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Mertens-Scholz K, Moawad AA, Liebler-Tenorio EM, Helming A, Andrack J, Miethe P, Neubauer H, Pletz MW, Richter IG. Ultraviolet C inactivation of Coxiella burnetii for production of a structurally preserved whole cell vaccine antigen. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:118. [PMID: 38575865 PMCID: PMC10993581 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03246-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Q fever, a worldwide-occurring zoonotic disease, can cause economic losses for public and veterinary health systems. Vaccines are not yet available worldwide and currently under development. In this regard, it is important to produce a whole cell antigen, with preserved structural and antigenic properties and free of chemical modifications. Thus, inactivation of Coxiella burnetii with ultraviolet light C (UVC) was evaluated. C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and phase II (NMII) were exposed to decreasing intensities in a time-dependent manner and viability was tested by rescue cultivation in axenic medium or cell culture. Effects on the cell structure were visualized by transmission electron microscopy and antigenicity of UVC-treated NMI was studied by immunization of rabbits. NMI and NMII were inactivated at UVC intensities of 250 µW/cm2 for 5 min or 100 µW/cm2 for 20 min. Reactivation by DNA repair was considered to be unlikely. No morphological changes were observed directly after UVC inactivation by transmission electron microscopy, but severe swelling and membrane degradation of bacteria with increasing severity occurred after 24 and 48 h. Immunization of rabbits resulted in a pronounced antibody response. UVC inactivation of C. burnetii resulted in a structural preserved, safe whole cell antigen and might be useful as antigen for diagnostic purposes or as vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany.
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Amira A Moawad
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Helming
- Department of In Vitro Diagnostics Development, Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Jennifer Andrack
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Miethe
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology, Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ina-Gabriele Richter
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology, Bad Langensalza, Germany
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2
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Choi Y, Yeh JY, Lee JK, Michelow IC, Park S. Risk factors associated with Coxiella burnetii in wild boars: A study in South Korea. Prev Vet Med 2024; 225:106157. [PMID: 38452603 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106157] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease Q fever. Wild boars serve as reservoirs for C. burnetii. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection in wild boars. We analyzed the data from 975 wild boar samples collected from June to November 2021 in South Korea. We utilized the indirect ELISA to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. A sample optical density to positive-control optical density value exceeding 50% was classified as positive. We gathered data on the forestation, terrain, weather, agriculture, and animal density of the region where the samples were collected. Continuous variables were categorized into tertiles. We performed a univariate logistic regression analysis and included variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. In our multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars, we used a forward selection method to enter variables based on the order of their significance. We performed the final multivariable logistic regression analyses using either continuous variables or variables categorized into tertiles. The prevalence of C. burnetii was 14.6% (n=142). Locations with the highest maximum wind speeds (3.92-8.24 m/s) showed a 59% increase in infection odds compared to locations with the lowest speeds (1.45-3.25 m/s)(p=0.044). For each 1 m/s increase in maximum wind speed, infection odds increased by 24.1% (p=0.037). Regions with the highest percentage of paddy fields per area (8.3-45%) showed a 76% increase in infection odds compared to regions with the lowest percentage (0-1.5%)(p=0.011). For each 1% increase in the proportion of paddy fields per area, infection odds increased by 3.3% (p=0.003). High maximum wind speed and a high percentage of paddy field were identified as significant risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyeon Choi
- Graduate School of Urban Public Health, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yong Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jong Koo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Ian C Michelow
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
| | - Sangshin Park
- Graduate School of Urban Public Health, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Urban Big Data Convergence, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Medical School, Providence, USA.
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3
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Diwunga P, Million M, Ravaux I, Fournier PE, Gautret P. Occupational exposure to Coxiella burnetii during cardiac surgery: A case report and review of the literature. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2024; 71:76-81. [PMID: 38466372 DOI: 10.1556/030.2024.02240] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
We report a case of exposure to Coxiella burnetii in a surgical nurse who underwent an injury of her finger with a scalpel blade during a native aortic valve replacement with a bio-prosthetic cardiac valve conducted on a patient suffering from C. burnetii aortic endocarditis. Given the positivity of C. burnetii culture and PCR from the patient's aortic valve, she was prescribed prophylactic doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 10 days. Q fever is an occupational zoonosis resulting usually of exposure to infected animals by inhalation of infected aerosols or consumption of contaminated raw milk. Apart from materno-foetal transmission, about 180 cases of human-to-human C. burnetii transmission have been published from 1949 to today, including transmission by blood transfusion, sexual relations, transmission in the healthcare setting to staff, patient attendants and other patients that were likely infected from inhalation of aerosol from respiratory or placental products, transmission to staff during autopsies of patients with Q fever and transmission in familial settings. As C. burnetii is a highly infectious bacterium, that may cause infection with a low inoculum, it should be added to the list of organisms which may be of concern following blood exposure among healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Million
- 1IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- 2Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- 3Centre National de Référence Rickettsies, Bartonella et Coxiella, 13005 Marseille, France
| | | | - Pierre Edouard Fournier
- 1IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- 3Centre National de Référence Rickettsies, Bartonella et Coxiella, 13005 Marseille, France
- 4Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Gautret
- 1IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- 4Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
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4
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Agag S, Medrouh B, Khaled H, Medkour H, Leulmi H, Djeghim H, Kaidi R, Khelef D, Medkour H. Prevalence and associated risk factors of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle herds using bulk tank milk analysis in Kabylia area, north Algeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:106. [PMID: 38507146 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03950-y] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, or Q fever agent, has notable implications for human and livestock health. Infections in cattle primarily manifest through reproductive issues where infected animals shed the bacterium in birth fluids, placental tissues, and milk, serving as potential sources of transmission. Bovine herds become reservoirs, contributing to the environmental contamination of farming areas. Comprehensive studies on the prevalence, transmission routes, and associated risk factors among cattle contribute to the development of effective control strategies, ultimately safeguarding both livestock and public health.Here we determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies against in dairy cattle farms from Kabylia (northern Algeria) and identify the associated risk factors. Bulk tank milk samples from 184 farms were analyzed by indirect ELISA technique, 49 of them were tested positive which corresponds to a prevalence rate of 26.63% (95% CI 20.25-33.01%). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that the risk factors associated with detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies are: cohabitation of cattle with small ruminants(OR = 3.74 95% CI [1.41-8.92]), exposure to prevailing winds (OR = 5.12 95% CI [2.11-13.45]), and the veterinarian visits frequency(OR = 5.67 95% CI [2.55-13.60]). These findings underscore the susceptibility of dairy cattle to Q fever in the Kabylia region, highlighting practices that pose risks. We recommend the implementation of hygienic measures and adherence to proper farming conditions to mitigate the transmission of Q fever and reduce the associated zoonotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Agag
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction Biotechnologies, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, route de Soumaa, University Saad Dahlab Blida 1, Blida, 09000, Algeria.
- Faculty of natural sciences, life sciences, earth and the universe, 8 mai 1945 University, Guelma, Guelma, 24000, Algeria.
