,5%, während er 1999/2000 bei 100% lag. Eine Sensibilität aller getesteten Klebsiellen-Isolate ließ sich noch gegenüber Polymyxin B nachweisen. Kein Antibiotikum zeigte eine Wirksamkeit gegenüber allen E.-coli-Isolaten. Statistisch signifikant war die Abnahme der gegenüber Amoxicillin/Clavulansäure-sensiblen Isolate.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Studie unterstreicht den Nutzen der BAL für eine ätiologische Diagnostik und den anschließenden fundierten Einsatz von Antibiotika. Die Mehrzahl der Bakterienisolate erwies sich als empfindlich gegenüber den Fluorchinolonen.

Fatal infection in three Grey Slender Lorises (Loris lydekkerianus nordicus) caused by clonally related Trueperella pyogenes

Background

Trueperella pyogenes is a worldwide known bacterium causing mastitis, abortion and various other pyogenic infections in domestic animals like ruminants and pigs. In this study we represent the first case report of three unusual fatal infections of Grey Slender Lorises caused by Trueperella pyogenes. Meanwhile, this study represents the first in-depth description of the multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) on T. pyogenes species.

Case presentation

Three Trueperella pyogenes were isolated from three different Grey Slender Lorises, which died within a period of two years at Frankfurt Zoo (Frankfurt am Main - Germany). The three Grey Slender Loris cases were suffering from severe sepsis and died from its complication. During the bacteriological investigation of the three cases, the T. pyogenes were isolated from different organisms in each case. The epidemiological relationship between the three isolates could be shown by four genomic DNA fingerprint methods (ERIC-PCR, BOX-PCR, (GTG)₅-PCR, and RAPD-PCR) and by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) investigating four different housekeeping genes (fusA-tuf-metG-gyrA).

Conclusion

In this study, we clearly showed by means of using three different rep-PCRs, by RAPD-PCR and by MLSA that the genomic fingerprinting of the investigated three T. pyogenes have the same clonal origin and are genetically identical. These results suggest that the same isolate contaminated the animal’s facility and subsequently caused cross infection between the three different Grey Slender Lorises. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological approach concentrating on T. pyogenes using MLSA.

First report of an Escherichia coli strain from swine carrying an OXA-181 carbapenemase and the colistin resistance determinant MCR-1

Plasmid-mediated resistance to carbapenems and colistin in Enterobacteriaceae represents an emerging public health threat. Although animals have been identified as a relevant source of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, there are only a few reports on the presence of carbapenemases in animal isolates. In this study, 7850 faecal Escherichia coli isolates obtained from 2160 pigs were screened for carbapenem non-susceptibility using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with meropenem. Eleven isolates showed growth on meropenem-containing agar but only two proved positive by PCR for a carbapenemase gene, namely bla_OXA-48-like. The two isolates were obtained from different pigs housed at the same farm in Italy and were not genetically related by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), comprising ST359 and ST641. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the presence of bla_OXA-181 in both isolates; in addition, the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 and aminoglycoside resistance gene armA were found in one isolate. The bla_OXA-181 resistance gene was located on a 51.5-kb non-conjugative plasmid of replicon type IncX3 and the mcr-1 gene on a 33.3-kb transferable IncX4 plasmid. The high nucleotide similarity (>99%) of plasmids pEcIHIT31346-OXA-181 and pEcIHIT31346-MCR-1 to published plasmids from various human and animal sources suggests that specific antibiotic resistance plasmids are circulating among E. coli strains worldwide and across vertebrate species barriers. Although carbapenems are not licensed for use in livestock and the overall prevalence of carbapenemases in porcine E. coli appears to be low, the current findings indicate that even pigs can host MDR strains with accumulated plasmid-mediated resistance against several last-line antibiotics.

Streptococcus agalactiae in elephants - A comparative study with isolates from human and zoo animal and livestock origin

Streptococcus (S.) agalactiae represents a significant pathogen for humans and animals. However, there are only a few elderly reports on S. agalactiae infections in wild and zoo elephants even though this pathogen has been isolated comparatively frequently in these endangered animal species. Consequently, between 2004 and 2015, we collected S. agalactiae isolates from African and Asian elephants (n=23) living in four different zoos in Germany. These isolates were characterised and compared with isolates from other animal species (n=20 isolates) and humans (n=3). We found that the isolates from elephants can be readily identified by classical biochemistry and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Further characterisations for epidemiological issues were achieved using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, capsule typing and molecular fingerprinting (PFGE, RAPD PCR). We could demonstrate that our elephant isolate collection contained at least six different lineages that were representative for their source of origin. Despite generally broad antimicrobial susceptibility of S. agalactiae, many showed tetracycline resistance in vitro. S. agalactiae plays an important role in bacterial infections not only in cattle and humans, but also in elephants. Comparative studies were able to differentiate S. agalactiae isolates from elephants into different infectious clusters based on their epidemiological background.

