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Moinet M, Collis RM, Rogers L, Devane ML, Biggs PJ, Stott R, Marshall J, Muirhead R, Cookson AL. Development of a multiplex droplet digital PCR assay for simultaneous detection and quantification of Escherichia coli, E. marmotae, and E. ruysiae in water samples. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 220:106909. [PMID: 38432551 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Escherichia coli are widely used by water quality managers as Fecal Indicator Bacteria, but current quantification methods do not differentiate them from benign, environmental Escherichia species such as E. marmotae (formerly named cryptic clade V) or E. ruysiae (cryptic clades III and IV). Reliable and specific techniques for their identification are required to avoid confounding microbial water quality assessments. To address this, a multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay targeting lipB (E. coli and E. ruysiae) and bglC (E. marmotae) was designed. The ddPCR performance was assessed using in silico analysis; genomic DNA from 40 local, international, and reference strains of target and non-target coliforms; and spiked water samples in a range relevant to water quality managers (1 to 1000 cells/100 mL). Results were compared to an analogous quantitative PCR (qPCR) and the Colilert method. Both PCR assays showed excellent sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.05 pg/μL and 0.005 pg/μl for ddPCR and qPCR respectively, and of quantification of 0.5 pg/μL of genomic DNA. The ddPCR allowed differentiation and quantification of three Escherichia species per run by amplitude multiplexing and showed a high concordance with concentrations measured by Colilert once proportional bias was accounted for. In silico specificity testing underlined the possibility to further detect and distinguish Escherichia cryptic clade VI. Finally, the applicability of the ddPCR was successfully tested on environmental water samples where E. marmotae and E. ruysiae potentially confound E. coli counts based on the Most Probable Number method, highlighting the utility of this novel ddPCR as an efficient and rapid discriminatory test to improve water quality assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Moinet
- AgResearch Ltd., Food Systems Integrity Team, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Rose M Collis
- AgResearch Ltd., Food Systems Integrity Team, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Lynn Rogers
- AgResearch Ltd., Food Systems Integrity Team, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand; Massey University, (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Megan L Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd. (ESR), 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, 8041 Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Massey University, (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand; Massey University, School of Natural Sciences, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Rebecca Stott
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Gate 10 Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, 3216 Hamilton, New Zealand.
| | - Jonathan Marshall
- Massey University, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Richard Muirhead
- AgResearch Ltd., Ethical Agriculture, Invermay, 176 Puddle Alley, 9092, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
| | - Adrian L Cookson
- AgResearch Ltd., Food Systems Integrity Team, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand; Massey University, (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Tennent Drive, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Dunowska M, More GD, Biggs PJ, Cave NJ. Genomic analysis of canine pneumoviruses and canine respiratory coronavirus from New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38650102 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2024.2339845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To isolate canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) and canine pneumovirus (CnPnV) in cell culture and to compare partial genomic sequences of CRCoV and CnPnV from New Zealand with those from other countries. METHODS Oropharyngeal swab samples from dogs affected by canine infectious respiratory disease syndrome that were positive for CnPnV (n = 15) or CRCoV (n = 1) by virus-specific reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in a previous study comprised the starting material. Virus isolation was performed in HRT-18 cells for CRCoV and RAW 264.7 and Vero cells for CnPnV. The entire sequence of CnPnV G protein (1,266 nucleotides) and most (8,063/9,707 nucleotides) of the 3' region of CRCoV that codes for 10 structural and accessory proteins were amplified and sequenced. The sequences were analysed and compared with other sequences available in GenBank using standard molecular tools including phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Virus isolation was unsuccessful for both CRCoV and CnPnV. Pneumovirus G protein was amplified from 3/15 (20%) samples that were positive for CnPnV RNA by RT-qPCR. Two of these (NZ-048 and NZ-049) were 100% identical to each other, and 90.9% identical to the third one (NZ-007). Based on phylogenetic analysis of the G protein gene, CnPnV NZ-048 and NZ-049 clustered with sequences from the USA, Thailand and Italy in group A, and CnPnV NZ-007 clustered with sequences from the USA in group B. The characteristics of the predicted genes (length, position) and their putative protein products (size, predicted structure, presence of N- and O-glycosylation sites) of the New Zealand CRCoV sequence were consistent with those reported previously, except for the region located between open reading frame (ORF)3 (coding for S protein) and ORF6 (coding for E protein). The New Zealand virus was predicted to encode 5.9 kDa, 27 kDa and 12.7 kDa proteins, which differed from the putative coding capacity of this region reported for CRCoV from other countries. CONCLUSIONS This report represents the first characterisation of partial genomic sequences of CRCoV and CnPnV from New Zealand. Our results suggest that the population of CnPnV circulating in New Zealand is not homogeneous, and that the viruses from two clades described overseas are also present here. Limited conclusions can be made based on only one CRCoV sequence, but the putative differences in the coding capacity of New Zealand CRCoV support the previously reported variability of this region. The reasons for such variability and its biological implications need to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunowska
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - G D More
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - P J Biggs
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - N J Cave
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Biggs PJ, Moinet M, Rogers LE, Devane M, Muirhead R, Stott R, Marshall JC, Cookson AL. Draft genome sequences of Escherichia spp. isolates from New Zealand environmental sources. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0100723. [PMID: 38376223 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01007-23] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is often used as a fecal indicator bacterium for water quality monitoring. We report the draft genome sequences of 500 Escherichia isolates including newly described Escherichia species, namely Escherichia marmotae, Escherichia ruysiae, and Escherichia whittamii, obtained from diverse environmental sources to assist with improved public health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Biggs
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Science and Safety Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Marie Moinet
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Lynn E Rogers
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Megan Devane
- Water and Health, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd. (ESR), Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Rebecca Stott
- Environmental Health, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jonathann C Marshall
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L Cookson
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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4
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Knox MA, Biggs PJ, Garcia-R JC, Hayman DTS. Quantifying replication slippage error in Cryptosporidium metabarcoding studies. J Infect Dis 2024:jiae065. [PMID: 38330464 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation in Cryptosporidium, a common protozoan gut parasite in humans, is often based on marker genes containing trinucleotide repeats, which differentiate subtypes and track outbreaks. However, repeat regions have high replication slippage rates, making it difficult to discern biological diversity from error. Here, we synthesised Cryptosporidium DNA in clonal plasmid vectors, amplified them in different mock community ratios and sequenced them using next generation sequencing to determine the rate of replication slippage with dada2. Our results indicate that slippage rates increase with the length of the repeat region and can contribute to error rates of up to 20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Knox
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - P J Biggs
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
- Massey University, School of Natural Sciences, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - J C Garcia-R
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - D T S Hayman
- Massey University, School of Veterinary Science, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
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Collis RM, Biggs PJ, Burgess SA, Midwinter AC, Brightwell G, Cookson AL. Impact of systemic antimicrobial therapy on the faecal microbiome in symptomatic dairy cows. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296290. [PMID: 38180967 PMCID: PMC10769045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat to human and animal health, with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials suggested as the main drivers of resistance. Antimicrobial therapy can alter the bacterial community composition and the faecal resistome in cattle. Little is known about the impact of systemic antimicrobial therapy on the faecal microbiome in dairy cows in the presence of disease. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of systemic antimicrobial therapy on the faecal microbiome in dairy cows in the pastoral farm environment, by analysing faecal samples from cattle impacted by several different clinically-defined conditions and corresponding antimicrobial treatments. Analysis at the individual animal level showed a decrease in bacterial diversity and richness during antimicrobial treatment but, in many cases, the microbiome diversity recovered post-treatment when the cow re-entered the milking herd. Perturbations in the microbiome composition and the ability of the microbiome to recover were specific at the individual animal level, highlighting that the animal is the main driver of variation. Other factors such as disease severity, the type and duration of antimicrobial treatment and changes in environmental factors may also impact the bovine faecal microbiome. AmpC-producing Escherichia coli were isolated from faeces collected during and post-treatment with ceftiofur from one cow while no third-generation cephalosporin resistant E. coli were isolated from the untreated cow samples. This isolation of genetically similar plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing E. coli has implications for the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria and supports the reduction in the use of critically important antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M. Collis
- AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Sara A. Burgess
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gale Brightwell
- AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L. Cookson
- AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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6
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Guhlin J, Le Lec MF, Wold J, Koot E, Winter D, Biggs PJ, Galla SJ, Urban L, Foster Y, Cox MP, Digby A, Uddstrom LR, Eason D, Vercoe D, Davis T, Howard JT, Jarvis ED, Robertson FE, Robertson BC, Gemmell NJ, Steeves TE, Santure AW, Dearden PK. Species-wide genomics of kākāpō provides tools to accelerate recovery. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1693-1705. [PMID: 37640765 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The kākāpō is a critically endangered, intensively managed, long-lived nocturnal parrot endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. We generated and analysed whole-genome sequence data for nearly all individuals living in early 2018 (169 individuals) to generate a high-quality species-wide genetic variant callset. We leverage extensive long-term metadata to quantify genome-wide diversity of the species over time and present new approaches using probabilistic programming, combined with a phenotype dataset spanning five decades, to disentangle phenotypic variance into environmental and genetic effects while quantifying uncertainty in small populations. We find associations for growth, disease susceptibility, clutch size and egg fertility within genic regions previously shown to influence these traits in other species. Finally, we generate breeding values to predict phenotype and illustrate that active management over the past 45 years has maintained both genome-wide diversity and diversity in breeding values and, hence, evolutionary potential. We provide new pathways for informing future conservation management decisions for kākāpō, including prioritizing individuals for translocation and monitoring individuals with poor growth or high disease risk. Overall, by explicitly addressing the challenge of the small sample size, we provide a template for the inclusion of genomic data that will be transformational for species recovery efforts around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Guhlin
- Genomics Aotearoa, Biochemistry Department, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Marissa F Le Lec
- Genomics Aotearoa, Biochemistry Department, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Jana Wold
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Emily Koot
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - David Winter
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Stephanie J Galla
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Lara Urban
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Yasmin Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Murray P Cox
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Andrew Digby
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Lydia R Uddstrom
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Daryl Eason
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Deidre Vercoe
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Tāne Davis
- Rakiura Tītī Islands Administering Body, Invercargill, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Jason T Howard
- Neurogenetics of Language Lab, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Mirxes, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Fiona E Robertson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Bruce C Robertson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Tammy E Steeves
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Anna W Santure
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Peter K Dearden
- Genomics Aotearoa, Biochemistry Department, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Yang Z, Guarracino A, Biggs PJ, Black MA, Ismail N, Wold JR, Merriman TR, Prins P, Garrison E, de Ligt J. Pangenome graphs in infectious disease: a comprehensive genetic variation analysis of Neisseria meningitidis leveraging Oxford Nanopore long reads. Front Genet 2023; 14:1225248. [PMID: 37636268 PMCID: PMC10448961 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1225248] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing has revolutionized infectious disease surveillance for tracking and monitoring the spread and evolution of pathogens. However, using a linear reference genome for genomic analyses may introduce biases, especially when studies are conducted on highly variable bacterial genomes of the same species. Pangenome graphs provide an efficient model for representing and analyzing multiple genomes and their variants as a graph structure that includes all types of variations. In this study, we present a practical bioinformatics pipeline that employs the PanGenome Graph Builder and the Variation Graph toolkit to build pangenomes from assembled genomes, align whole genome sequencing data and call variants against a graph reference. The pangenome graph enables the identification of structural variants, rearrangements, and small variants (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions) simultaneously. We demonstrate that using a pangenome graph, instead of a single linear reference genome, improves mapping rates and variant calling for both simulated and real datasets of the pathogen Neisseria meningitidis. Overall, pangenome graphs offer a promising approach for comparative genomics and comprehensive genetic variation analysis in infectious disease. Moreover, this innovative pipeline, leveraging pangenome graphs, can bridge variant analysis, genome assembly, population genetics, and evolutionary biology, expanding the reach of genomic understanding and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyu Yang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Porirua, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Guarracino
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Genomics Research Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Biosciences Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Michael A. Black
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nuzla Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jana Renee Wold
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tony R. Merriman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Pjotr Prins
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Erik Garrison
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Joep de Ligt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Porirua, New Zealand
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Knox MA, Wierenga J, Biggs PJ, Gedye K, Almeida V, Hall R, Zikusoka GK, Rubanga S, Ngabirano A, Valdivia-Granda W, Hayman DTS. Abundant dsRNA picobirnaviruses show little geographic or host association in terrestrial systems. Infect Genet Evol 2023:105456. [PMID: 37257800 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Picobirnaviruses are double-stranded RNA viruses known from a wide range of host species and locations but with unknown pathogenicity and host relationships. Here, we examined the diversity of picobirnaviruses from cattle and gorillas within and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (BIFNP), Uganda, where wild and domesticated animals and humans live in relatively close contact. We use metagenomic sequencing with bioinformatic analyses to examine genetic diversity. We compared our findings to global Picobirnavirus diversity using clustering-based analyses. Picobirnavirus diversity at Bwindi was high, with 14 near-complete RdRp and 15 capsid protein sequences, and 497 new partial viral sequences recovered from 44 gorilla samples and 664 from 16 cattle samples. Sequences were distributed throughout a phylogenetic tree of globally derived picobirnaviruses. The relationship with Picobirnavirus diversity and host taxonomy follows a similar pattern to the global dataset, generally lacking pattern with either host or geography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Knox
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand.
| | | | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand; School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Kristene Gedye
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Valter Almeida
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand
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Angelin-Bonnet O, Thomson S, Vignes M, Biggs PJ, Monaghan K, Bloomer R, Wright K, Baldwin S. Investigating the genetic components of tuber bruising in a breeding population of tetraploid potatoes. BMC Plant Biol 2023; 23:238. [PMID: 37147582 PMCID: PMC10161554 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuber bruising in tetraploid potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) is a trait of economic importance, as it affects tubers' fitness for sale. Understanding the genetic components affecting tuber bruising is a key step in developing potato lines with increased resistance to bruising. As the tetraploid setting renders genetic analyses more complex, there is still much to learn about this complex phenotype. Here, we used capture sequencing data on a panel of half-sibling populations from a breeding programme to perform a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) for tuber bruising. In addition, we collected transcriptomic data to enrich the GWAS results. However, there is currently no satisfactory method to represent both GWAS and transcriptomics analysis results in a single visualisation and to compare them with existing knowledge about the biological system under study. RESULTS When investigating population structure, we found that the STRUCTURE algorithm yielded greater insights than discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). Importantly, we found that markers with the highest (though non-significant) association scores were consistent with previous findings on tuber bruising. In addition, new genomic regions were found to be associated with tuber bruising. The GWAS results were backed by the transcriptomics differential expression analysis. The differential expression notably highlighted for the first time the role of two genes involved in cellular strength and mechanical force sensing in tuber resistance to bruising. We proposed a new visualisation, the HIDECAN plot, to integrate the results from the genomics and transcriptomics analyses, along with previous knowledge about genomic regions and candidate genes associated with the trait. CONCLUSION This study offers a unique genome-wide exploration of the genetic components of tuber bruising. The role of genetic components affecting cellular strength and resistance to physical force, as well as mechanosensing mechanisms, was highlighted for the first time in the context of tuber bruising. We showcase the usefulness of genomic data from breeding programmes in identifying genomic regions whose association with the trait of interest merit further investigation. We demonstrate how confidence in these discoveries and their biological relevance can be increased by integrating results from transcriptomics analyses. The newly proposed visualisation provides a clear framework to summarise of both genomics and transcriptomics analyses, and places them in the context of previous knowledge on the trait of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Angelin-Bonnet
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Susan Thomson
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Matthieu Vignes
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4412, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4412, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4412, New Zealand
| | - Katrina Monaghan
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Bloomer
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Wright
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Samantha Baldwin
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
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Mahoney-Kurpe SC, Palevich N, Noel SJ, Gagic D, Biggs PJ, Soni P, Reid PM, Koike S, Kobayashi Y, Janssen PH, Attwood GT, Moon CD. Aristaeella hokkaidonensis gen. nov. sp. nov. and Aristaeella lactis sp. nov., two rumen bacterial species of a novel proposed family, Aristaeellaceae fam. nov. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37170869 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005831] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Two strains of Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria, from an abundant but uncharacterized rumen bacterial group of the order 'Christensenellales', were phylogenetically and phenotypically characterized. These strains, designated R-7T and WTE2008T, shared 98.6-99.0 % sequence identity between their 16S rRNA gene sequences. R-7T and WTE2008T clustered together on a distinct branch from other Christensenellaceae strains and had <88.1 % sequence identity to the closest type-strain sequence from Luoshenia tenuis NSJ-44T. The genome sequences of R-7T and WTE2008T had 83.6 % average nucleotide identity to each other, and taxonomic assignment using the Genome Taxonomy Database indicates these are separate species within a novel family of the order 'Christensenellales'. Cells of R-7T and WTE2008T lacked any obvious appendages and their cell wall ultra-structures were characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria. The five most abundant cellular fatty acids of both strains were C16 : 0, C16 : 0 iso, C17 : 0 anteiso, C18 : 0 and C15 : 0 anteiso. The strains used a wide range of the 23 soluble carbon sources tested, and grew best on cellobiose, but not on sugar-alcohols. Xylan and pectin were fermented by both strains, but not cellulose. Acetate, hydrogen, ethanol and lactate were the major fermentation end products. R-7T produced considerably more hydrogen than WTE2008T, which produced more lactate. Based on these analyses, Aristaeellaceae fam. nov. and Aristaeella gen. nov., with type species Aristaeella hokkaidonensis sp. nov., are proposed. Strains R-7T (=DSM 112795T=JCM 34733T) and WTE2008T (=DSM 112788T=JCM 34734T) are the proposed type strains for Aristaeella hokkaidonensis sp. nov. and Aristaeella lactis sp. nov., respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam C Mahoney-Kurpe
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nikola Palevich
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Samantha J Noel
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Present address: Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dragana Gagic
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Priya Soni
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Peter M Reid
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Satoshi Koike
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kobayashi
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Peter H Janssen
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Graeme T Attwood
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Christina D Moon
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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11
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Heydari A, Kim ND, Biggs PJ, Horswell J, Gielen GJHP, Siggins A, Taylor MD, Bromhead C, Palmer BR. Co-Selection of Bacterial Metal and Antibiotic Resistance in Soil Laboratory Microcosms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040772. [PMID: 37107134 PMCID: PMC10135173 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural soil following the application of superphosphate fertilisers seems to induce resistance of soil bacteria to HMs and appears to co-select for resistance to antibiotics (Ab). This study aimed to investigate the selection of co-resistance of soil bacteria to HMs and Ab in uncontaminated soil incubated for 6 weeks at 25 °C in laboratory microcosms spiked with ranges of concentrations of cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg). Co-selection of HM and Ab resistance was assessed using plate culture on media with a range of HM and Ab concentrations, and pollution-induced community tolerance (PICT) assays. Bacterial diversity was profiled via terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) assay and 16S rDNA sequencing of genomic DNA isolated from selected microcosms. Based on sequence data, the microbial communities exposed to HMs were found to differ significantly compared to control microcosms with no added HM across a range of taxonomic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Heydari
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Nick D Kim
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Jacqui Horswell
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | | | - Alma Siggins
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Collette Bromhead
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Barry R Palmer
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
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12
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Toombs-Ruane LJ, Marshall JC, Benschop J, Drinković D, Midwinter AC, Biggs PJ, Grange Z, Baker MG, Douwes J, Roberts MG, French NP, Burgess SA. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales associated with urinary tract infections in the New Zealand community: a case-control study. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 128:325-334. [PMID: 36529370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether having a pet in the home is a risk factor for community-acquired urinary tract infections associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- or AmpC β-lactamase (ACBL)- producing Enterobacterales. METHODS An unmatched case-control study was conducted between August 2015 and September 2017. Cases (n = 141) were people with community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by ESBL- or ACBL-producing Enterobacterales. Controls (n = 525) were recruited from the community. A telephone questionnaire on pet ownership and other factors was administered, and associations were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Pet ownership was not associated with ESBL- or ACBL-producing Enterobacterales-related human UTIs. A positive association was observed for recent antimicrobial treatment, travel to Asia in the previous year, and a doctor's visit in the last 6 months. Among isolates with an ESBL-/ACBL-producing phenotype, 126/134 (94%) were Escherichia coli, with sequence type 131 being the most common (47/126). CONCLUSIONS Companion animals in the home were not found to be associated with ESBL- or ACBL-producing Enterobacterales-related community-acquired UTIs in New Zealand. Risk factors included overseas travel, recent antibiotic use, and doctor visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Toombs-Ruane
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan C Marshall
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Dragana Drinković
- Microbiology Department, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Zoë Grange
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mick G Roberts
- New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sara A Burgess
- (m)EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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13
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Morgan-Richards M, Marshall CJ, Biggs PJ, Trewick SA. Insect Freeze-Tolerance Downunder: The Microbial Connection. Insects 2023; 14:89. [PMID: 36662017 PMCID: PMC9860888 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010089] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insects that are freeze-tolerant start freezing at high sub-zero temperatures and produce small ice crystals. They do this using ice-nucleating agents that facilitate intercellular ice growth and prevent formation of large crystals where they can damage tissues. In Aotearoa/New Zealand the majority of cold adapted invertebrates studied survive freezing at any time of year, with ice formation beginning in the rich microbiome of the gut. Some freeze-tolerant insects are known to host symbiotic bacteria and/or fungi that produce ice-nucleating agents and we speculate that gut microbes of many New Zealand insects may provide ice-nucleating active compounds that moderate freezing. We consider too the possibility that evolutionary disparate freeze-tolerant insect species share gut microbes that are a source of ice-nucleating agents and so we describe potential transmission pathways of shared gut fauna. Despite more than 30 years of research into the freeze-tolerant mechanisms of Southern Hemisphere insects, the role of exogenous ice-nucleating agents has been neglected. Key traits of three New Zealand freeze-tolerant lineages are considered in light of the supercooling point (temperature of ice crystal formation) of microbial ice-nucleating particles, the initiation site of freezing, and the implications for invertebrate parasites. We outline approaches that could be used to investigate potential sources of ice-nucleating agents in freeze-tolerant insects and the tools employed to study insect microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Craig J. Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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14