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Livestock Management, Production and Animal Health Division, Agro-Pastoralism Research Center (CRAPast), Djelfa, 17000, Algeria
| | - Hamza Khaled
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction Biotechnologies, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, route de Soumaa, University Saad Dahlab Blida 1, Blida, 09000, Algeria
| | - Hacène Medkour
- MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, 34394, France
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Qista Techno Bam, Avenue Philibert, 13100, Aix-En-Provence, France
| | - Hanene Djeghim
- Biochimestry laboratory, biotechnology research center, Ali Mendjli Nouvelle Ville, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Rachid Kaidi
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction Biotechnologies, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, route de Soumaa, University Saad Dahlab Blida 1, Blida, 09000, Algeria
| | - Djamel Khelef
- High national veterinary school Rabie Bouchama, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hecène Medkour
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction Biotechnologies, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, route de Soumaa, University Saad Dahlab Blida 1, Blida, 09000, Algeria
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5
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Guzman RM, Savolainen NG, Hayden OM, Lee M, Osbron CA, Liu Z, Yang H, Shaw DK, Omsland A, Goodman AG. Drosophila melanogaster Sting mediates Coxiella burnetii infection by reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0056022. [PMID: 38363133 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00560-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of query fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. C. burnetii infects a variety of cell types, tissues, and animal species including mammals and arthropods, but there is much left to be understood about the molecular mechanisms at play during infection in distinct species. Human stimulator of interferon genes (STING) induces an innate immune response through the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), and IFN promotes or suppresses C. burnetii replication, depending on tissue type. Drosophila melanogaster contains a functional STING ortholog (Sting) which activates NF-κB signaling and autophagy. Here, we sought to address the role of D. melanogaster Sting during C. burnetii infection to uncover how Sting regulates C. burnetii infection in flies. We show that Sting-null flies exhibit higher mortality and reduced induction of antimicrobial peptides following C. burnetii infection compared to control flies. Additionally, Sting-null flies induce lower levels of oxidative stress genes during infection, but the provision of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in food rescues Sting-null host survival. Lastly, we find that reactive oxygen species levels during C. burnetii infection are higher in Drosophila S2 cells knocked down for Sting compared to control cells. Our results show that at the host level, NAC provides protection against C. burnetii infection in the absence of Sting, thus establishing a role for Sting in protection against oxidative stress during C. burnetii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Guzman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Nathan G Savolainen
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Olivia M Hayden
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Miyoung Lee
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Chelsea A Osbron
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Ziying Liu
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Hong Yang
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Dana K Shaw
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Anders Omsland
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Alan G Goodman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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6
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Schulze-Luehrmann J, Liebler-Tenorio E, Felipe-López A, Lührmann A. Cell death induction facilitates egress of Coxiella burnetii from infected host cells at late stages of infection. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:513-528. [PMID: 38115201 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular bacteria have evolved mechanisms to invade host cells, establish an intracellular niche that allows survival and replication, produce progeny, and exit the host cell after completion of the replication cycle to infect new target cells. Bacteria exit their host cell by (i) initiation of apoptosis, (ii) lytic cell death, and (iii) exocytosis. While bacterial egress is essential for bacterial spreading and, thus, pathogenesis, we currently lack information about egress mechanisms for the obligate intracellular pathogen C. burnetii, the causative agent of the zoonosis Q fever. Here, we demonstrate that C. burnetii inhibits host cell apoptosis early during infection, but induces and/or increases apoptosis at later stages of infection. Only at later stages of infection did we observe C. burnetii egress, which depends on previously established large bacteria-filled vacuoles and a functional intrinsic apoptotic cascade. The released bacteria are not enclosed by a host cell membrane and can infect and replicate in new target cells. In summary, our data argue that C. burnetii egress in a non-synchronous way at late stages of infection. Apoptosis-induction is important for C. burnetii egress, but other pathways most likely contribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schulze-Luehrmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Alfonso Felipe-López
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Lührmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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7
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Ghaoui H, Bitam I, Zaidi S, Achour N, Zenia S, Idres T, Fournier PE. Molecular detection and MST genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in ruminants and stray dogs and cats in Northern Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 106:102126. [PMID: 38325127 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102126] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Aiming at identifying the reservoir and contamination sources of Coxiella burnetii in Northern Algeria, we investigated the molecular presence of the bacterium in 599 samples (blood, placenta, liver, spleen, and uterus) collected from cattle, sheep, dogs and cats. Our qPCR results showed that 15/344 (4.36%) blood samples and six/255 (2.35%) organ specimens were positive for C. burnetii. In cattle, three (4%) blood and liver samples were positive. In sheep, one blood (1.19%) and 3 (8.57%) placenta samples were positive. At the Algiers dog pound, 8 (10%) and 3 (5%) blood samples were qPCR positivein dogs and cats, respectively. In addition, MST genotyping showed that MST 33 was present in cattle and sheep, MST 20 in cattle,andMST 21 in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ghaoui
- IRD, MEPHI, Aix-Marseille Université, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, RABIE BOUCHAMA, Preclinical Departement Alger, Algeria; EHS des maladies infectieuses ELHADI FLICI, Laveran et Nicolle Departement Alger, Algeria; Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, Marseille, France; Association Scientifique Algérienne de Recherche en Infectiologie (ASARI), Algeria.
| | - I Bitam
- Ecole Supérieure en Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaire d'Alger, Algeria; Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, Marseille, France; Centre de Recherche en Agropastoralisme, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | - S Zaidi
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, RABIE BOUCHAMA, Preclinical Departement Alger, Algeria
| | - N Achour
- EHS des maladies infectieuses ELHADI FLICI, Laveran et Nicolle Departement Alger, Algeria; Association Scientifique Algérienne de Recherche en Infectiologie (ASARI), Algeria; Faculté de médecine d'Alger Ziania-1, Université d'Alger 1 Benyoucef Benkhadda, Algeria
| | - S Zenia
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, RABIE BOUCHAMA, Preclinical Departement Alger, Algeria
| | - T Idres
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, RABIE BOUCHAMA, Preclinical Departement Alger, Algeria
| | - P E Fournier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, Marseille, France
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8
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Welch JL, Branan M, Urie N, Shrestha R, Wiedenheft A, Marshall K, Robbe-Austerman S, Shanmuganatham KK. Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in domestic goat does in the United States: Prevalence, distribution, and associated risk factors. Prev Vet Med 2024; 223:106114. [PMID: 38198901 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106114] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii can cause coxiellosis in animals and Q fever in humans. Coxiellosis a consistently underreported infectious disease. The infection can result in reproductive consequences for humans and animals. Ruminants are a reservoir for infection and humans are generally infected via aerosolized secretions, making it a public health concern. Studies of ruminant seroprevalence are generally limited in size and scope. This study determined seroprevalence in a large-scale U.S. population of female goats using serum samples from 7736 does from 24 states. This study identified C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States domestic goat population. Overall, 14.5 % (SE = 2.3) of does were seropositive and 21.0 % (SE = 2.4) of operations had at least 1 seropositive doe. Further, operation demographics and herd management practices associated with seropositivity were as follows: the suspected or confirmed presence of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CL), Johne's disease, or sore mouth in the herd in the previous 3 years, not cleaning or disinfecting the kidding areas or removing aborting does from other does, allowing visitors to access the kidding areas, and a lower percentage of adult goat inventory that were adult bucks or wethers. Furthermore, goat breed was associated with seropositivity. These data show C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States and identify operation and animal characteristics and management practices associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. Together, this information can be used to help limit animal transmission, inform public health measures, and help educate and protect individuals working with goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Welch
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Matthew Branan
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Natalie Urie
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Ram Shrestha
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alyson Wiedenheft
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Katherine Marshall
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Suelee Robbe-Austerman
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Karthik K Shanmuganatham
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
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9
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Diseko LJ, Tsotetsi-Khambule AM, Onyiche TE, Ramatla T, Thekisoe O, Gcebe N. Coxiella burnetii infections from animals and ticks in South Africa: a systematic review. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:19-28. [PMID: 37642820 PMCID: PMC10811037 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic intracellular bacterium that is widely distributed and affects domestic animals, wildlife, humans and non-mammalian species. This systematic review was aimed at synthesizing research findings on C. burnetii in both domestic and wild animals of South Africa. The systematic review protocol was registered with Open Society Foundations of systematic reviews ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8WS ). PRISMA guidelines were followed to collect and evaluate relevant scientific articles published on C. burnetii infecting domestic and wild animals in South Africa. Published articles were sourced from five electronic databases, namely, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect, EBSCO and Scopus. Results showed 11 eligible studies involving four domestic animals, three wild animals and one ectoparasite species from seven provinces across South Africa. The occurrence of C. burnetii infection was high in Ceratotherium simum (white rhinoceros) (53.9%), medium in sheep (29.0%) and low in pigs (0.9%). Limpopo province (26%) had the most recorded infections followed by KwaZulu-Natal (19%) and Free State (3%) had the least reported occurrence of C. burnetii. The current study discovered that there is scarcity of published research on prevalence and distribution of C. burnetii infecting domestic and wild animals in South Africa, and this is of concern as this bacterium is an important zoonotic pathogen of "One Health" importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letlhogonolo J Diseko
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Ana M Tsotetsi-Khambule
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, 1709, South Africa
| | - ThankGod E Onyiche
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Agricultural Research Council-Bacteriology and Zoonotic Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
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10
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Wan W, Zhang S, Zhao M, OuYang X, Yu Y, Xiong X, Zhao N, Jiao J. Lysosomal trafficking regulator restricts intracellular growth of Coxiella burnetii by inhibiting the expansion of Coxiella-containing vacuole and upregulating nos2 expression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1336600. [PMID: 38282619 PMCID: PMC10812120 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1336600] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease typically manifests as a severe flu-illness. After invading into the host cells, C. burnetii delivers effectors to regulate the vesicle trafficking and fusion events to form a large and mature Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV), providing sufficient space and nutrition for its intracellular growth and proliferation. Lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) is a member of the Beige and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (BEACH) family, which regulates the transport of vesicles to lysosomes and regulates TLR signaling pathway, but the effect of LYST on C. burnetii infection is unclear. In this study, a series of experiments has been conducted to investigate the influence of LYST on intracellular growth of C. burnetii. Our results showed that lyst transcription was up-regulated in the host cells after C. burnetii infection, but there is no significant change in lyst expression level after infection with the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS) mutant strain, while CCVs expansion and significantly increasing load of C. burnetii appeared in the host cells with a silenced lyst gene, suggesting LYST inhibits the intracellular proliferation of C. burnetii by reducing CCVs size. Then, the size of CCVs and the load of C. burnetii in the HeLa cells pretreated with E-64d were significantly decreased. In addition, the level of iNOS was decreased significantly in LYST knockout THP-1 cells, which was conducive to the intracellular replication of C. burnetii. This data is consistent with the phenotype of L-NMMA-treated THP-1 cells infected with C. burnetii. Our results revealed that the upregulation of lyst transcription after infection is due to effector secretion of C. burnetii and LYST inhibit the intracellular replication of C. burnetii by reducing the size of CCVs and inducing nos2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Wan