Identification of a novel host-specific IgG protease in Streptococcus phocae subsp. phocae

Streptococcus (S.) phocae subsp. phocae causes bronchopneumonia and septicemia in a variety of marine mammals. Especially in harbor seals infected with phocine distemper virus it plays an important role as an opportunistic pathogen. This study was initiated by the detection of IgG cleavage products in Western blot analysis after incubation of bacterial supernatant with harbor seal serum. Hence, the objectives of this study were the identification and characterization of a secreted IgG cleaving protease in S. phocae subsp. phocae isolated from marine mammals. To further identify the responsible factor of IgG cleavage a protease inhibitor profile was generated. Inhibition of the IgG cleaving activity by iodoacetamide and Z-LVG-CHN₂ indicated that a cysteine protease is involved. Moreover, an anti-IdeS antibody directed against the IgG endopeptidase IdeS of S. pyogenes showed cross reactivity with the putative IgG protease of S. phocae subsp. phocae. The IgG cleaving factor of S. phocae subsp. phocae was identified through an inverse PCR approach and designated IdeP (Immunoglobulin G degrading enzyme of S. phocae subsp. phocae) in analogy to the cysteine protease IdeS. Notably, recombinant (r) IdeP is a host and substrate specific protease as it cleaves IgG from grey and harbor seals but not IgG from harbor porpoises or non-marine mammals. The identification of IdeP represents the first description of a protein in S. phocae subsp. phocae involved in immune evasion. Furthermore, the fact that IdeP cleaves solely IgG of certain marine mammals reflects functional adaption of S. phocae subsp. phocae to grey and harbor seals as its main hosts.

OXA-23 and ISAba1-OXA-66 class D β-lactamases in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from companion animals

Acinetobacter baumannii is recognised as a major pathogen of nosocomial infections that frequently show resistance to last-resort antimicrobials. To investigate whether A. baumannii from companion animals harbour carbapenem resistance mechanisms, 223 clinical isolates obtained from veterinary clinics between 2000 and 2013 in Germany were screened for carbapenem-non-susceptibility employing meropenem-containing Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data were obtained using the VITEK^®2 system. Assignment to international clones (ICs) was done by multiplex PCR or repetitive sequence-based PCR employing the DiversiLab system. Clonality was studied using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Genes encoding carbapenemases and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes were detected by PCR. In three samples from dogs, carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii carrying the bla_OXA-23 gene on plasmids and located on transposon Tn2008 were identified. The isolates belonged to sequence type ST1^P (clonal complex CC1/IC1/pulsotype II) and ST10^P (CC10/IC8/pulsotype IV) according to the Pasteur MLST scheme, and to ST231^Ox (CC109) and ST585^Ox (CC447) following the Oxford scheme. Insertion sequence ISAba1 was identified upstream of bla_OXA-66 in 58 A. baumannii isolates. MLST referred them to ST2^P (CC2/IC2/pulsotypes I and III), ST208^Ox, ST350^Ox and ST556^Ox (all CC118), respectively. PFGE suggested nosocomial spread of these highly related strains, which frequently demonstrated a multidrug-resistant phenotype, in one veterinary clinic. These data show that A. baumannii from companion animals reveal resistance determinants and clonal lineages of strains globally emerging in humans. This suggests an interspecies transmission and warrants molecular surveillance of A. baumannii in veterinary clinics to mitigate its further spread.

Influenza A (H10N7) Virus Causes Respiratory Tract Disease in Harbor Seals and Ferrets

Avian influenza viruses sporadically cross the species barrier to mammals, including humans, in which they may cause epidemic disease. Recently such an epidemic occurred due to the emergence of avian influenza virus of the subtype H10N7 (Seal/H10N7) in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). This epidemic caused high mortality in seals along the north-west coast of Europe and represented a potential risk for human health. To characterize the spectrum of lesions and to identify the target cells and viral distribution, findings in 16 harbor seals spontaneously infected with Seal/H10N7 are described. The seals had respiratory tract inflammation extending from the nasal cavity to bronchi associated with intralesional virus antigen in respiratory epithelial cells. Virus infection was restricted to the respiratory tract. The fatal outcome of the viral infection in seals was most likely caused by secondary bacterial infections. To investigate the pathogenic potential of H10N7 infection for humans, we inoculated the seal virus intratracheally into six ferrets and performed pathological and virological analyses at 3 and 7 days post inoculation. These experimentally inoculated ferrets displayed mild clinical signs, virus excretion from the pharynx and respiratory tract inflammation extending from bronchi to alveoli that was associated with virus antigen expression exclusively in the respiratory epithelium. Virus was isolated only from the respiratory tract. In conclusion, Seal/H10N7 infection in naturally infected harbor seals and experimentally infected ferrets shows that respiratory epithelial cells are the permissive cells for viral replication. Fatal outcome in seals was caused by secondary bacterial pneumonia similar to that in fatal human cases during influenza pandemics. Productive infection of ferrets indicates that seal/H10N7 may possess a zoonotic potential. This outbreak of LPAI from wild birds to seals demonstrates the risk of such occasions for mammals and thus humans.