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Edirithilake T, Nanayakkara N, Lin XX, Biggs PJ, Chandrajith R, Lokugalappatti S, Wickramasinghe S. Urinary MicroRNA Analysis Indicates an Epigenetic Regulation of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Sri Lanka. Microrna 2023; 12:156-163. [PMID: 36733246 DOI: 10.2174/2211536612666230202152932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is reported among male paddy farmers in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The exact cause of this disease remains undetermined. Genetic susceptibility is identified as a major risk factor for CKDu Objectives: In this study, small urinary RNAs were characterized in CKDu patients, healthy endemic and non-endemic controls. Differently expressed urinary miRNAs and their associated pathways were identified in the study population. METHODS Healthy and diseased male volunteers (n = 9) were recruited from Girandurukotte (endemic) and Mawanella (non-endemic) districts. Urinary small RNAs were purified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeqTM. The sequence trace files were assembled and analyzed. Differentially ex-pressed miRNAs among these three groups were identified and pathway analysis was conducted. RESULTS The urine samples contained 130,623 sequence reads identified as non-coding RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA), and miRNAs. Approximately four percent of the total small RNA reads represented miRNA, and 29% represented piRNA. A total of 409 miRNA species were ex-pressed in urine. Interestingly, both diseased and endemic controls population showed significantly low expression of miRNA and piRNA. Regardless of the health status, the endemic population ex-pressed significantly low levels of miR-10a, miR-21, miR-148a, and miR-30a which have been linked with several environmental toxins Conclusion: Significant downregulation of miRNA and piRNA expression in both diseased and healthy endemic samples indicates an epigenetic regulation of CKDu involving genetic and environmental interaction. Further studies of specific miRNA species are required to develop a miRNA panel to identify individuals susceptible to CKDu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanuri Edirithilake
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Xiao Xiao Lin
- Massey Genome Service, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Rohana Chandrajith
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Sampath Lokugalappatti
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Saumya Wickramasinghe
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA
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15
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Graña-Baumgartner A, Dukkipati VSR, Biggs PJ, Kenyon PR, Blair HT, López-Villalobos N, Ross AB. Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics of Brown Adipose Tissue and Plasma of New-Born Lambs Subjected to Short-Term Cold Exposure. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202762. [PMID: 36290148 PMCID: PMC9597848 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202762] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
During cold exposure, brown adipose tissue (BAT) holds the key mechanism in the generation of heat, thus inducing thermogenic adaptation in response to cooler environmental changes. This process can lead to a major lipidome remodelling in BAT, where the increase in abundance of many lipid classes plays a significant role in the thermogenic mechanisms for heat production. This study aimed to identify different types of lipids, through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), in BAT and plasma during a short-term cold challenge (2-days), or not, in new-born lambs. Fifteen new-born Romney lambs were selected randomly and divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 3) with BAT and plasma obtained within 24 h after birth, as a control; Group 2 (n = 6) kept indoors for two days at an ambient temperature (20-22 °C) and Group 3 (n = 6) kept indoors for two days at a cold temperature (4 °C). Significant differences in lipid composition of many lipid categories (such as glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and sterol lipids) were observed in BAT and plasma under cold conditions, compared with ambient conditions. Data obtained from the present study suggest that short-term cold exposure induces profound changes in BAT and plasma lipidome composition of new-born lambs, which may enhance lipid metabolism via BAT thermogenic activation and adipocyte survival during cold adaptation. Further analysis on the roles of these lipid changes, validation of potential biomarkers for BAT activity, such as LPC 18:1 and PC 35:6, should contribute to the improvement of new-born lamb survival. Collectively, these observations help broaden the knowledge on the variations of lipid composition during cold exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graña-Baumgartner
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Venkata S. R. Dukkipati
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (V.S.R.D.); (A.B.R.)
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Paul R. Kenyon
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Hugh T. Blair
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Nicolás López-Villalobos
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Alastair B. Ross
- Proteins and Metabolites, AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln 7674, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (V.S.R.D.); (A.B.R.)
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16
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Collis RM, Biggs PJ, Burgess SA, Midwinter AC, Brightwell G, Cookson AL. Prevalence and distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli in two New Zealand dairy farm environments. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:960748. [PMID: 36033848 PMCID: PMC9403332 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.960748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human and animal health, with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials being suggested as the main driver of resistance. In a global context, New Zealand (NZ) is a relatively low user of antimicrobials in animal production. However, the role antimicrobial usage on pasture-based dairy farms, such as those in NZ, plays in driving the spread of AMR within the dairy farm environment remains equivocal. Culture-based methods were used to determine the prevalence and distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli from farm environmental samples collected over a 15-month period from two NZ dairy farms with contrasting management practices. Whole genome sequencing was utilised to understand the genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance gene repertoire of a subset of third-generation cephalosporin resistant E. coli isolated in this study. There was a low sample level prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli (faeces 1.7%; farm dairy effluent, 6.7% from Dairy 4 and none from Dairy 1) but AmpC-producing E. coli were more frequently isolated across both farms (faeces 3.3% and 8.3%; farm dairy effluent 38.4%, 6.7% from Dairy 1 and Dairy 4, respectively). ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated from faeces and farm dairy effluent in spring and summer, during months with varying levels of antimicrobial use, but no ESBL- or AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated from bulk tank milk or soil from recently grazed paddocks. Hybrid assemblies using short- and long-read sequence data from a subset of ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli enabled the assembly and annotation of nine plasmids from six E. coli, including one plasmid co-harbouring 12 antimicrobial resistance genes. ESBL-producing E. coli were infrequently identified from faeces and farm dairy effluent on the two NZ dairy farms, suggesting they are present at a low prevalence on these farms. Plasmids harbouring several antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, and bacteria carrying such plasmids are a concern for both animal and public health. AMR is a burden for human, animal and environmental health and requires a holistic “One Health” approach to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M. Collis
- The Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Rose M. Collis,
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Sara A. Burgess
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gale Brightwell
- The Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L. Cookson
- The Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Adrian L. Cookson,
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17
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Pinpimai K, Banlunara W, Roe WD, Dittmer K, Biggs PJ, Tantilertcharoen R, Chankow K, Bunpapong N, Boonkam P, Pirarat N. Genetic characterization of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae responsible for acute death in captive marmosets. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:940912. [PMID: 36016808 PMCID: PMC9397405 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.940912] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium implicated as the causative pathogen in several medical health issues with different strains causing different pathologies including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis and infections from wounds or surgery. In this study, four captive African marmosets housed in Thailand were found dead. Necropsy and histology revealed congestion of hearts, kidneys and adrenal glands. Twenty-four bacterial isolates were obtained from these four animals with all isolates yielding identical phenotypes indicative of K. pneumoniae based on classical identification schema. All the isolates show the susceptibility to amikacin, cephalexin, doxycycline, gentamicin, and enrofloxacin with intermediate susceptibility to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid. One isolate (20P167W) was chosen for genome analysis and determined to belong to sequence type 65 (ST65). The genome of 20P167W possessed multiple virulence genes including mrk gene cluster and iro and iuc gene cluster (salmochelin and aerobactin, respectively) as well as multiple antibiotic resistance genes including blaSHV−67, blaSHV−11, oqxA, oqxB, and fosA genes resembling those found in human isolates; this isolate has a close genetic relationship with isolates from humans in Ireland, but not from Thailand and California sea lions. Phylogenetic studies using SNP show that there was no relation between genetic and geographic distributions of all known strains typing ST65, suggesting that ST65 strains may spread worldwide through multiple international transmission events rather than by local expansions in humans and/or animals. We also predict that K. pneumoniae ST65 has an ability to acquire genetic mobile element from other bacteria, which would allow Klebsiella to become an even greater public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komkiew Pinpimai
- Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Komkiew Pinpimai
| | - Wijit Banlunara
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wendi D. Roe
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Keren Dittmer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Rachod Tantilertcharoen
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Katriya Chankow
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Napawan Bunpapong
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pongthai Boonkam
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nopadon Pirarat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Wildlife Exotic and Aquatic Pathology Research Unit (WEAP RU), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nopadon Pirarat
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18