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Mingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan OuYang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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11
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Heinrich F, Rauch J, Bertram F, Kempf VAJ, Besier S, Kuta P, Renné T, Ondruschka B, Püschel K, Tappe D. Seroprevalence of arthropod-borne bacterial infections in homeless individuals in Hamburg in 2020. Infection 2023; 51:1819-1822. [PMID: 37289422 PMCID: PMC10665224 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of homeless people in Germany is steadily increasing. Due to their often precarious living conditions, this specific population may be increasingly exposed to ectoparasites that can transmit various pathogens. To assess the prevalence and thus the risk of such infections, we analyzed the seropositivity of rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia and bartonellosis in homeless individuals. METHODS A total of 147 homeless adults from nine shelters in Hamburg, Germany, were included. The individuals underwent questionnaire-based interviewing, physical examination, and venous blood was drawn between May and June 2020. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies against rickettsiae (Rickettsia typhi and R. conorii), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and bartonellae. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION A very low seroprevalence of R. typhi and F. tularensis infection was found (0-1%), while antibodies against R. conorii and C. burnetii were more common (7% each), followed by a relatively high seroprevalence of 14% for bartonellosis. Q fever seroprevalence was associated with the country of origin, whereas bartonellosis seroprevalence was associated with the duration of homelessness. Preventive measures targeting ectoparasites, especially body lice, should be put in place continuously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Rauch
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Bertram
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control and German Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silke Besier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control and German Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Piotr Kuta
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Redden P, Parker K, Henderson S, Fourie P, Agnew L, Stenos J, Graves S, Govan B, Norton R, Ketheesan N. Q fever - immune responses and novel vaccine strategies. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:1185-1196. [PMID: 37850346 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is an occupational risk for employees of animal industries and is associated with contact with wildlife and domestic animals. Although Q fever infection may be asymptomatic, chronic sequelae such as endocarditis occur in 5% of symptomatic individuals. Disease outcomes may be predicted through measurement of immune correlates. Vaccination is the most efficient method to prevent Q fever. Currently, Q-VAX is the only licenced human vaccine. Q-VAX is highly effective; however, individuals previously exposed to C. burnetii are at risk of adverse reactions. This review examines the immunological responses of acute and chronic Q fever and the efforts to provide a safer and cost-effective Q fever vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Redden
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Kaitland Parker
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Sinead Henderson
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Phillip Fourie
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Linda Agnew
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
- Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Brenda Govan
- College of Public Health, Medicine & Vet Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Robert Norton
- Pathology Queensland, Queensland Health, Townsville Hospital, Queensland, 4814, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Natkunam Ketheesan
- School of Science & Technology, University of New England, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
- Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia
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13
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Anderson MW, Binette P, Richards C, Beare PA, Heinzen RA, Long CM. A simple method for enrichment of phase I Coxiella burnetii. J Microbiol Methods 2023; 211:106787. [PMID: 37453478 PMCID: PMC10529119 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the bacterial causative agent of the zoonosis Q fever. This bacterium undergoes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phase transition similar to Enterobacteriaciae upon in vitro passage. Full-length, phase I C. burnetii LPS is a critical virulence factor and profoundly impacts vaccine-induced immunogenicity; thus, LPS phase is an important consideration in C. burnetii experimentation and Q fever vaccine design. Typically, phase I LPS-expressing organisms are obtained from the tissues of infected experimental animals. In this process, residual phase II LPS-expressing organisms are thought to be cleared by the host immune system. Here, we propose an efficient and non-animal-based method for the enrichment of C. burnetii phase I LPS-expressing bacteria in vitro. We utilize both Vero cell culture to selectively enrich solutions with phase I and intermediate phase LPS-expressing bacteria. This simple and quick method decreases reliance on experimental animals and is a sustainable solution for Q fever diagnostic and vaccine development hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Anderson
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Picabo Binette
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Crystal Richards
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Paul A Beare
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Robert A Heinzen
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Carrie M Long
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
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14
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Osman IO, Caputo A, Pinault L, Mege JL, Levasseur A, Devaux CA. Identification and Characterization of an HtrA Sheddase Produced by Coxiella burnetii. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10904. [PMID: 37446087 PMCID: PMC10342153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310904] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Having previously shown that soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad) is found in sera of Q fever patients and that infection of BeWo cells by C. burnetii leads to modulation of the E-cad/β-cat pathway, our purpose was to identify which sheddase(s) might catalyze the cleavage of E-cad. Here, we searched for a direct mechanism of cleavage initiated by the bacterium itself, assuming the possible synthesis of a sheddase encoded in the genome of C. burnetii or an indirect mechanism based on the activation of a human sheddase. Using a straightforward bioinformatics approach to scan the complete genomes of four laboratory strains of C. burnetii, we demonstrate that C. burnetii encodes a 451 amino acid sheddase (CbHtrA) belonging to the HtrA family that is differently expressed according to the bacterial virulence. An artificial CbHtrA gene (CoxbHtrA) was expressed, and the CoxbHtrA recombinant protein was found to have sheddase activity. We also found evidence that the C. burnetii infection triggers an over-induction of the human HuHtrA gene expression. Finally, we demonstrate that cleavage of E-cad by CoxbHtrA on macrophages-THP-1 cells leads to an M2 polarization of the target cells and the induction of their secretion of IL-10, which "disarms" the target cells and improves C. burnetii replication. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the genome of C. burnetii encodes a functional HtrA sheddase and establishes a link between the HtrA sheddase-induced cleavage of E-cad, the M2 polarization of the target cells and their secretion of IL-10, and the intracellular replication of C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Omar Osman
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI) Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)–Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (I.O.O.)
| | - Aurelia Caputo
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI) Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)–Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (I.O.O.)
| | - Lucile Pinault
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI) Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)–Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (I.O.O.)
| | - Jean-Louis Mege
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI) Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)–Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (I.O.O.)
- Laboratory of Immunology, Assitance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI) Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)–Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (I.O.O.)
| | - Christian A. Devaux
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI) Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)–Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (I.O.O.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 13009 Marseille, France
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15
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Thomas DR, Newton HJ. Complex Signaling Networks Control Coxiella burnetii. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0001323. [PMID: 36847508 PMCID: PMC10029709 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00013-23] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A recent study by S. Wachter, C. L. Larson, K. Virtaneva, K. Kanakabandi, et al. (J Bacteriol 205:e00416-22, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00416-22) utilizes new technologies to examine the role of two-component systems in Coxiella burnetii. This research demonstrates that the zoonotic pathogen C. burnetii mediates complex transcriptional control, throughout different bacterial phases and environmental conditions, with relatively few regulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Thomas
- Infection Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hayley J. Newton
- Infection Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Matthiesen S, Christiansen B, Jahnke R, Zaeck LM, Karger A, Finke S, Franzke K, Knittler MR. TGF-β/IFN-γ Antagonism in Subversion and Self-Defense of Phase II Coxiella burnetii -Infected Dendritic Cells. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0032322. [PMID: 36688662 PMCID: PMC9933720 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00323-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) belong to the first line of innate defense and come into early contact with invading pathogens, including the zoonotic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. However, the pathogen-host cell interactions in C. burnetii-infected DCs, particularly the role of mechanisms of immune subversion beyond virulent phase I lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as the contribution of cellular self-defense strategies, are not understood. Using phase II Coxiella-infected DCs, we show that impairment of DC maturation and MHC I downregulation is caused by autocrine release and action of immunosuppressive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Our study demonstrates that IFN-γ reverses TGF-β impairment of maturation/MHC I presentation in infected DCs and activates bacterial elimination, predominantly by inducing iNOS/NO. Induced NO synthesis strongly affects bacterial growth and infectivity. Moreover, our studies hint that Coxiella-infected DCs might be able to protect themselves from mitotoxic NO by switching from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, thus ensuring survival in self-defense against C. burnetii. Our results provide new insights into DC subversion by Coxiella and the IFN-γ-mediated targeting of C. burnetii during early steps in the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svea Matthiesen
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Bahne Christiansen
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Rico Jahnke
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Luca M. Zaeck
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Axel Karger
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Stefan Finke
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Kati Franzke
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Michael R. Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Isle of Riems, Germany
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17
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Ahmadinezhad M, Mounesan L, Doosti-Irani A, Behzadi MY. The prevalence of Q fever in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Health 2022; 44:e2022097. [PMID: 36317399 PMCID: PMC10396516 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2022097] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Q fever, caused by the bacterium, is a major zoonotic disease around the world. This disease is common in the Eastern Mediterranean region; therefore, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis on its prevalence in humans, animals, and ticks in the Eastern Mediterranean region. METHODS Major Iranian and international databases were searched from 2000 to 2021. We extracted the prevalence of Q fever in blood samples from animals and milk samples from animals, ticks, and humans as the main outcome. We reported the prevalence of seropositivity and molecular positivity as point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS In this review, 112 papers were identified. The overall seroprevalence of Q fever was 22.4% (95% CI, 19.8 to 25.1). The pooled prevalence of Q fever in ticks was 17.5% (95% CI, -1.3 to 36.4). The prevalence was 25.5% (95% CI, 16.1 to 34.9) in humans. The prevalence of Q fever in animal blood samples from goats, sheep, camels, cattle, cats, dogs, horses, and buffalo were 28.1%, 25.1%, 25.0%, 20.1%, 9.8%, 8.4%, 6.5%, and 6.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of Q fever in milk samples of animals was higher in cattle (20.3%) than in sheep (20.0%), goats (16.4%), and camels (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS Coxiella burnetii infections are common in humans and in a wide range of animal species, but they are still not recognized in many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, thus presenting a significant threat to human and animal health in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Ahmadinezhad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Mounesan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Doosti-Irani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Manijeh Yousefi Behzadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
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18
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Souza EARD, André MR, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Q fever and coxiellosis in Brazil: an underestimated disease? A brief review. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2022; 31:e009822. [PMID: 36169506 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022051] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Q fever, caused by the γ-proteobacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonosis of great importance and global impact. This agent has high transmissibility and can spread over long distances via wind, in which a small number of aerosolized particles are needed to infect susceptible hosts. The clinical diagnosis of Q fever is difficult owing to the variety of clinical signs shared with other diseases. In Brazil, studies related to C. burnetii are constantly being conducted, and this review aims to increase the number of approaches already studied, leading to the following question: is Q fever an unknown, neglected disease, or does it have a focal occurrence in certain areas (exotic/rare) in the country?