Application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for molecular identification of Trueperella pyogenes isolated from various origins

In the present study 28 Trueperella pyogenes strains isolated from various origins could successfully be identified with a newly designed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay based on gene cpn60 encoding chaperonin. No cross reaction could be observed with control strains representing four species of genus Trueperella and seven species of closely related genus Arcanobacterium. The present cpn60 LAMP assay might allow a reliable and low cost identification of T. pyogenes also in laboratories with less specified equipment.

Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov., isolated from a harbour seal

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, strain 2710T, isolated from a harbour seal. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that this bacterial strain belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was related most closely to the type strains of Arcanobacterium phocae (98.4 % similarity) and Arcanobacterium phocisimile (97.5 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of other Arcanobacterium species were between 95.3 and 96.9 %. DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain 2710T and A. phocae DSM 10002T and A. phocisimile LMG 27073T were 4.7 % (reciprocal 56 %) and 23 % (reciprocal 7.7 %), respectively. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) and a polar lipid profile with the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside supported the affiliation of strain 2710T to the genus Arcanobacterium. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1ω9c, C18:0 and C18:2ω6,9c/anteiso-C18:0. The peptidoglycan structure was of cross-linkage type A5α (l-Lys–l-Lys–d-Glu). Physiological and biochemical tests clearly distinguished the isolate from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is proposed that this unknown bacterium should be classified as a novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium, with the name Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov. The type strain is 2710T ( = DSM 28752T = LMG 28298T).

Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis Associated With Staphylococcus hyicus in a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus )

A 6-week-old, parent-reared peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) was presented with spastic hypertonus of its hind limbs of unknown origin and duration. Radiologic examination revealed smooth periosteal reactions ventrally at thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified the swelling as inflammation; antibiotic, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic treatments were initiated, and vitamins and minerals were supplemented. Because the bird's condition did not improve after 10 days, it was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. On histopathologic examination, chronic, active osteomyelitis was diagnosed in thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7, and chronic, active arthritis was present in both the right shoulder and left elbow joints. Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated from these 3 locations, as well as from lungs and liver, indicating a chronic septic staphylococcosis. Although infections with Staphylococcus species are occasional causes of vertebral osteomyelitis in juvenile poultry with active growth plates, it is only sporadically reported in raptors and companion birds. This case report is the first description of the clinical features and diagnostic and pathologic findings in a juvenile peregrine falcon with hematogenous osteomyelitis and arthritis associated with septicemia caused by S hyicus.

Multiresistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from humans, companion animals and horses in central Hesse, Germany

BACKGROUND

Multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are an emerging problem in human and veterinary medicine. This study focused on comparative molecular characterization of β-lactamase and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates from central Hesse in Germany. Isolates originated from humans, companion animals (dogs and cats) and horses.

RESULTS

In this study 153 (83.6%) of the human isolates (n = 183) and 163 (91.6%) of the animal isolates (n = 178) were confirmed as ESBL producers by PCR and subsequent sequencing of the PCR amplicons. Predominant ESBL subtypes in human and animal samples were CTX-M-15 (49.3%) and CTX-M-1 (25.8%) respectively. Subtype blaCTX-M-2 was found almost exclusively in equine and was absent from human isolates. The carbapenemase OXA-48 was detected in 19 ertapenem-resistant companion animal isolates in this study. The Plasmid-encoded quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene aac('6)-Ib-cr was the most frequently detected antibiotic- resistance gene present in 27.9% of the human and 36.9% of the animal ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. Combinations of two or up to six different resistance genes (penicillinases, ESBLs and PMQR) were detected in 70% of all isolates investigated. The most frequent species in this study was Escherichia coli (74%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), and Enterobacter cloacae (4.2%). Investigation of Escherichia coli phylogenetic groups revealed underrepresentation of group B2 within the animal isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolates from human, companion animals and horses shared several characteristics regarding presence of ESBL, PMQR and combination of different resistance genes. The results indicate active transmission and dissemination of multi-resistant Enterobacteriaceae among human and animal populations.