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Le VVH, León-Quezada RI, Biggs PJ, Rakonjac J. A large chromosomal inversion affects antimicrobial sensitivity of Escherichia coli to sodium deoxycholate. Microbiology (Reading) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35960647 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to antimicrobials is normally caused by mutations in the drug targets or genes involved in antimicrobial activation or expulsion. Here we show that an Escherichia coli strain, named DOC14, selected for increased resistance to the bile salt sodium deoxycholate, has no mutations in any ORF, but instead has a 2.1 Mb chromosomal inversion. The breakpoints of the inversion are two inverted copies of an IS5 element. Besides lowering deoxycholate susceptibility, the IS5-mediated chromosomal inversion in the DOC14 mutant was found to increase bacterial survival upon exposure to ampicillin and vancomycin, and sensitize the cell to ciprofloxacin and meropenem, but does not affect bacterial growth or cell morphology in a rich medium in the absence of antibacterial molecules. Overall, our findings support the notion that a large chromosomal inversion can benefit bacterial cells under certain conditions, contributing to genetic variability available for selection during evolution. The DOC14 mutant paired with its isogenic parental strain form a useful model as bacterial ancestors in evolution experiments to study how a large chromosomal inversion influences the evolutionary trajectory in response to various environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuong Van Hung Le
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Present address: Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jasna Rakonjac
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Ogbuigwe P, Biggs PJ, Garcia-Ramirez JC, Knox MA, Pita A, Velathanthiri N, French NP, Hayman DTS. Uncovering the genetic diversity of Giardia intestinalis in isolates from outbreaks in New Zealand. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:49. [PMID: 35509037 PMCID: PMC9066983 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea worldwide. Molecular techniques have greatly improved our understanding of the taxonomy and epidemiology of this parasite. Co-infection with mixed (sub-) assemblages has been reported, however, Sanger sequencing is sometimes unable to identify shared subtypes between samples involved in the same epidemiologically linked event, due to samples showing multiple dominant subtypes within the same outbreak. Here, we aimed to use a metabarcoding approach to uncover the genetic diversity within samples from sporadic and outbreak cases of giardiasis to characterise the subtype diversity, and determine if there are common sequences shared by epidemiologically linked cases that are missed by Sanger sequencing. Methods We built a database with 1109 unique glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus sequences covering most of the assemblages of G. intestinalis and used gdh metabarcoding to analyse 16 samples from sporadic and outbreak cases of giardiasis that occurred in New Zealand between 2010 and 2018. Results There is considerable diversity of subtypes of G. intestinalis present in each sample. The utilisation of metabarcoding enabled the identification of shared subtypes between samples from the same outbreak. Multiple variants were identified in 13 of 16 samples, with Assemblage B variants most common, and Assemblages E and A present in mixed infections. Conclusions This study showed that G. intestinalis infections in humans are frequently mixed, with multiple subtypes present in each host. Shared sequences among epidemiologically linked cases not identified through Sanger sequencing were detected. Considering the variation in symptoms observed in cases of giardiasis, and the potential link between symptoms and (sub-) assemblages, the frequency of mixed infections could have implications for our understanding of host–pathogen interactions. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00969-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ogbuigwe
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.,School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | | | - Matthew A Knox
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - Anthony Pita
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - Niluka Velathanthiri
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - David T S Hayman
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
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20
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Bojanić K, Acke E, Biggs PJ, Midwinter AC. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in working farm dogs and their home-kill raw meat diets in Manawatū, New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2022; 70:233-237. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2022.2064929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Bojanić
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E Acke
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - PJ Biggs
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - AC Midwinter
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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21
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Rajawardana DU, Fernando PC, Biggs PJ, Namali Hewajulige IG, Nanayakkara CM, Wickramasinghe S, Lin XX, Berry L. An insight into tropical milk microbiome: Bacterial community composition of cattle milk produced in Sri Lanka. Int Dairy J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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22
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Bloomfield SJ, Midwinter AC, Biggs PJ, French NP, Marshall JC, Hayman DTS, Carter PE, Mather AE, Fayaz A, Thornley C, Kelly DJ, Benschop J. Genomic adaptations of Campylobacter jejuni to long-term human colonization. Gut Pathog 2021; 13:72. [PMID: 34893079 PMCID: PMC8665580 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-021-00469-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that has been isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, and the environments they inhabit around the world. Campylobacter adapt to new environments by changes in their gene content and expression, but little is known about how they adapt to long-term human colonization. In this study, the genomes of 31 isolates from a New Zealand patient and 22 isolates from a United Kingdom patient belonging to Campylobacter jejuni sequence type 45 (ST45) were compared with 209 ST45 genomes from other sources to identify the mechanisms by which Campylobacter adapts to long-term human colonization. In addition, the New Zealand patient had their microbiota investigated using 16S rRNA metabarcoding, and their level of inflammation and immunosuppression analyzed using biochemical tests, to determine how Campylobacter adapts to a changing gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS There was some evidence that long-term colonization led to genome degradation, but more evidence that Campylobacter adapted through the accumulation of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and frameshifts in genes involved in cell motility, signal transduction and the major outer membrane protein (MOMP). The New Zealand patient also displayed considerable variation in their microbiome, inflammation and immunosuppression over five months, and the Campylobacter collected from this patient could be divided into two subpopulations, the proportion of which correlated with the amount of gastrointestinal inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates how genomics, phylogenetics, 16S rRNA metabarcoding and biochemical markers can provide insight into how Campylobacter adapts to changing environments within human hosts. This study also demonstrates that long-term human colonization selects for changes in Campylobacter genes involved in cell motility, signal transduction and the MOMP; and that genetically distinct subpopulations of Campylobacter evolve to adapt to the changing gastrointestinal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan C Marshall
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - David T S Hayman
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Centre of Research Excellence for Complex Systems, Te Pūnaha Matatini, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Philip E Carter
- Institute of Environmental Science of Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand
| | - Alison E Mather
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
- University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Ahmed Fayaz
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Craig Thornley
- Regional Public Health, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
| | - David J Kelly
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Jackie Benschop
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
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23
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On SLW, Miller WG, Biggs PJ, Cornelius AJ, Vandamme P. Aliarcobacter, Halarcobacter, Malaciobacter, Pseudarcobacter and Poseidonibacter are later synonyms of Arcobacter: transfer of Poseidonibacter parvus, Poseidonibacter antarcticus, ' Halarcobacter arenosus', and ' Aliarcobacter vitoriensis' to Arcobacter as Arcobacter parvus comb. nov., Arcobacter antarcticus comb. nov., Arcobacter arenosus comb. nov. and Arcobacter vitoriensis comb. nov. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71. [PMID: 34825881 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper re-examines the taxonomic positions of recently described Poseidonibacter (P. parvum and P. antarcticus), Aliarcobacter ('Al. vitoriensis'), Halarcobacter ('H. arenosus') and Arcobacter (A. caeni, A. lacus) species, and other species proposed to represent novel genera highly related to the genus Arcobacter. Phylogenomic and several overall genome relatedness indices (OGRIs) were applied to a total of 118 representative genomes for this purpose. Phylogenomic analyses demonstrated the Arcobacter clade to be distinct from other Epsilonproteobacteria, clearly defined and containing closely related species. Aliarcobacter butzleri and Malaciobacter pacificus did not cluster with other members of these proposed genera, indicating incoherence of these genera. Every OGRI measure applied indicated a high level of relatedness among all Arcobacter clade species, including the recently described taxa studied here, and substantially lower between type species representatives for other Epsilonproteobacteria. Where published guidelines were available, OGRI values for Arcobacter clade species were either unsupportive of division into other genera or were at the lowest boundary range (for average amino acid identity). We propose that Aliarcobacter, Halarcobacter, Malaciobacter, Pseudarcobacter, Poseidonibacter and Arcobacter sensu stricto be considered members of a single genus, Arcobacter, and subsequently transfer P. parvum, P. antarcticus, 'Al. vitoriensis' and 'H. arenosus' to Arcobacter as Arcobacter parvum comb. nov., Arcobacter antarcticus comb. nov., Arcobacter vitoriensis comb. nov. and Arcobacter arenosus comb. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L W On
- Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University, Springs Road, Lincoln, 7467 New Zealand
| | - William G Miller
- US Department of Agriculture, Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Albany, CA, USA
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Group, School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Angela J Cornelius
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Aung HL, Nyunt WW, Fong Y, Biggs PJ, Winkworth RC, Lockhart PJ, Yeo TW, Hill PC, Cook GM, Aung ST. Genomic Profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains, Myanmar. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2847-2855. [PMID: 34670644 PMCID: PMC8544997 DOI: 10.3201/eid2711.210726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is a major threat to global elimination of tuberculosis (TB). We performed phenotypic drug-susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing for 309 isolates from 342 consecutive patients who were given a diagnosis of TB in Yangon, Myanmar, during July 2016‒June 2018. We identified isolates by using the GeneXpert platform to evaluate drug-resistance profiles. A total of 191 (62%) of 309 isolates had rifampin resistance; 168 (88%) of these rifampin-resistant isolates were not genomically related, indicating the repeated emergence of resistance in the population, rather than extensive local transmission. We did not detect resistance mutations to new oral drugs, including bedaquiline and pretomanid. The current GeneXpert MTB/RIF system needs to be modified by using the newly launched Xpert MTB/XDR cartridge or line-probe assay. Introducing new oral drugs to replace those currently used in treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant TB will also be useful for treating TB in Myanmar.