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Almeida Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCA, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - FMVZ, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Mauricio Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
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19
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Case EDR, Mahapatra S, Hoffpauir CT, Konganti K, Hillhouse AE, Samuel JE, Van Schaik EJ. Primary Murine Macrophages as a Tool for Virulence Factor Discovery in Coxiella burnetii. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0248421. [PMID: 35913176 PMCID: PMC9430109 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02484-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii requires a type IVB secretion system (T4SS) to promote intracellular replication and virulence. We hypothesized that Coxiella employs its T4SS to secrete effectors that enable stealthy colonization of immune cells. To address this, we used RNA sequencing to compare the transcriptional response of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) infected with those of wild-type Coxiella and a T4SS-null mutant at 8 and 24 h postinfection. We found a T4SS-independent upregulation of proinflammatory transcripts which was consistent with a proinflammatory polarization phenotype. Despite this, infected BMDM failed to completely polarize, as evidenced by modest surface expression of CD38 and CD11c, nitrate production, and reduced proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion compared to positive controls. As these BMDM permitted replication of C. burnetii, we employed them to identify T4SS effectors that are essential in the specific cellular context of a primary macrophage. We found five Himar1 transposon mutants in T4SS effectors that had a replication defect in BMDM but not J774A.1 cells. The mutants were also attenuated in a SCID mouse model of infection. Among these candidate virulence factors, we found that CBU1639 contributed to the inhibition of macrophage proinflammatory responses to Coxiella infection. These data demonstrate that while T4SS is dispensable for the stealthy invasion of primary macrophages, Coxiella has evolved multiple T4SS effectors that specifically target macrophage function to proliferate within that specific cellular context. IMPORTANCE Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, preferentially infects macrophages of the respiratory tract when causing human disease. This work describes how primary macrophages respond to C. burnetii at the earliest stages of infection, before bacterial replication. We found that while infected macrophages increase expression of proinflammatory genes after bacterial entry, they fail to activate the accompanying antibacterial functions that might ultimately control the infection. This disconnect between initial response and downstream function was not mediated by the bacterium's type IVB secretion system, suggesting that Coxiella has other virulence factors that dampen host responses early in the infection process. Nevertheless, we were able to identify several type IVB secreted effectors that were specifically required for survival in macrophages and mice. This work is the first to identify type IVB secretion effectors that are specifically required for infection and replication within primary macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saugata Mahapatra
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Caitlyn T. Hoffpauir
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Kranti Konganti
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew E. Hillhouse
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - James E. Samuel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Erin J. Van Schaik
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
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Meletis E, Keshavamurthy R, Singh Dhaliwal BB, Aulakh RS, Dhand N, Kostoulas P. Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of three diagnostic tests for Coxiella burnetii infection in cattle and buffaloes in Punjab (India) using Bayesian latent class analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0254303. [PMID: 35511819 PMCID: PMC9070919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254303] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Q Fever is a zoonotic disease of significant animal and public health concern, caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), an obligate intracellular bacterium. This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and diagnostic specificity (DSp) of three diagnostic methods to diagnose C. burnetii infection in cattle and buffaloes in Punjab, India: an indirect ELISA method applied in serum samples and a trans-Polymerase Chain Reaction (trans-PCR) technique applied in milk samples and genital swabs, using a Bayesian latent class analysis. Conditional independence was assumed between the tests, given (i) the different biological principle of ELISA and trans-PCR and (ii) the fact that the trans-PCR was performed on different tissues. The ELISA method in the serum samples showed the highest DSe of 0.97 (95% Probability Intervals (PIs): 0.93; 0.99) compared to the trans-PCR method applied in milk samples 0.76 (0.63; 0.87) and genital swabs 0.73 (0.58; 0.85). The DSps of all tests were high, with trans-PCR in genital swabs recording the highest DSp of 0.99 (0.98; 1), while the DSp of trans-PCR in milk samples and ELISA in serum samples were 0.97 (0.95; 0.99) and 0.95 (0.93; 0.97) respectively. The study results show that none of the applied tests are perfect, therefore, a testing regimen based on the diagnostic characteristic of the tests may be considered for diagnosis of C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Meletis
- Faculty of Public and One Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Ravikiran Keshavamurthy
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Balbir Bagicha Singh Dhaliwal
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rabinder Singh Aulakh
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Navneet Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Faculty of Public and One Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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21
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Cordsmeier A, Rinkel S, Jeninga M, Schulze-Luehrmann J, Ölke M, Schmid B, Hasler D, Meister G, Häcker G, Petter M, Beare PA, Lührmann A. The Coxiella burnetii T4SS effector protein AnkG hijacks the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex for reprogramming host cell transcription. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010266. [PMID: 35134097 PMCID: PMC8824381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of host cell apoptosis is crucial for survival and replication of several intracellular bacterial pathogens. To interfere with apoptotic pathways, some pathogens use specialized secretion systems to inject bacterial effector proteins into the host cell cytosol. One of these pathogens is the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. In this study, we analyzed the molecular activity of the anti-apoptotic T4SS effector protein AnkG (CBU0781) to understand how C. burnetii manipulates host cell viability. We demonstrate by co- and RNA-immunoprecipitation that AnkG binds to the host cell DExD box RNA helicase 21 (DDX21) as well as to the host cell 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (7SK snRNP) complex, an important regulator of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb). The co-immunoprecipitation of AnkG with DDX21 is probably mediated by salt bridges and is independent of AnkG-7SK snRNP binding, and vice versa. It is known that DDX21 facilitates the release of P-TEFb from the 7SK snRNP complex. Consistent with the documented function of released P-TEFb in RNA Pol II pause release, RNA sequencing experiments confirmed AnkG-mediated transcriptional reprogramming and showed that expression of genes involved in apoptosis, trafficking, and transcription are influenced by AnkG. Importantly, DDX21 and P-TEFb are both essential for AnkG-mediated inhibition of host cell apoptosis, emphasizing the significance of the interaction of AnkG with both, the DDX21 protein and the 7SK RNA. In line with a critical function of AnkG in pathogenesis, the AnkG deletion C. burnetii strain was severely affected in its ability to inhibit host cell apoptosis and to generate a replicative C. burnetii-containing vacuole. In conclusion, the interference with the activity of regulatory host cell RNAs mediated by a bacterial effector protein represent a novel mechanism through which C. burnetii modulates host cell transcription, thereby enhancing permissiveness to bacterial infection. For intracellular replication, Coxiella burnetii depends on a functional type IV secretion system, which is utilized to inject ~150 virulence factors, so called effector proteins, into the host cell cytosol. Activities have only been established for few of them. These effector proteins interfere with vesicular trafficking, autophagy, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and transcription by binding and manipulating the activity of host cell proteins. Here, we report that the C. burnetii T4SS effector protein AnkG (CBU0781, Q83DF6) binds to the host cell DExD box helicase 21 (DDX21) as well as to several host cell RNAs, including the small regulatory 7SK RNA, which is an important regulator of the positive elongation factor b (pTEFb). AnkG interferes with the function of the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (7SK snRNP) complex, leading to significant changes in host cell transcription and ensuring host cell survival. AnkG activity is essential for efficient intracellular replication of C. burnetii and its ability to inhibit apoptosis. In summary, we identified a novel process by which a bacterial effector protein manipulates the host cell for its own benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Cordsmeier
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Rinkel
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Myriam Jeninga
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Schulze-Luehrmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martha Ölke
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schmid
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnik, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniele Hasler
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Georg Häcker
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Petter
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul A. Beare
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Anja Lührmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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22
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Gregory AE, van Schaik EJ, Fratzke AP, Russell-Lodrigue KE, Farris CM, Samuel JE. Soluble antigens derived from Coxiella burnetii elicit protective immunity in three animal models without inducing hypersensitivity. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100461. [PMID: 35028605 PMCID: PMC8714860 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, for which there is no approved vaccine in the United States. A formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine (WCV) from virulent C. burnetii NMI provides single-dose long-lived protection, but concerns remain over vaccine reactogenicity. We therefore sought an alternate approach by purifying native C. burnetii antigens from the clonally derived avirulent NMII strain. A soluble bacterial extract, termed Sol II, elicits high-titer, high-avidity antibodies and induces a CD4 T cell response that confers protection in naive mice. In addition, Sol II protects against pulmonary C. burnetii challenge in three animal models without inducing hypersensitivity. An NMI-derived extract, Sol I, enhances protection further and outperforms the WCV gold standard. Collectively, these data represent a promising approach to design highly effective, non-reactogenic Q fever vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E. Gregory
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Erin J. van Schaik
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Alycia P. Fratzke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Kasi E. Russell-Lodrigue
- Tulane University, School of Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Christina M. Farris
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - James E. Samuel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
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23
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Cadmus S, Salam SP, Adesokan HK, Akporube K, Ola-Daniel F, Awosanya EJ. Seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever infections amongst pastoralists and their cattle herds in Sokoto State, Nigeria. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254530. [PMID: 34283853 PMCID: PMC8291711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis and Q fever are neglected zoonoses of global health importance, with unknown true prevalence in occupationally vulnerable settings, partly due to misdiagnosis for other febrile conditions and poor access to primary health care. We examined the seroprevalence of these diseases and associated factors amongst pastoralists and their cattle in Sokoto State, a hub of cattle and pastoral populations in Nigeria. Serum samples randomly collected from 137 pastoralists and 366 cattle from 27 herds in three selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were analysed for antibodies to Brucella abortus using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBT) and competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA) as well as antibodies to Coxiella burnetti using indirect ELISA. Consenting pastoralists' knowledge, perception and practices about the diseases were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis at p ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Brucellosis adjusted individual seroprevalence were 0.83% (95%CI: 0.04-4.59%) and 0% among pastoralists; 2.28% (95%CI: 1.16-4.43%) and 5.70% (95%CI: 3.68-8.74%) in cattle by RBT and cELISA, respectively. Adjusted herd-level seroprevalence for brucellosis were 23.20% (95%CI: 11.07-42.54%) and 42.00% (95%CI: 25.27-61.11%) by RBT and cELISA, respectively. For Q fever, higher seroprevalence of 62.57% (95%CI: 54.04-70.46%) and 2.98% (95%CI: 1.57-5.58%) were recorded amongst the pastoralists and their cattle, respectively. with adjusted herd-level seroprevalence of 40.36% (95%CI: 22.57-63.17%). The LGAs of sampling were significantly (OR: 0.2; 95%CI: 0.02-1.00) associated with Q fever infection, though marginal. The majority of the pastoralists had poor knowledge, perception and practices towards the diseases. This is the first study establishing the presence of brucellosis and Q fever at the human-animal interface in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The pastoralists' poor knowledge, perception and practices about these diseases are worrisome and are important factors for consideration in disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Cadmus
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Center for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Hezekiah Kehinde Adesokan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kelechi Akporube
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Fiyinfoluwa Ola-Daniel
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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24
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Huang M, Ma J, Jiao J, Li C, Chen L, Zhu Z, Ruan F, Xing L, Zheng X, Fu M, Ma B, Gan C, Mao Y, Zhang C, Sun P, Liu X, Lin Z, Chen L, Lu Z, Zhou D, Wen B, Chen W, Xiong X, Xia J. The epidemic of Q fever in 2018 to 2019 in Zhuhai city of China determined by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009520. [PMID: 34264939 PMCID: PMC8282036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii (Cb). From January 2018 to November 2019, plasma samples from 2,382 patients with acute fever of unknown cause at a hospital in Zhuhai city of China were tested using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Of those tested, 138 patients (5.8%) were diagnosed with Q fever based on the presence of Cb genomic DNA detected by mNGS. Among these, 78 cases (56.5%) presented from Nov 2018 to Mar 2019, suggesting an outbreak of Q fever. 55 cases with detailed clinical information that occurred during the outbreak period were used for further analysis. The vast majority of plasma samples from those Cb-mNGS-positive patients were positive in a Cb-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 38) and/or indirect immunofluorescence assay (n = 26). Mobile phone tracing data was used to define the area of infection during the outbreak. This suggested the probable infection source was Cb-infected goats and cattle at the only official authorized slaughterhouse in Zhuhai city. Phylogenic analysis based on genomic sequences indicated Cb strains identified in the patients, goat and cattle were formed a single branch, most closely related to the genomic group of Cb dominated by strains isolated from goats. Our study demonstrates Q fever was epidemic in 2018–2019 in Zhuhai city, and this is the first confirmed epidemic of Q fever in a contemporary city in China. Generally, the clinical diagnosis of acute Q fever, which is caused by Coxiella burnetii, is based on serologic methods that detect the presence antibodies produced by the body to fight the infection. However, the lag time between becoming infected and production of antibodies limits early diagnosis using this method. Here, we confirmed an epidemic of human Q fever in Zhuhai, a contemporary city in China, using clinical metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and cell phone location data. Our results indicate that Cb-infected goats and cattle at the only official authorized slaughterhouse in Zhuhai were the likely infection source for the Q fever epidemic. More importantly, we demonstrate that mNGS is a useful tool for rapid and effective public health responses to acute bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Chunna Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Luan Chen
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongyi Zhu
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Ruan
- Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Li Xing
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinchun Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Mengjiao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Binyin Ma
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongjie Gan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuanchen Mao
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongnan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ziliang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
| | - Lu Chen
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Bohai Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Weijun Chen
- BGI PathoGenesis Pharmaceutical Technology, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail: (WJC); (XLX); (JXY)
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dong-Da-Jie Street, Fengtai, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (WJC); (XLX); (JXY)
| | - Jinyu Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai, China
- * E-mail: (WJC); (XLX); (JXY)
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25
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Theonest NO, Carter RW, Kasagama E, Keyyu JD, Shirima GM, Tarimo R, Thomas KM, Wheelhouse N, Maro VP, Haydon DT, Buza JJ, Allan KJ, Halliday JE. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in small mammals from Moshi Rural and Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:960-967. [PMID: 33277971 PMCID: PMC8136964 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease of public health importance. In northern Tanzania, Q fever is a known cause of human febrile illness, but little is known about its distribution in animal hosts. We used a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the insertion element IS1111 to determine the presence and prevalence of C. burnetii infections in small mammals trapped in 12 villages around Moshi Rural and Moshi Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. A total of 382 trapped small mammals of seven species were included in the study; Rattus rattus (n = 317), Mus musculus (n = 44), Mastomys natalensis (n = 8), Acomys wilson (n = 6), Mus minutoides (n = 3), Paraxerus flavovottis (n = 3) and Atelerix albiventris (n = 1). Overall, 12 (3.1%) of 382 (95% CI: 1.6-5.4) small mammal spleens were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in five of seven of the small mammal species trapped; R. rattus (n = 7), M. musculus (n = 1), A. wilson (n = 2), P. flavovottis (n = 1) and A. albiventris (n = 1). Eleven (91.7%) of twelve (95% CI: 61.5-99.8) C. burnetii DNA positive small mammals were trapped within Moshi Urban District. These findings demonstrate that small mammals in Moshi, northern Tanzania are hosts of C. burnetii and may act as a source of C. burnetii infection to humans and other animals. This detection of C. burnetii infections in small mammals should motivate further studies into the contribution of small mammals to the transmission of C. burnetii to humans and animals in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndyetabura O. Theonest
- School of Life Sciences and BioengineeringNelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyArushaTanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research InstituteMoshiTanzania
| | - Ryan W. Carter
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | | | - Gabriel M. Shirima
- School of Life Sciences and BioengineeringNelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyArushaTanzania
| | | | - Kate M. Thomas
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research InstituteMoshiTanzania
- Centre for International HealthDunedin School of MedicineUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied SciencesEdinburgh Napier UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Venance P. Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University CollegeMoshiTanzania
| | - Daniel T. Haydon
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Joram J. Buza
- School of Life Sciences and BioengineeringNelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyArushaTanzania
| | - Kathryn J. Allan
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Jo E.B. Halliday
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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Fratzke AP, Jan S, Felgner J, Liang L, Nakajima R, Jasinskas A, Manna S, Nihesh FN, Maiti S, Albin TJ, Esser-Kahn AP, Davies DH, Samuel JE, Felgner PL, Gregory AE. Subunit Vaccines Using TLR Triagonist Combination Adjuvants Provide Protection Against Coxiella burnetii While Minimizing Reactogenic Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653092. [PMID: 33815413 PMCID: PMC8010241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii, a designated potential agent of bioterrorism because of its route of transmission, resistance to disinfectants, and low infectious dose. The only vaccine licensed for human use is Q-VAX® (Seqirus, licensed in Australia), a formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine, which produces severe local and systemic reactogenic responses in previously sensitized individuals. Accordingly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory bodies around the world, have been reluctant to approve Q-VAX for widespread use. To obviate these adverse reactions, we prepared recombinant protein subunit vaccine candidates containing purified CBU1910, CBU0307, CBU0545, CBU0612, CBU0891, and CBU1398 proteins and TLR triagonist adjuvants. TLR triagonist adjuvants combine different TLR agonists to enhance immune responses to vaccine antigens. We tested both the protective efficacy and reactogenicity of our vaccine candidates in Hartley guinea pigs using intratracheal infection with live C. burnetii. While all of our candidates showed varying degrees of protection during challenge, local reactogenic responses were significantly reduced for one of our vaccine candidates when compared with a formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine. Our findings show that subunit vaccines combined with novel TLR triagonist adjuvants can generate protective immunity to C. burnetii infection while reducing reactogenic responses.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Antigens, Bacterial/genetics
- Antigens, Bacterial/pharmacology
- Antigens, Bacterial/therapeutic use
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Bacterial Vaccines/genetics
- Bacterial Vaccines/pharmacology
- Bacterial Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Coxiella burnetii/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Guinea Pigs
- Humans
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Q Fever/immunology
- Q Fever/microbiology
- Q Fever/prevention & control
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology
- Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use
- Toll-Like Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vaccines, Subunit/genetics
- Vaccines, Subunit/pharmacology
- Vaccines, Subunit/therapeutic use
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/pharmacology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycia P. Fratzke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Sharon Jan
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jiin Felgner
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Li Liang
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rie Nakajima
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Algis Jasinskas
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Saikat Manna
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fnu N. Nihesh
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sampa Maiti
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tyler J. Albin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Aaron P. Esser-Kahn
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - D. Huw Davies
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - James E. Samuel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Philip L. Felgner
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Anthony E. Gregory