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25
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Scott P, Zhang J, Anderson T, Priest PC, Chambers S, Smith H, Murdoch DR, French N, Biggs PJ. Whole-genome sequencing and ad hoc shared genome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from a New Zealand primary school. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20328. [PMID: 34645857 PMCID: PMC8514452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99080-8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of communicable diseases increasingly use large whole-genome sequencing (WGS) datasets to explore the transmission of pathogens. It is important to obtain an initial overview of datasets and identify closely related isolates, but this can be challenging with large numbers of isolates and imperfect sequencing. We used an ad hoc whole-genome multi locus sequence typing method to summarise data from a longitudinal study of Staphylococcus aureus in a primary school in New Zealand. Each pair of isolates was compared and the number of genes where alleles differed between isolates was tallied to produce a matrix of "allelic differences". We plotted histograms of the number of allelic differences between isolates for: all isolate pairs; pairs of isolates from different individuals; and pairs of isolates from the same individual. 340 sequenced isolates were included, and the ad hoc shared genome contained 445 genes. There were between 0 and 420 allelic differences between isolate pairs and the majority of pairs had more than 260 allelic differences. We found many genetically closely related S. aureus isolates from single individuals and a smaller number of closely-related isolates from separate individuals. Multiple S. aureus isolates from the same individual were usually very closely related or identical over the ad hoc shared genome. Siblings carried genetically similar, but not identical isolates. An ad hoc shared genome approach to WGS analysis can accommodate imperfect sequencing of the included isolates, and can provide insights into relationships between isolates in epidemiological studies with large WGS datasets containing diverse isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pippa Scott
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Trevor Anderson
- Canterbury Health Laboratories, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Patricia C Priest
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Chambers
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Helen Smith
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David R Murdoch
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nigel French
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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26
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Fernandes KA, Rogers CW, Gee EK, Kittelmann S, Bolwell CF, Bermingham EN, Biggs PJ, Thomas DG. Resilience of Faecal Microbiota in Stabled Thoroughbred Horses Following Abrupt Dietary Transition between Freshly Cut Pasture and Three Forage-Based Diets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2611. [PMID: 34573577 PMCID: PMC8471312 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of competition horses in New Zealand often involves rotations of short periods of stall confinement and concentrate feeding, with periods of time at pasture. Under these systems, horses may undergo abrupt dietary changes, with the incorporation of grains or concentrate feeds to the diet to meet performance needs, or sudden changes in the type of forage fed in response to a lack of fresh or conserved forage. Abrupt changes in dietary management are a risk factor for gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, potentially due to the negative effects observed on the population of GI microbiota. In the present study, the faecal microbiota of horses was investigated to determine how quickly the bacterial communities; (1) responded to dietary change, and (2) stabilised following abrupt dietary transition. Six Thoroughbred mares were stabled for six weeks, consuming freshly cut pasture (weeks 1, 3 and 5), before being abruptly transitioned to conserved forage-based diets, both offered ad libitum. Intestinal markers were administered to measure digesta transit time immediately before each diet change. The conserved forage-based diets were fed according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design (weeks 2, 4 and 6), and comprised a chopped ensiled forage fed exclusively (Diet FE) or with whole oats (Diet FE + O), and perennial ryegrass hay fed with whole oats (Diet H + O). Faecal samples were collected at regular intervals from each horse following the diet changes. High throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to evaluate the faecal microbiota. There were significant differences in alpha diversity across diets (p < 0.001), and a significant effect of diet on the beta diversity (ANOSIM, p = 0.001), with clustering of samples observed by diet group. There were differences in the bacterial phyla across diets (p < 0.003), with the highest relative abundances observed for Firmicutes (62-64%) in the two diets containing chopped ensiled forage, Bacteroidetes (32-38%) in the pasture diets, and Spirochaetes (17%) in the diet containing hay. Major changes in relative abundances of faecal bacteria appeared to correspond with the cumulative percentage of intestinal markers retrieved in the faeces as the increasing amounts of digesta from each new diet transited the animals. A stable faecal microbiota profile was observed in the samples from 96 h after abrupt transition to the treatment diets containing ensiled chopped forage. The present study confirmed that the diversity and community structure of the faecal bacteria in horses is diet-specific and resilient following dietary transition and emphasised the need to have modern horse feeding management that reflects the ecological niche, particularly by incorporating large proportions of forage into equine diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlette A. Fernandes
- School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (K.A.F.); (C.W.R.)
| | - Chris W. Rogers
- School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (K.A.F.); (C.W.R.)
- School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.F.B.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Erica K. Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.F.B.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Sandra Kittelmann
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (S.K.); (E.N.B.)
| | - Charlotte F. Bolwell
- School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.F.B.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Emma N. Bermingham
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (S.K.); (E.N.B.)
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.F.B.); (P.J.B.)
| | - David G. Thomas
- School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (K.A.F.); (C.W.R.)
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Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to identify viruses associated with canine infectious respiratory disease syndrome (CIRDS) among a population of New Zealand dogs. METHODS Convenience samples of oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 116 dogs, including 56 CIRDS-affected and 60 healthy dogs from various locations in New Zealand between March 2014 and February 2016. Pooled samples from CIRDS-affected (n = 50) and from healthy (n = 50) dogs were tested for the presence of canine respiratory viruses using next generation sequencing (NGS). Individual samples (n = 116) were then tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) for specific viruses. Groups were compared using Fisher's exact or χ2 tests. The effect of explanatory variables (age, sex, type of household, presence of viral infection) on the response variable (CIRDS-affected or not) was tested using RR. RESULTS Canine pneumovirus (CnPnV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1), canine picornavirus and influenza C virus sequences were identified by NGS in the pooled sample from CIRDS-affected but not healthy dogs. At least one virus was detected by qPCR/RT-qPCR in 20/56 (36%) samples from CIRDS dogs and in 23/60 (38%) samples from healthy dogs (p = 0.84). CIRDS-affected dogs were most commonly positive for CnPnV (14/56, 25%) followed by canine adenovirus-2 (CAdV-2, 5/56, 9%), canine parainfluenza virus (CpiV) and CHV-1 (2/56, 4% each), and CRCoV (1/56, 2%). Only CnPnV (17/60, 28%) and CAdV-2 (14/60, 23%) were identified in samples from healthy dogs, and CAdV-2 was more likely to be detected healthy than diseased dogs (RR 0.38; 95% CI = 0.15-0.99; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS The frequency of detection of viruses traditionally linked to CIRDS (CAdV-2 and CPiV) among diseased dogs was low. This suggests that other pathogens are likely to have contributed to development of CIRDS among sampled dogs. Our data represent the first detection of CnPnV in New Zealand, but the role of this virus in CIRDS remains unclear. On-going monitoring of canine respiratory pathogens by NGS would be beneficial, as it allows rapid detection of novel viruses that may be introduced to the New Zealand canine population in the future. Such monitoring could be done using pooled samples to minimise costs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Testing for novel respiratory viruses such as CnPnV and CRCoV should be considered in all routine laboratory investigations of CIRDS cases, particularly in dogs vaccinated with currently available kennel cough vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D More
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - N J Cave
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - P J Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,School of Fundamental Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E Acke
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M Dunowska
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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28
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Burgess SA, Aplin J, Biggs PJ, Breckell G, Benschop J, Fayaz A, Toombs-Ruane LJ, Midwinter AC. Characterisation of AmpC and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli from New Zealand dairy farms. Int Dairy J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.104998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Gal A, Barko PC, Biggs PJ, Gedye KR, Midwinter AC, Williams DA, Burchell RK, Pazzi P. One dog's waste is another dog's wealth: A pilot study of fecal microbiota transplantation in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250344. [PMID: 33872339 PMCID: PMC8055013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) has been associated in some studies with Clostridioides perfringens overgrowth and toxin-mediated necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. We aimed to determine the effect of a single fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on clinical scores and fecal microbiomes of 1 and 7 dogs with AHDS from New Zealand and South Africa. We hypothesized that FMT would improve AHDS clinical scores and increase microbiota alpha-diversity and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing microbial communities’ abundances in dogs with AHDS after FMT. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16S-rRNA gene in the feces of AHDS FMT-recipients and sham-treated control dogs, and their healthy donors at admission, discharge, and 30 days post-discharge. There were no significant differences in median AHDS clinical scores between FMT-recipients and sham-treated controls at admission or discharge (P = 0.22, P = 0.41). At admission, the Shannon diversity index (SDI) was lower in AHDS dogs than healthy donors (P = 0.002). The SDI did not change from admission to 30 days in sham-treated dogs yet increased in FMT-recipients from admission to discharge (P = 0.04) to levels not different than donors (P = 0.33) but significantly higher than sham-treated controls (P = 0.002). At 30 days, the SDI did not differ between FMT recipients, sham-treated controls, and donors (P = 0.88). Principal coordinate analysis of the Bray-Curtis index separated post-FMT and donor dogs from pre-FMT and sham-treated dogs (P = 0.009) because of increased SCFA-producing genera’s abundances after FMT. A single co-abundance subnetwork contained many of the same OTUs found to be differentially abundant in FMT-recipients, and the abundance of this module was increased in FMT-recipients at discharge and 30 days, compared to sham-treated controls. We conclude in this small pilot study FMT did not have any clinical benefit. A single FMT procedure has the potential to increase bacterial communities of SCFA-producing genera important for intestinal health up to 30 days post-FMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Patrick C. Barko
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Group, School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Kristene R. Gedye
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David A. Williams
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Richard K. Burchell
- North Coast Veterinary and Referral Centre, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paolo Pazzi
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Le VVH, Biggs PJ, Wheeler D, Davies IG, Rakonjac J. Novel mechanisms of TolC-independent decreased bile-salt susceptibility in Escherichia coli. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 367:5837082. [PMID: 32407499 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnaa083] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile salts, including sodium deoxycholate (DOC), are secreted into the intestine to aid fat digestion and contribute to antimicrobial protection. Gram-negative pathogens such as Escherichia coli, however, are highly resistant to DOC, using multiple mechanisms of which the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC is the dominant one. Given that TolC-mediated efflux masks the interaction of DOC with potential targets, we sought to identify those targets by identifying genes whose mutations cause an increase in the MIC to DOC relative to the ∆tolC parental strain, that lacks TolC-associated functional efflux pumps. Using a mutant screen, we isolated twenty independent spontaneous mutants that had a higher MICDOC than the E. coli parental ∆tolC strain. Whole genome sequencing of these mutants mapped most mutations to the ptsI or cyaA gene. Analysis of knock-out mutants and complementation showed that elimination of PtsI, a component of the carbohydrate phosphotransferase system, or one of the two key proteins involved in cAMP synthesis and signaling, adenylate cyclase (CyaA) or cAMP receptor protein (Crp) causes low-level increased resistance of a ∆tolC E. coli strain to DOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuong Van Hung Le
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,mEpilab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David Wheeler
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Ieuan G Davies
- New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jasna Rakonjac
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Cornelius AJ, Huq M, On SLW, French NP, Vandenberg O, Miller WG, Lastovica AJ, Istivan T, Biggs PJ. Genetic characterisation of Campylobacter concisus: Strategies for improved genomospecies discrimination. Syst Appl Microbiol 2021; 44:126187. [PMID: 33677170 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2021.126187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although at least two genetically distinct groups, or genomospecies, have been well documented for Campylobacter concisus, no phenotype has yet been identified for their differentiation and thus formal description as separate species. C. concisus has been isolated from a variety of sites in the human body, including saliva and stool samples from both healthy and diarrhoeic individuals. We evaluated the ability of a range of whole genome-based tools to distinguish between the two C. concisus genomospecies (GS) using a collection of 190 C. concisus genomes. Nine genomes from related Campylobacter species were included in some analyses to provide context. Analyses incorporating sequence analysis of multiple ribosomal genes generated similar levels of C. concisus GS discrimination as genome-wide comparisons. The C. concisus genomes formed two groups; GS1 represented by ATCC 33237T and GS2 by CCUG 19995. The two C. concisus GS were separated from the nine genomes of related species. GS1 and GS2 also differed in G+C content with medians of 37.56% and 39.51%, respectively. The groups are consistent with previously established GS and are supported by DNA reassociation results. Average Nucleotide Identity using MUMmer (ANIm) and Genome BLAST Distance Phylogeny generated in silico DNA-DNA hybridisation (isDDH) (against ATCC 33237T and CCUG 19995), plus G+C content provides cluster-independent GS discrimination suitable for routine use. Pan-genomic analysis identified genes specific to GS1 and GS2. WGS data and genomic species identification methods support the existence of two GS within C. concisus. These data provide genome-level metrics for strain identification to genomospecies level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Cornelius
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, P.O. Box 29181, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand.