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Buijs SB, Stuart SK, Oosterheert JJ, Karhof S, Hoepelman AIM, Renders NHM, van Petersen AS, Bleeker-Rovers CP, Wever PC, Koning OHJ. Long-term serological follow-up after primary Coxiella burnetii infection in patients with vascular risk factors for chronic Q fever. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 40:1569-1572. [PMID: 33566203 PMCID: PMC8205920 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04179-5] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the long-term serological follow-up of patients with vascular risk factors for chronic Q fever that were previously Coxiella burnetii seropositive. C. burnetii phase I IgG titers were reevaluated in patients that gave informed consent or retrospectively collected in patients already deceased or lost to follow-up. Of 107 patients, 25 (23.4%) became seronegative, 77 (72.0%) retained a profile of past resolved Q fever infection, and five (4.7%) developed chronic Q fever. We urge clinicians to stay vigilant for chronic Q fever beyond two years after primary infection and perform serological testing based on clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila B Buijs
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanne K Stuart
- Department of Surgery, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Jelrik Oosterheert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steffi Karhof
- Department of Surgery, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Andy I M Hoepelman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole H M Renders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chantal P Bleeker-Rovers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Radboud Expert Centre for Q Fever, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Wever
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier H J Koning
- Department of Surgery, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
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Iqbal MZ, Durrani AZ, Khan JA, Ahmad N, Usman M, Jabbar A, Khan A, Usman S, Anjum A, Husnain M. Molecular epidemiology of Coxiella Brunetii in small ruminants in Punjab, Pakistan: a novel reporting analytical cross sectional study. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:68. [PMID: 33394174 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02496-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular zoonotic bacterium, causes query (Q) fever in ruminants. Its role has never been elucidated in small ruminants from Pakistan. The current study is designed to (a) determine the prevalence of coxiellosis in small ruminants, (b) evaluate the association of various potential risk factors and biomarkers in the occurrence of Coxiella burnetii, (c) and determine phylogeny and genetic variability of its various isolates identified during the study. For this purpose, 320 blood samples from sheep (n = 160) and goats (n = 160) were collected from 9 Union Councils of district Kasur, Punjab, and processed for DNA extraction. C. burnetii was confirmed by amplification of IS1111 transposase gene with an amplicon size of 294 bp. The results showed that the overall positive percentage of C. burnetii is 36.87% (sheep: 46.9% and goats: 30%). The phylogenetic tree was also constructed which described the possible origin of this pathogen from environment. Besides, after translation into amino acid, the resultant alignment showed several unique changes at position numbers 18 and 27 in the isolates from goats and at 27 and 66 from those of sheep. These mutations can have major impact on the infectious characteristics of this pathogen. Furthermore, different potential risk factors and clinical biomarkers like age, tick infestation, abortion, mastitis, and infertility were also studied and found that these are significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of coxiellosis. It is concluded from the study that C. burnetii is endemic in small ruminants in Punjab, Pakistan. The outcomes of this study are alarming for scientific community as well as for policy makers because coxiellosis is an emerging threat to both humans and animals in this region due to its interspecies transmission ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aneela Zameer Durrani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Ali Khan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nisar Ahmad
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Khan
- Department of Public Health/Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Saba Usman
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Anjum
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Husnain
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Kilicoglu Y, Cagirgan AA, Serdar G, Kaya S, Durmaz Y, Gur Y. Molecular investigation, isolation and phylogenetic analsysis of Coxiella burnetii from aborted fetus and ticks. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101571. [PMID: 33129174 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101571] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic infection threatening human health, causing abortions in cattle, sheep and goats. Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) also causes serious problems such as low birth weight, infertility. This study is the first exemplary for analysis of Q fever around Black Sea region in Turkey. In the study, a total of 270 aborted fetuses (171 cattle, 79 sheep, 20 goats) and 1069 tick samples were aimed to be searched by PCR method. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 8 (2.96 %) of 270 sheep specimens while it could not be found in cattle and goat specimens. 406 sample pools were created from 1069 tick samples (490 male, 579 female) collected from 254 farm animals (187 cattle, 54 sheep, 13 goats) and 11 of these were stated positive. Tick species determined as C. burnetii positive were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anoliticum excavatum, Hyalomma detritum and Boophilus annulatus. Agent isolation was carried out within embryonated eggs. Agents were stained with Giemsa and was showed. Sequence analysis was performed for TUR/SAM/coxiella_1 (MN917207) isolate and phylogenetic tree was created. This tree, created in compliance with IS1111 transposon gene, did not form different branches in regard to host affiliation (goat, sheep, tick, human) and geographical distribution. As a result, an important zoonotic agent, C. burnetii was diagnosed in sheep aborted fetuses and the infection was proved to have spread among sheep herds in Black Sea region. Besides, 4 separate tick species found in our region hosted the agent and were found important for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Kilicoglu
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey.
| | | | - Gulnur Serdar
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
| | - Selma Kaya
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
| | - Yuksel Durmaz
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
| | - Yunus Gur
- Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun, 55200, Turkey
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30
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Dhaka P, Malik SVS, Yadav JP, Kumar M, Barbuddhe SB, Rawool DB. Apparent prevalence and risk factors of coxiellosis (Q fever) among dairy herds in India. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239260. [PMID: 32931511 PMCID: PMC7491716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious zoonotic pathogen infecting wide range of mammals, including humans. In the present study, a total of 711 blood samples from bovines [cattle (n = 543) and buffaloes (n = 168)] from eight farms at different geographical locations in India were screened for C. burnetii targeting the IS1111 and the com1 genes. The anti-C. burnetii antibodies in serum samples were detected using indirect-ELISA kits. Also, a total of 21 parameters pertaining to animal health and farm management were identified to assess their role as possible risk factors for coxiellosis among the targeted farms. The apparent prevalence (positive for PCR and/or ELISA) for coxiellosis was reported to be 24.5% in cattle and 8.9% in buffaloes. In cattle, the detection rate of C. burnetii employing the IS1111 gene (8.5%) was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to the com1 (6.5%) gene. The seropositivity by ELISA was higher among cattle (17.7%) than in buffaloes (8.3%). Further, on univariable analysis of risk factors, species (cattle) (OR:3.31; 95%CI:1.88–5.82), inadequate floor spacing (OR:1.64; 95%CI:1.10–2.43), mastitis (OR:2.35, 95%CI:1.45–3.81) and reproductive disorders (OR:2.54; 95%CI:1.67–3.85) were significantly (p<0.05) having high odds for coxiellosis. The multivariable logistic regression analysis of the animal level risk factors revealed that species and age were found to be significantly associated with coxiellosis. However, since the number of screened farms is limited; further research is needed with a higher number of animals to confirm the farm level odds ratio of risk factors. Quarantine and biosecurity measures including farm hygiene operations were observed to be inadequate and also the lack of awareness about coxiellosis among the farm workers. In absence of vaccination program for coxiellosis in India, robust surveillance, farm biosecurity measures and the awareness for the disease among risk groups can play an important role in the disease prevention and subsequent transmission of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Dhaka
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Satya Veer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Jay Prakash Yadav
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Manesh Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | | | - Deepak B. Rawool
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
- * E-mail:
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de Oliveira GMB, da Silva IWG, da Cruz Ferreira Evaristo AM, de Azevedo Serpa MC, Silva Campos AN, Dutra V, Nakazato L, de Aguiar DM, Bahia Labruna M, Horta MC. Tick-borne pathogens in dogs, wild small mammals and their ectoparasites in the semi-arid Caatinga biome, northeastern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101409. [PMID: 32111546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101409] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Caatinga is a biome exclusive to the semiarid zone of Brazil, where studies on ticks and tick-borne diseases are scarce. Herein, we investigated the occurrence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Coxiella in wild mammals, domestic dogs and their ectoparasites using molecular and serological techniques. During 2014-2016, blood samples and ectoparasites were collected from 70 small mammals (51 rodents, 18 marsupials, 1 wild canid) and 147 domestic dogs in three areas of the Caatinga. Through serological analyses of domestic dogs of the three areas, 8 to 11 % were seropositive for Rickettsia rickettsii, 9 to 37 % for Rickettsia amblyommatis, 61 to 75 % for Ehrlichia canis, and 0-5% for Coxiella burnetii. All wild mammals were seronegative for Rickettsia spp. and C. burnetii, except for one rodent (Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos) and one marsupial (Didelphis albiventris) that were seroreactive to C. burnetii, one wild canid (Cerdocyon thous) for R. amblyommatis, and two Rattus rattus for Rickettsia spp. Through PCR targeting DNA of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia or Coxiella, all blood samples were negative, except for the presence of Ehrlichia canis DNA in 8.8 % of the domestic dogs, and a recently reported novel agent, Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal, in one marsupial (Gracilinanus agilis). A total of 222 ticks, 84 fleas, and six lice were collected. Ticks were mostly Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, some Ixodes loricatus, Ornithodoros rietcorreai, Haemaphysalis sp., and Amblyomma spp.; fleas were Ctenocephalides felis felis, Pulex sp. and Polygenis (Polygenis) bohlsi jordani; and lice were Polyplax sp. and Gyropus sp. Through molecular detection of microorganisms, 9% of C. felis felis contained Rickettsia felis, 20 % of A. auricularium contained R. amblyommatis and 13 % of A. parvum contained 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', whereas Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in at least 6% of the R. sanguineus s.l. from one area. We report a variety of ectoparasites infesting small mammals and domestic dogs in the Caatinga biome, where these ectoparasites probably act as vectors of rickettsiae, ehrlichial agents (E. canis and Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal) and C. burnetii. Our results highlight to the potential risks of human infection by these tick-borne agents in the Caatinga biome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glauber Meneses Barboza de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Ivo Wesley Gomes da Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Amanda Noeli Silva Campos
- Faculdade de Agronomia, Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Valeria Dutra
- Faculdade de Agronomia, Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Luciano Nakazato
- Faculdade de Agronomia, Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Faculdade de Agronomia, Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil.