| | - Mohsina Huq
- School of Science, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Bundoora, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Stephen L W On
- Lincoln University, P.O. Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Olivier Vandenberg
- National Reference Centre for Campylobacter, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles, 322 rue Haute, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; School of Public Health, Campus Erasme - Bâtiment A, Route de Lennik 808 - CP591, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - William G Miller
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Albert J Lastovica
- University of Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Taghrid Istivan
- School of Science, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Bundoora, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Mizzi R, Timms VJ, Price-Carter ML, Gautam M, Whittington R, Heuer C, Biggs PJ, Plain KM. Comparative Genomics of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis Sheep Strains. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:637637. [PMID: 33659287 PMCID: PMC7917049 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.637637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the aetiological agent of Johne's disease (JD), a chronic enteritis that causes major losses to the global livestock industry. Further, it has been associated with human Crohn's disease. Several strains of MAP have been identified, the two major groups being sheep strain MAP, which includes the Type I and Type III sub-lineages, and the cattle strain or Type II MAP lineage, of which bison strains are a sub-grouping. Major genotypic, phenotypic and pathogenic variations have been identified in prior comparisons, but the research has predominately focused on cattle strains of MAP. In countries where the sheep industries are more prevalent, however, such as Australia and New Zealand, ovine JD is a substantial burden. An information gap exists regarding the genomic differences between sheep strain sub-lineages and the relevance of Type I and Type III MAP in terms of epidemiology and/or pathogenicity. We therefore investigated sheep MAP isolates from Australia and New Zealand using whole genome sequencing. For additional context, sheep MAP genome datasets were downloaded from the Sequence Read Archive and GenBank. The final dataset contained 18 Type III and 16 Type I isolates and the K10 cattle strain MAP reference genome. Using a pan-genome approach, an updated global phylogeny for sheep MAP from de novo assemblies was produced. When rooted with the K10 cattle reference strain, two distinct clades representing the lineages were apparent. The Australian and New Zealand isolates formed a distinct sub-clade within the type I lineage, while the European type I isolates formed another less closely related group. Within the type III lineage, isolates appeared more genetically diverse and were from a greater number of continents. Querying of the pan-genome and verification using BLAST analysis revealed lineage-specific variations (n = 13) including genes responsible for metabolism and stress responses. The genetic differences identified may represent important epidemiological and virulence traits specific to sheep MAP. This knowledge will potentially contribute to improved vaccine development and control measures for these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mizzi
- Farm Animal Health Group, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Verlaine J Timms
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Public Health, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Milan Gautam
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Richard Whittington
- Farm Animal Health Group, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Cord Heuer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Karren M Plain
- Farm Animal Health Group, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Toombs-Ruane LJ, Benschop J, French NP, Biggs PJ, Midwinter AC, Marshall JC, Chan M, Drinković D, Fayaz A, Baker MG, Douwes J, Roberts MG, Burgess SA. Carriage of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase- and AmpC Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Strains from Humans and Pets in the Same Households. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e01613-20. [PMID: 33036993 PMCID: PMC7688229 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01613-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)- or AmpC beta-lactamase (ACBL)-producing Escherichia coli bacteria are the most common cause of community-acquired multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) in New Zealand. The carriage of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has been found in both people and pets from the same household; thus, the home environment may be a place where antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are shared between humans and pets. In this study, we sought to determine whether members (pets and people) of the households of human index cases with a UTI caused by an ESBL- or ACBL-producing E. coli strain also carried an ESBL- or ACBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae strain and, if so, whether it was a clonal match to the index case clinical strain. Index cases with a community-acquired UTI were recruited based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing of urine isolates. Fecal samples were collected from 18 non-index case people and 36 pets across 27 households. Eleven of the 27 households screened had non-index case household members (8/18 people and 5/36 animals) positive for ESBL- and/or ACBL-producing E. coli strains. Whole-genome sequence analysis of 125 E. coli isolates (including the clinical urine isolates) from these 11 households showed that within seven households, the same strain of ESBL-/ACBL-producing E. coli was cultured from both the index case and another person (5/11 households) or pet dog (2/11 households). These results suggest that transmission within the household may contribute to the community spread of ESBL- or ACBL-producing E. coliIMPORTANCEEnterobacteriaceae that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases (ACBLs) are important pathogens and can cause community-acquired illnesses, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fecal carriage of these resistant bacteria by companion animals may pose a risk for transmission to humans. Our work evaluated the sharing of ESBL- and ACBL-producing E. coli isolates between humans and companion animals. We found that in some households, dogs carried the same strain of ESBL-producing E. coli as the household member with a UTI. This suggests that transmission events between humans and animals (or vice versa) are likely occurring within the home environment and, therefore, the community as a whole. This is significant from a health perspective, when considering measures to minimize community transmission, and highlights that in order to manage community spread, we need to consider interventions at the household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Toombs-Ruane
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan C Marshall
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Maggie Chan
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Dragana Drinković
- Microbiology Department, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ahmed Fayaz
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mick G Roberts
- School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
| | - Sara A Burgess
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Phiri BJ, Hayman DTS, Biggs PJ, French NP, Garcia-R JC. Microbial diversity in water and animal faeces: a metagenomic analysis to assess public health risk. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2020.1831556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J. Phiri
- Biosecurity Surveillance and Incursion Investigation Team, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P. French
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Juan C. Garcia-R
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Phiri BJ, Pita AB, Hayman DTS, Biggs PJ, Davis MT, Fayaz A, Canning AD, French NP, Death RG. Does land use affect pathogen presence in New Zealand drinking water supplies? Water Res 2020; 185:116229. [PMID: 32791457 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Four microbes (Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.) were monitored in 16 waterways that supply public drinking water for 13 New Zealand towns and cities. Over 500 samples were collected from the abstraction point at each study site every three months between 2009 and 2019. The waterways represent a range from small to large, free flowing to reservoir impoundments, draining catchments of entirely native vegetation to those dominated by pastoral agriculture. We used machine learning algorithms to explore the relative contribution of land use, catchment geology, vegetation, topography, and water quality characteristics of the catchment to determining the abundance and/or presence of each microbe. Sites on rivers draining predominantly agricultural catchments, the Waikato River, Oroua River and Waiorohi Stream had all four microbes present, often in high numbers, throughout the sampling interval. Other sites, such as the Hutt River and Big Huia Creek in Wellington which drain catchments of native vegetation, never had pathogenic microbes detected, or unsafe levels of E. coli. Boosted Regression Tree models could predict abundances and presence/absence of all four microbes with good precision using a wide range of potential environmental predictors covering land use, geology, vegetation, topography, and nutrient concentrations. Models were more accurate for protozoa than bacteria but did not differ markedly in their ability to predict abundance or presence/absence. Environmental drivers of microbe abundance or presence/absence also differed depending on whether the microbe was protozoan or bacterial. Protozoa were more prevalent in waterways with lower water quality, higher numbers of ruminants in the catchment, and in September and December. Bacteria were more abundant with higher rainfall, saturated soils, and catchments with greater than 35% of the land in agriculture. Although modern water treatment protocols will usually remove many pathogens from drinking water, several recent outbreaks of waterborne disease due to treatment failures, have highlighted the need to manage water supplies on multiple fronts. This research has identified potential catchment level variables, and thresholds, that could be better managed to reduce the potential for pathogens to enter drinking water supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J Phiri
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Anthony B Pita
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - David T S Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Meredith T Davis
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; Innovative River Solutions, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Ahmed Fayaz
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Adam D Canning
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Nigel P French
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Russell G Death
- Innovative River Solutions, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
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Angelin-Bonnet O, Biggs PJ, Baldwin S, Thomson S, Vignes M. sismonr: simulation of in silico multi-omic networks with adjustable ploidy and post-transcriptional regulation in R. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:2938-2940. [PMID: 31960894 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa002] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY We present sismonr, an R package for an integral generation and simulation of in silico biological systems. The package generates gene regulatory networks, which include protein-coding and non-coding genes along with different transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations. The effect of genetic mutations on the system behaviour is accounted for via the simulation of genetically different in silico individuals. The ploidy of the system is not restricted to the usual haploid or diploid situations but can be defined by the user to higher ploidies. A choice of stochastic simulation algorithms allows us to simulate the expression profiles of the genes in the in silico system. We illustrate the use of sismonr by simulating the anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation pathway for three genetically distinct in silico plants. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The sismonr package is implemented in R and Julia and is publicly available on the CRAN repository (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=sismonr). A detailed tutorial is available from GitHub at https://oliviaab.github.io/sismonr/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- School of Fundamental Sciences.,School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Samantha Baldwin
- New Cultivar Innovation, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Susan Thomson
- New Cultivar Innovation, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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Gilpin BJ, Walker T, Paine S, Sherwood J, Mackereth G, Wood T, Hambling T, Hewison C, Brounts A, Wilson M, Scholes P, Robson B, Lin S, Cornelius A, Rivas L, Hayman DT, French NP, Zhang J, Wilkinson DA, Midwinter AC, Biggs PJ, Jagroop A, Eyre R, Baker MG, Jones N. A large scale waterborne Campylobacteriosis outbreak, Havelock North, New Zealand. J Infect 2020; 81:390-395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Bojanić K, Acke E, Roe WD, Marshall JC, Cornelius AJ, Biggs PJ, Midwinter AC. Comparison of the Pathogenic Potential of Campylobacter jejuni, C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus and Limitations of Using Larvae of Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090713. [PMID: 32872505 PMCID: PMC7560178 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter enteritis in humans is primarily associated with C. jejuni/coli infection. Other species cause campylobacteriosis relatively infrequently; while this could be attributed to bias in diagnostic methods, the pathogenicity of non-jejuni/coli Campylobacter spp. such as C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus (isolated from dogs and cats) is uncertain. Galleria mellonella larvae are suitable models of the mammalian innate immune system and have been applied to C. jejuni studies. This study compared the pathogenicity of C. jejuni, C. upsaliensis, and C. helveticus isolates. Larvae inoculated with either C. upsaliensis or C. helveticus showed significantly higher survival than those inoculated with C. jejuni. All three Campylobacter species induced indistinguishable histopathological changes in the larvae. C. jejuni could be isolated from inoculated larvae up to eight days post-inoculation whereas C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus could only be isolated in the first two days. There was a significant variation in the hazard rate between batches of larvae, in Campylobacter strains, and in biological replicates as random effects, and in species and bacterial dose as fixed effects. The Galleria model is applicable to other Campylobacter spp. as well as C. jejuni, but may be subject to significant variation with all Campylobacter species. While C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus cannot be considered non-pathogenic, they are significantly less pathogenic than C. jejuni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krunoslav Bojanić
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-514571391
| | - Els Acke
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät der Universität Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Wendi D. Roe
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
| | - Jonathan C. Marshall
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Angela J. Cornelius
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand;
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (J.C.M.); (P.J.B.); (A.C.M.)