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Kuba M, Neha N, Newton P, Lee YW, Bennett-Wood V, Hachani A, De Souza DP, Nijagal B, Dayalan S, Tull D, McConville MJ, Sansom FM, Newton HJ. EirA Is a Novel Protein Essential for Intracellular Replication of Coxiella burnetii. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00913-19. [PMID: 32205404 PMCID: PMC7240097 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00913-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a febrile illness which can cause a serious chronic infection. C. burnetii is a unique intracellular bacterium which replicates within host lysosome-derived vacuoles. The ability of C. burnetii to replicate within this normally hostile compartment is dependent on the activity of the Dot/Icm type 4B secretion system. In a previous study, a transposon mutagenesis screen suggested that the disruption of the gene encoding the novel protein CBU2072 rendered C. burnetii incapable of intracellular replication. This protein, subsequently named EirA (essential for intracellular replication A), is indispensable for intracellular replication and virulence, as demonstrated by infection of human cell lines and in vivo infection of Galleria mellonella The putative N-terminal signal peptide is essential for protein function but is not required for localization of EirA to the bacterial inner membrane compartment and axenic culture supernatant. In the absence of EirA, C. burnetii remains viable but nonreplicative within the host phagolysosome, as coinfection with C. burnetii expressing native EirA rescues the replicative defect in the mutant strain. In addition, while the bacterial ultrastructure appears to be intact, there is an altered metabolic profile shift in the absence of EirA, suggesting that EirA may impact overall metabolism. Most strikingly, in the absence of EirA, Dot/Icm effector translocation was inhibited even when EirA-deficient C. burnetii replicated in the wild type (WT)-supported Coxiella containing vacuoles. EirA may therefore have a novel role in the control of Dot/Icm activity and represent an important new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miku Kuba
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nitika Neha
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrice Newton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yi Wei Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicki Bennett-Wood
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abderrahman Hachani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David P De Souza
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brunda Nijagal
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Saravanan Dayalan
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dedreia Tull
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm J McConville
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona M Sansom
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hayley J Newton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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33
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Ly TDA, Louni M, Hoang VT, Dao TL, Badiaga S, Brouqui P, Tissot-Dupont H, Raoult D, Fournier PE, Gautret P. Epidemiological serosurvey of vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens among homeless people living in shelters in Marseille: cross-sectional one-day surveys (2005-2015). Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1663-1672. [PMID: 32318966 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Homeless people are often exposed to unhygienic environments as well as to animals carrying arthropods which both transmit zoonotic infections and human louse-borne pathogens. We attempted to determine the prevalence of antibodies against several vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens among homeless adults living in Marseille. During the 2005-2015 period, we collected sera samples from 821 homeless adults living in shelters. Antibodies against Bartonella quintana, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia recurrentis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis (with a cut-off of 1:100), Rickettsia akari, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia prowazekii, and Rickettsia typhi (with a cut-off of 1:64) were searched by microimmunofluorescence (MIF). MIF-positive serum samples were confirmed by cross-adsorption to characterise cross-reacting antigens and immunoblotting. Positive sera by Western blot were further tested using qPCR. We evidenced a prevalence of 4.9% seroreactivity to at least one pathogen including phase II C. burnetii (2.1%), B. quintana (1.7%), R. conorii (0.4%), R. prowazekii (0.4%), R. typhi (0.1%), B. recurrentis (0.1%), and F. tularensis (0.1%). No DNA from any pathogens was detected. A comparison with studies conducted prior to the 2000-2003 period showed a decrease in the overall seroprevalence of several vector-borne and zoonotic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Duc Anh Ly
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Van Thuan Hoang
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Family Medicine Department, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, Vietnam
| | - Thi Loi Dao
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Pneumology Department, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, Vietnam
| | - Sekene Badiaga
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, Service des urgences CHU Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Phillipe Brouqui
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Tissot-Dupont
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Vial G, Issa N, Carcaud C, Constans J, Camou F. Infectious aortitis mimicking Takayasu disease. J Med Vasc 2020; 45:93-95. [PMID: 32265023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmv.2020.01.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Vial
- Intensive care unit, Saint André Hospital, 1, rue Jean-Burguet, 33075 Bordeaux cedex, France.
| | - N Issa
- Intensive care unit, Saint André Hospital, 1, rue Jean-Burguet, 33075 Bordeaux cedex, France
| | - C Carcaud
- Vascular medicine department, Saint André Hospital, 1, rue Jean-Burguet, 33075 Bordeaux cedex, France
| | - J Constans
- Vascular medicine department, Saint André Hospital, 1, rue Jean-Burguet, 33075 Bordeaux cedex, France
| | - F Camou
- Intensive care unit, Saint André Hospital, 1, rue Jean-Burguet, 33075 Bordeaux cedex, France
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Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever. This unique pathogen has been historically challenging to study due to obstacles in genetically manipulating the organism and the inability of small animal models to fully mimic human Q fever. Here, we review the current state of C. burnetii research, highlighting new approaches that allow the mechanistic study of infection in disease relevant settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Dragan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Daniel E Voth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
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Bártová E, Kučerová HL, Žákovská A, Budíková M, Nejezchlebová H. Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in wild small mammals from the Czech Republic. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101350. [PMID: 31848075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodents are an important source of the tick-borne pathogens Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of antibodies and possible coexistence of these pathogens in wild small mammals from three localities in the Czech Republic. A total of 614 wild small mammals (324 Apodemus flavicollis, 145 Myodes glareolus, 50 Sorex araneus, 48 A. sylvaticus, 40 A. agrarius, six Microtus arvalis and one Talpa europaea) were trapped between 2012 and 2015. Their sera or heart extracts were examined by modified indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis in 12 % and 7 % of animals, respectively; coinfection was identified in 4.4 % of animals. The prevalence of C. burnetii and F. tularensis antibodies statistically differed according to animal species and sex (p < 0.05); the seroprevalence of C. burnetii (p < 0.05) also differed in the sampling period. The highest prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis was detected in the case of M. glareolus (24 % and 14 %, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bártová
- University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Lya Kučerová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Žákovská
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic; Masaryk University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Budíková
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Nejezchlebová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Comparative Animal Physiology and General Zoology, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
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González J, González MG, Valcárcel F, Sánchez M, Martín-Hernández R, Tercero JM, Olmeda AS. Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae) Infection Among Wildlife Species and the Tick Hyalomma lusitanicum (Acari: Ixodidae) in a Meso-Mediterranean Ecosystem. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:551-556. [PMID: 31589748 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii (Derrick) Philip. It is a major cause of abortion among sheep and may be responsible for reproductive losses in red deer in Spain. Airborne transmission is the most widespread; however, some studies suggested that ticks may play a role, but little is known about their actual involvement in the C. burnetii cycle. The aim of this study was to determine the role that Hyalomma lusitanicum (Koch) tick plays in the maintenance of this agent among wildlife in the meso-Mediterranean areas. We processed by PCR 53 swabs from wild rabbits, 21 liver samples from red deer, and 236 ticks collected at different stages. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in 43.40% of wild rabbits and 38.09% of red deer, supporting the hypothesis that these animals are quite likely to serve as a reservoir in the field. We also found a high prevalence of C. burnetii in ticks (55.66%). It is worth noting that 50.45% of positive ticks were collected from negative hosts, suggesting that the pathogen probably was acquired at a previous tick stage. Our results suggest transstadial transmission, and the presence of bacterial DNA in the offspring of positive female ticks is the first evidence of the transovarial transmission of C. burnetii by H. lusitanicum. Thus, this tick species seems to play an important role as a bridge of infection in the wildlife cycle, although further studies are needed to confirm vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marta G González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Sánchez
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - A Sonia Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Q fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is recognised as an occupational hazard for individuals who are in regular contact with animal birth products. Data from the literature are not comparable because different serological assays perform very differently in detecting past infections. It is therefore essential to choose the right assay for obtaining reliable data of seroprevalence. Obstetricians are another profession potentially at risk of Q fever. They can be infected from birth products of women with Q fever during pregnancy. There is little data, however, for Q fever in this occupational group. Our study therefore had two purposes. The first was to obtain reliable seroprevalence data for occupational groups in regular contact with animal birth products by using an assay with proven excellent sensitivity and specificity for detecting past infections. The second purpose was to obtain primary data for obstetricians. DESIGN We carried out a cross-sectional study. SETTING The study included shepherds, cattle farmers, veterinarians and obstetricians from Thuringia. PARTICIPANTS 77 shepherds, 74 veterinarians, 14 cattle farmers, 17 office employees and 68 obstetricians participated. The control group consisted of 92 blood donors. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE The primary outcome measure was C. burnetii phase II specific IgG. The assay used was evaluated for this purpose in a previous study. RESULTS Of the 250 blood samples we analysed, the very highest seroprevalences (64%-77%) occurred in individuals with frequent animal contact. There were no significant differences between shepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians. The seroprevalence in people working in administration was lower but still significantly greater than the control. No obstetricians or midwives tested positive. CONCLUSIONS Shepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians have a high risk of C. burnetii infection. However, our study clearly proves that there was no increased risk for people working in an obstetric department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Groten
- Department of Obstetrics, Universitätsklinikum Jena (University Hospital Jena), Jena, Germany
| | - Karola Kuenzer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Jena (University Hospital Jena), Jena, Thüringen, Germany
| | - Udo Moog
- Thuringian Animal Health Service, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Katrin Maier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Jena (University Hospital Jena), Jena, Thüringen, Germany
| | - Katharina Boden
- Dianovis GmbH, Greiz, Germany
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Universitätsklinikum (University Hospital) Jena, Jena, Germany
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Krumova S, Pavlova A, Yotovska K, Genova-Kalou P. Combined Laboratory Approach to Detection of Parvovirus B19 and Coxiella Burnetii in Patients with Fever of Unknown Origin. Clin Lab 2019; 65. [PMID: 30775894 DOI: 10.7754/clin.lab.2018.180617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is one of the greatest challenges for clinicians and patients. There are more than 200 etiological agents of FUO, among these the most common is the role of infection, neoplasms, and diseases of connective tissue. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of the infectious agents parvovirus B19 (B19V) and Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in the development of fever of unknown origin by a set of immunoenzymatic and molecular methods. METHODS The present study included a total of 70 adult patients diagnosed with FUO and hospitalized in Bulgarian Hospitals. A control group of 26 healthy people were also included. Serological (indirect enzyme immunoassay test for detection of B19V and C. burnetii Ph. II specific IgM/IgG) and molecular (extraction and detection of infectious nucleic acids) methods were used. RESULTS From all patients with FUO, a positive result for B19V-IgM was obtained in 18/70 (25.71%, 95% CI: 15.47 - 35.95) and the highest percentage was found in age groups 0 - 9 and 10 - 19 years. Protective B19V immunity and past viral infection was reported in 41/70 (58.57%, 95% CI: 47.03 - 70.11), and this percentage corresponded with the control group 16/26 (61.54%, 95% CI: 42.84 - 80.24). Anti-C. burnetii Ph. II-IgM was demonstrated in 13/70 (18.57%, 95% CI: 9.46 - 27.68). A relatively high percentage of affected patients were ≤ 40 years. Anti-C. burnetii Ph. II-IgG was detected in 24/70 (34.29%, 95% CI: 23.17 - 45.41). The control group has a 100% negative result for acute B19V and C. burnetii infection. A positive B19V-DNA result was obtained in 12/70 (17.14%, 95% CI: 8.31 - 25.97) patients. In 11/12 (91.67%) it was in combination with positive B19V-IgM marker. Of the total 70 sera tested, a positive PCR results for C. burnetii-DNA were obtained in 11 (15.71%, 95% CI: 7.18 - 24.24). According to clinical manifestation and concomitant symptoms, a high percentage of B19V and C. burnetii positives were associated with FUO and fever, headache, chills, and rash. CONCLUSIONS It is of particular importance for a correct diagnosis of FUO to use a combined laboratory approach to prove acute or persistent infection and to test for a set of etiological agents.