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Franz E, Rotariu O, Lopes BS, Bono JL, Laing C, Gannon V, Van Hoek AHAM, Friesema I, French NP, George T, Biggs PJ, Jaros P, Rivas M, Chinen I, Campos J, Mellor GE, Chandry PS, Perez-Reche F, Forbes KJ, Strachan NJ. Reply to Baba and Kanamori. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:1353-1355. [PMID: 31711208 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eelco Franz
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovidiu Rotariu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno S Lopes
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - James L Bono
- United States (US) Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Chad Laing
- National Centre for Animal Diseases, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Victor Gannon
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Angela H A M Van Hoek
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Friesema
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel P French
- mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Tessy George
- mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patricia Jaros
- mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rivas
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administracion Nacional del Laboratorios et Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán," Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel Chinen
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administracion Nacional del Laboratorios et Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán," Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Josefina Campos
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administracion Nacional del Laboratorios et Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán," Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Glen E Mellor
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Werribee, Australia
| | - P Scott Chandry
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Werribee, Australia
| | - Francisco Perez-Reche
- Institute of Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ken J Forbes
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Norval Jc Strachan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Franz E, Rotariu O, Lopes BS, MacRae M, Bono JL, Laing C, Gannon V, Söderlund R, van Hoek AHAM, Friesema I, French NP, George T, Biggs PJ, Jaros P, Rivas M, Chinen I, Campos J, Jernberg C, Gobius K, Mellor GE, Chandry PS, Perez-Reche F, Forbes KJ, Strachan NJC. Phylogeographic Analysis Reveals Multiple International transmission Events Have Driven the Global Emergence of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:428-437. [PMID: 30371758 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shiga toxin-producing Escherchia coli (STEC) O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen that causes numerous food and waterborne disease outbreaks. It is globally distributed, but its origin and the temporal sequence of its geographical spread are unknown. METHODS We analyzed whole-genome sequencing data of 757 isolates from 4 continents, and performed a pan-genome analysis to identify the core genome and, from this, extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms. A timed phylogeographic analysis was performed on a subset of the isolates to investigate its worldwide spread. RESULTS The common ancestor of this set of isolates occurred around 1890 (1845-1925) and originated from the Netherlands. Phylogeographic analysis identified 34 major transmission events. The earliest were predominantly intercontinental, moving from Europe to Australia around 1937 (1909-1958), to the United States in 1941 (1921-1962), to Canada in 1960 (1943-1979), and from Australia to New Zealand in 1966 (1943-1982). This pre-dates the first reported human case of E. coli O157:H7, which was in 1975 from the United States. CONCLUSIONS Inter- and intra-continental transmission events have resulted in the current international distribution of E. coli O157:H7, and it is likely that these events were facilitated by animal movements (eg, Holstein Friesian cattle). These findings will inform policy on action that is crucial to reduce the further spread of E. coli O157:H7 and other (emerging) STEC strains globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelco Franz
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovidiu Rotariu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno S Lopes
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Marion MacRae
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - James L Bono
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska
| | - Chad Laing
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta
| | - Victor Gannon
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta
| | | | - Angela H A M van Hoek
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Friesema
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel P French
- Molecular EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Tessy George
- Molecular EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Molecular EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patricia Jaros
- Molecular EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rivas
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administracion Nacional del Laboratorios et Institutos de Salud "Dr Carlos G. Malbrán," Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel Chinen
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administracion Nacional del Laboratorios et Institutos de Salud "Dr Carlos G. Malbrán," Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Josefina Campos
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administracion Nacional del Laboratorios et Institutos de Salud "Dr Carlos G. Malbrán," Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Jernberg
- Department of Microbiology, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm
| | - Kari Gobius
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glen E Mellor
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Scott Chandry
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Agriculture and Food, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francisco Perez-Reche
- Institute of Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, SUPA, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ken J Forbes
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Phiri BJ, French NP, Biggs PJ, Stevenson MA, Reynolds AD, Garcia-R JC, Hayman DTS. Microbial contamination in drinking water at public outdoor recreation facilities in New Zealand. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:302-312. [PMID: 32639595 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of our study was to assess the presence and risk of waterborne pathogens in the drinking water of outdoor facilities in New Zealand and track potential sources of microbial contamination in water sources. METHODS AND RESULTS A serial cross-sectional study with a risk-based sample collection strategy was conducted at 15 public campgrounds over two summer seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013). Drinking water supplied to these campgrounds was not compliant with national standards, based on Escherichia coli as an indicator organism, in more than half of the sampling occasions. Campylobacter contamination of drinking water at the campgrounds was likely to be of wild bird origin. Faecal samples from rails (pukeko and weka) were 35 times more likely to return a Campylobacter-positive result compared to passerines. Water treatment using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation or a combination of filtration and UV irradiation or chemicals was more likely to result in water that was compliant with the national standards than water from a tap without any treatment. The use of filters alone was not associated with the likelihood of compliance. CONCLUSIONS Providing microbiologically safe drinking water at outdoor recreational facilities is imperative to avoid gastroenteritis outbreaks. This requires an in-depth understanding of potential sources of contamination in drinking water sources and the installation of adequate water treatment facilities. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our study provides evidence that drinking water without treatment or filter-only treatment in public campgrounds is unlikely to comply with national standards for human consumption and extra water treatment measures such as UV irradiation or chemical treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Phiri
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - N P French
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - P J Biggs
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M A Stevenson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - A D Reynolds
- AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J C Garcia-R
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D T S Hayman
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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42
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On SLW, Miller WG, Biggs PJ, Cornelius AJ, Vandamme P. A critical rebuttal of the proposed division of the genus Arcobacter into six genera using comparative genomic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic criteria. Syst Appl Microbiol 2020; 43:126108. [PMID: 32847783 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2020.126108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The proposal to restructure the genus Arcobacter into six distinct genera was critically examined using: comparative analyses of up to 80 Epsilonproteobacterial genome sequences (including 26 arcobacters); phylogenetic analyses of three housekeeping genes and also 342 core genes; and phenotypic criteria. Genome sequences were analysed with tools to calculate Percentage of Conserved Proteins, Average Amino-acid Identity, BLAST-based Average Nucleotide Identity, in silico DNA-DNA hybridisation values, genome-wide Average Nucleotide Identity, Alignment Fractions and G+C percentages. Genome analyses revealed the genus Arcobacter sensu lato to be relatively homogenous, and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished the group from other Epsilonproteobacteria. Genomic distinction of the genera proposed by Pérez-Cataluña et al. [2018] was not supported by any of the measures used and a subsequent risk of strain misidentification clearly identified. Similarly, phenotypic analyses supported the delineation of Arcobacter sensu lato but did not justify the position of the proposed novel genera. The present polyphasic taxonomic study strongly supports the continuance of the classification of "aerotolerant campylobacters" as Arcobacter and refutes the proposed genus-level subdivision of Pérez-Cataluña et al. [2018].
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L W On
- Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University, Springs Road, Lincoln 7467, New Zealand.
| | - William G Miller
- US Department of Agriculture, Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Albany, CA, USA
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Group, School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Angela J Cornelius
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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43
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Collis RM, Biggs PJ, Midwinter AC, Browne AS, Wilkinson DA, Irshad H, French NP, Brightwell G, Cookson AL. Genomic epidemiology and carbon metabolism of Escherichia coli serogroup O145 reflect contrasting phylogenies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235066. [PMID: 32584859 PMCID: PMC7316241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks of human disease, but they reside harmlessly as an asymptomatic commensal in the ruminant gut. STEC serogroup O145 are difficult to isolate as routine diagnostic methods are unable to distinguish non-O157 serogroups due to their heterogeneous metabolic characteristics, resulting in under-reporting which is likely to conceal their true prevalence. In light of these deficiencies, the purpose of this study was a twofold approach to investigate enhanced STEC O145 diagnostic culture-based methods: firstly, to use a genomic epidemiology approach to understand the genetic diversity and population structure of serogroup O145 at both a local (New Zealand) (n = 47) and global scale (n = 75) and, secondly, to identify metabolic characteristics that will help the development of a differential media for this serogroup. Analysis of a subset of E. coli serogroup O145 strains demonstrated considerable diversity in carbon utilisation, which varied in association with eae subtype and sequence type. Several carbon substrates, such as D-serine and D-malic acid, were utilised by the majority of serogroup O145 strains, which, when coupled with current molecular and culture-based methods, could aid in the identification of presumptive E. coli serogroup O145 isolates. These carbon substrates warrant subsequent testing with additional serogroup O145 strains and non-O145 strains. Serogroup O145 strains displayed extensive genetic heterogeneity that was correlated with sequence type and eae subtype, suggesting these genetic markers are good indicators for distinct E. coli phylogenetic lineages. Pangenome analysis identified a core of 3,036 genes and an open pangenome of >14,000 genes, which is consistent with the identification of distinct phylogenetic lineages. Overall, this study highlighted the phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity within E. coli serogroup O145, suggesting that the development of a differential media targeting this serogroup will be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M. Collis
- AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - A. Springer Browne
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David A. Wilkinson
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Hamid Irshad
- Animal Health Programme, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nigel P. French
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gale Brightwell
- AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L. Cookson
- AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (EpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
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44
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French NP, Zhang J, Carter GP, Midwinter AC, Biggs PJ, Dyet K, Gilpin BJ, Ingle DJ, Mulqueen K, Rogers LE, Wilkinson DA, Greening SS, Muellner P, Fayaz A, Williamson DA. Genomic Analysis of Fluoroquinolone- and Tetracycline-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni Sequence Type 6964 in Humans and Poultry, New Zealand, 2014-2016. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 25:2226-2234. [PMID: 31742539 PMCID: PMC6874264 DOI: 10.3201/eid2512.190267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2014, antimicrobial drug–resistant Campylobacter jejuni sequence type 6964 emerged contemporaneously in poultry from 3 supply companies in the North Island of New Zealand and as a major cause of campylobacteriosis in humans in New Zealand. This lineage, not previously identified in New Zealand, was resistant to tetracycline and fluoroquinolones. Genomic analysis revealed divergence into 2 major clades; both clades were associated with human infection, 1 with poultry companies A and B and the other with company C. Accessory genome evolution was associated with a plasmid, phage insertions, and natural transformation. We hypothesize that the tetO gene and a phage were inserted into the chromosome after conjugation, leaving a remnant plasmid that was lost from isolates from company C. The emergence and rapid spread of a resistant clone of C. jejuni in New Zealand, coupled with evolutionary change in the accessory genome, demonstrate the need for ongoing Campylobacter surveillance among poultry and humans.
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45
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Browne AS, Biggs PJ, Wilkinson DA, Cookson AL, Midwinter AC, Bloomfield SJ, Hranac CR, Rogers LE, Marshall JC, Benschop J, Withers H, Hathaway S, George T, Jaros P, Irshad H, Fong Y, Dufour M, Karki N, Winkleman T, French NP. Use of Genomics to Investigate Historical Importation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Serogroup O26 and Nontoxigenic Variants into New Zealand. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:489-500. [PMID: 30789138 PMCID: PMC6390770 DOI: 10.3201/eid2503.180899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serogroup O26 is an important public health pathogen. Phylogenetic bacterial lineages in a country can be associated with the level and timing of international imports of live cattle, the main reservoir. We sequenced the genomes of 152 E. coli O26 isolates from New Zealand and compared them with 252 E. coli O26 genomes from 14 other countries. Gene variation among isolates from humans, animals, and food was strongly associated with country of origin and stx toxin profile but not isolation source. Time of origin estimates indicate serogroup O26 sequence type 21 was introduced at least 3 times into New Zealand from the 1920s to the 1980s, whereas nonvirulent O26 sequence type 29 strains were introduced during the early 2000s. New Zealand's remarkably fewer introductions of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 compared with other countries (such as Japan) might be related to patterns of trade in live cattle.
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46
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Bloomfield SJ, Midwinter AC, Biggs PJ, French NP, Marshall JC, Hayman DTS, Carter PE, Thornley C, Yap R, Benschop J. Long-term Colonization by Campylobacter jejuni Within a Human Host: Evolution, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Adaptation. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:103-111. [PMID: 29099940 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix561] [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: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Campylobacteriosis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract as a result of Campylobacter infection. Most campylobacteriosis cases are acute and self-limiting, with Campylobacter excretion ceasing a few weeks after symptoms cease. We identified a patient with fecal specimens positive for Campylobacter jejuni (ST45) intermittently during a 10-year period. Methods Sixteen Campylobacter isolates were collected from the patient during 2006-2016. The isolates' genomes were sequenced to determine their relatedness, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and motility were measured to determine the effects of antibiotic therapy and long-term excretion on the Campylobacter population. Results Phylogenetic analyses estimated that the isolates shared a date of common ancestor between 1998 and 2006, coinciding with the onset of symptoms for the patient. Genomic analysis identified selection for changes in motility, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing suggested that the Campylobacter population developed resistance to several antibiotics coinciding with periods of antibiotic therapy. Conclusions The patient was consistently colonized with organisms from a Campylobacter population that adapted to the internal environment of the patient. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses can give insight into a patient's infection history and the effect of antimicrobial treatment on Campylobacter populations in this unusual situation of long-term colonization of an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Bloomfield
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Hopkirk ResearchInstitute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan C Marshall
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David T S Hayman
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Craig Thornley
- Regional Public Health, Lower Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Rudyard Yap
- Palmerston North Hospital, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- mEpiLab, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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47
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Wheeler NE, Blackmore T, Reynolds AD, Midwinter AC, Marshall J, French NP, Savoian MS, Gardner PP, Biggs PJ. Genomic correlates of extraintestinal infection are linked with changes in cell morphology in Campylobacter jejuni. Microb Genom 2019; 5:e000251. [PMID: 30777818 PMCID: PMC6421344 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000251] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of bacterial diarrheal disease in the world. Clinical outcomes of infection can range from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening extraintestinal infections. This variability in outcomes for infected patients has raised questions as to whether genetic differences between C. jejuni isolates contribute to their likelihood of causing severe disease. In this study, we compare the genomes of ten C. jejuni isolates that were implicated in extraintestinal infections with reference gastrointestinal isolates, in order to identify unusual patterns of sequence variation associated with infection outcome. We identified a collection of genes that display a higher burden of uncommon mutations in invasive isolates compared with gastrointestinal close relatives, including some that have been previously linked to virulence and invasiveness in C. jejuni. Among the top genes identified were mreB and pgp1, which are both involved in determining cell shape. Electron microscopy confirmed morphological differences in isolates carrying unusual sequence variants of these genes, indicating a possible relationship between extraintestinal infection and changes in cell morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Wheeler
- Center for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Angela D. Reynolds
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Marshall
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P. French
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Matthew S. Savoian
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Paul P. Gardner
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Genomics Ltd (NZGL – as Massey Genome Service) Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Abstract
Modelling gene regulatory networks requires not only a thorough understanding of the biological system depicted, but also the ability to accurately represent this system from a mathematical perspective. Throughout this chapter, we aim to familiarize the reader with the biological processes and molecular factors at play in the process of gene expression regulation. We first describe the different interactions controlling each step of the expression process, from transcription to mRNA and protein decay. In the second section, we provide statistical tools to accurately represent this biological complexity in the form of mathematical models. Among other considerations, we discuss the topological properties of biological networks, the application of deterministic and stochastic frameworks, and the quantitative modelling of regulation. We particularly focus on the use of such models for the simulation of expression data that can serve as a benchmark for the testing of network inference algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Angelin-Bonnet
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Matthieu Vignes
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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49
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Bojanić K, Midwinter AC, Marshall JC, Biggs PJ, Acke E. Isolation of emerging Campylobacter species in working farm dogs and their frozen home-killed raw meat diets. J Vet Diagn Invest 2018; 31:23-32. [PMID: 30574836 DOI: 10.1177/1040638718820082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We applied 7 culture methods to 50 working farm dog fecal samples and 6 methods to 50 frozen home-killed raw meat diet samples to optimize recovery of a wide range of Campylobacter spp. Culture methods combined filtration, enrichment broths, and agars at 37°C and 42°C in conventional and hydrogen-enriched microaerobic atmospheres. Overall, a prevalence of 62% (31 of 50) and 6% (3 of 50) was detected in dog and meat samples, respectively, based on Campylobacter genus PCR. A total of 356 Campylobacter spp. isolates were recovered from dogs, with successful isolation by individual methods ranging from 2 to 25 dogs. The species detected most commonly were C. upsaliensis and C. jejuni, and less commonly C. coli and C. lari. Species isolated that are rarely reported from dogs included C. rectus, C. lari subsp. concheus, C. volucris, and Helicobacter winghamensis. Six isolates from dogs positive by Campylobacter genus PCR were confirmed, using 16S rRNA sequencing, as Arcobacter cryaerophilus (1) and Arcobacter butzleri (5). C. jejuni multi-locus sequence typing results revealed a diversity of sequence types in working dogs, with several uncommonly reported from other C. jejuni sources in New Zealand. Overall, 20 isolates from 3 meat samples were positive by Campylobacter genus PCR; 1 meat sample was positive for C. jejuni, 1 for C. rectus, and 1 isolate was subsequently identified as A. butzleri. The method using Campylobacter enrichment broth in a hydrogen-enriched environment on nonselective agar resulted in significantly reduced recovery of Campylobacter spp. from both sample types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krunoslav Bojanić
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (Bojanić, Midwinter, Marshall, Biggs).,IDEXX VetMedLabor, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Acke)
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (Bojanić, Midwinter, Marshall, Biggs).,IDEXX VetMedLabor, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Acke)
| | - Jonathan C Marshall
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (Bojanić, Midwinter, Marshall, Biggs).,IDEXX VetMedLabor, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Acke)
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (Bojanić, Midwinter, Marshall, Biggs).,IDEXX VetMedLabor, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Acke)
| | - Els Acke
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (Bojanić, Midwinter, Marshall, Biggs).,IDEXX VetMedLabor, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Acke)
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50
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Collis RM, Burgess SA, Biggs PJ, Midwinter AC, French NP, Toombs-Ruane L, Cookson AL. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Dairy Farm Environments: A New Zealand Perspective. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2018; 16:5-22. [PMID: 30418042 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2018.2524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue for both human and animal health. Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria present treatment option challenges and are often associated with heightened severity of infection. Antimicrobial use (AMU) in human and animal health is a main driver for the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Increasing levels of AMU and the development and spread of AMR in food-producing animals, especially in poultry and swine production, has been identified as a food safety risk, but dairy production systems have been less studied. A number of farm management practices may impact on animal disease and as a result can influence the use of antimicrobials and subsequently AMR prevalence. However, this relationship is multifactorial and complex. Several AMR transmission pathways between dairy cattle, the environment, and humans have been proposed, including contact with manure-contaminated pastures, direct contact, or through the food chain from contaminated animal-derived products. The World Health Organization has defined a priority list for selected bacterial pathogens of concern to human health according to 10 criteria relating to health and AMR. This list includes human pathogens such as the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), which can be associated with dairy cattle, their environment, as well as animal-derived food products. ESBL-E represent a potential risk to human and animal health and an emerging food safety concern. This review addresses two areas; first, the current understanding of the role of dairy farming in the prevalence and spread of AMR is considered, highlighting research gaps using ESBL-E as an exemplar; and second, a New Zealand perspective is taken to examine how farm management practices may contribute to on-farm AMU and AMR in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M Collis
- 1 AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Sara A Burgess
- 2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- 2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,3 Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,4 New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C Midwinter
- 2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P French
- 2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,4 New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Leah Toombs-Ruane
- 2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L Cookson
- 1 AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,2 Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab), Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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