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Alonso E, Eizaguirre D, Lopez-Etxaniz I, Olaizola JI, Ocabo B, Barandika JF, Jado I, Álvarez-Alonso R, Hurtado A, García-Pérez AL. A Q fever outbreak associated to courier transport of pets. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225605. [PMID: 31765433 PMCID: PMC6876792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
On August 3rd, 2017, a Q fever outbreak alert was issued at a courier company that in addition to urgent freight transport offered pet delivery services. The epidemiological investigation set the exposition period between June 1 and August 8. In this period, 180 workers from two operational platforms for parcel distribution located in two provinces of the Basque Country (Bizkaia and Araba) were exposed; 64 filled a questionnaire and provided blood samples for serological testing, resulting in 10 confirmed cases (15.6%) and six (9.4%) probable cases. Nine workers (8 confirmed and 1 probable) showed Q fever symptoms, including pneumonia (five cases), and required medical care services, including one hospital admission. The attack rate was 25% (16/64), being higher among workers that visited the Bizkaia platform. This suggested that the origin of the outbreak was in the Bizkaia platform, where animals in transit waited at a pet holding site until being moved to their destination. Environmental samples consisting on 19 surface dust and two aerosol samples were collected at the Bizkaia platform to investigate the presence of C. burnetti DNA. All dust samples were positive by real time PCR, the lowest Ct values being found in dust collected at the pet holding facilities, and therefore suggesting that contamination originated at the pet holding site. The genotype identified in dust was SNP1/MST13, one of the most commonly identified genotypes in goats and sheep in the Basque Country. During the exposure period, two deliveries of miniature goats were made, of which only one could be investigated and tested negative. Although the contamination source could not be unequivocally identified, transport of ruminants was banned at the company, and Q fever was included among the occupational-associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Alonso
- Department of Epidemiology, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Gobierno Vasco, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Domingo Eizaguirre
- Department of Epidemiology, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Gobierno Vasco, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Spain
| | - Idoia Lopez-Etxaniz
- Department of Epidemiology, OSALAN-Instituto Vasco de Seguridad y Salud Laborales, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Olaizola
- Department of Epidemiology, OSALAN-Instituto Vasco de Seguridad y Salud Laborales, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Blanca Ocabo
- Department of Agriculture, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesús Felix Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Álvarez-Alonso
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Luisa García-Pérez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Robison A, Snyder DT, Christensen K, Kimmel E, Hajjar AM, Jutila MA, Hedges JF. Expression of human TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 directs an early innate immune response associated with modest increases in bacterial burden during Coxiella burnetii infection. Innate Immun 2019; 25:401-411. [PMID: 31180798 PMCID: PMC6900644 DOI: 10.1177/1753425919855420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human TLR4 (hTLR4) and mouse TLR4 molecules respond differently to hypo-acylated LPS. The LPS of Coxiella burnetii is hypo-acylated and heavily glycosylated and causes a minimal response by human cells. Thus, we hypothesized that mice expressing hTLR4 molecules would be more susceptible to C. burnetii infection. Our results show that transgenic mice expressing hTLR4 and the human myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) adaptor protein (hTLR4/MD-2) respond similarly to wild type mice with respect to overall disease course. However, differences in bacterial burdens in tissues were noted, and lung pathology was increased in hTLR4/MD2 compared to wild type mice. Surprisingly, bone marrow chimera experiments indicated that hTLR4/MD-2 expression on non-hematopoietic cells, rather than the target cells for C. burnetii infection, accounted for increased bacterial burden. Early during infection, cytokines involved in myeloid cell recruitment were detected in the plasma of hTLR4/MD2 mice but not wild type mice. This restricted cytokine response was accompanied by neutrophil recruitment to the lung in hTLR4/MD2 mice. These data suggest that hTLR4/MD-2 alters early responses during C. burnetii infection. These early responses are precursors to later increased bacterial burdens and exacerbated pathology in the lung. Our data suggest an unexpected role for hTLR4/MD-2 in non-hematopoietic cells during C. burnetii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, USA
| | - Deann T Snyder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, USA
| | - Kelly Christensen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, USA
| | - Emily Kimmel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, USA
| | - Adeline M Hajjar
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, USA
| | - Mark A Jutila
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, USA
| | - Jodi F Hedges
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, USA
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Abstract
In 1993, I reported that Coxiella burnetii transforms human B cells into hairy cells (cbHCs), the first hairy cell reported outside of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Over last few decades, advances in molecular biology have provided evidence supporting that C. burnetii induces hairiness and inhibits the apoptosis of host cells. The present review summarizes new information in support of cbHC. C. burnetii was shown to induce reorganization of the cytoskeleton and to inhibit apoptosis in host cells. Peritoneal B1a cells were found to be permissive for virulent C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) strains in mice. C. burnetii severely impaired E-cad expression in circulating cells of Q fever patients. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma was linked to C. burnetii. Mutation of BRAF V600E was pronounced in HCL, but "hairiness" was not linked to the mutation. Risk factors shared among coxiellosis and HCL in humans and animals were reported in patients with Q-fever. Accordingly, I propose that C. burnetii induces reorganization of the cytoskeleton and inhibits apoptosis as cytopathic effects that are not target cell specific. The observed hairiness in cbHC appears to be a fixed image of dynamic nature, and hairy cells in HCL are distinct among lymphoid cells in circulation. As the cytoskeleton plays key roles in maintaining cell structural integrity in health and disease, the pathophysiology of similar cytopathic effects should be addressed in other diseases, such as myopathies, B-cell dyscrasias, and autoimmune syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Young Lee
- Emeritus Professor, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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de Lange MMA, Scheepmaker A, van der Hoek W, Leclercq M, Schneeberger PM. Risk of chronic Q fever in patients with cardiac valvulopathy, seven years after a large epidemic in the Netherlands. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221247. [PMID: 31437175 PMCID: PMC6705838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2007 through 2010, a large epidemic of acute Q fever occurred in the Netherlands. Patients with cardiac valvulopathy are at high risk to develop chronic Q fever after an acute infection. This patient group was not routinely screened, so it is unknown whether all their chronic infections were diagnosed. This study aims to investigate how many chronic Q fever patients can be identified by routinely screening patients with valvulopathy and to establish whether the policy of not screening should be changed. METHODS In a cross-sectional study (2016-2017) in a hospital at the epicentre of the Q fever epidemic, a blood sample was taken from patients 18 years and older who presented with cardiac valvulopathy. The sample was tested for IgG antibodies against phase I and II of Coxiella burnetii using an immunofluorescence assay. An IgG phase II titre of ≥1:64 was considered serological evidence of a previous Q fever infection. An IgG phase I titre of ≥1:512 was considered suspicious for a chronic infection, and these patients were referred for medical examination. RESULTS Of the 904 included patients, 133 (15%) had evidence of a previous C. burnetii infection, of whom 6 (5%) had a chronic infection on medical examination. CONCLUSIONS In a group of high-risk patients with a heart valve defect, we diagnosed new chronic Q fever infections seven years after the epidemic, emphasizing the need for screening of this group to prevent complications in those not yet diagnosed in epidemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit M. A. de Lange
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Arko Scheepmaker
- Department of Cardiology, Bernhoven Hospital, Uden, the Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Monique Leclercq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bernhoven Hospital, Uden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M. Schneeberger
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
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Chen C, van Schaik EJ, Gregory AE, Vigil A, Felgner PL, Hendrix LR, Faris R, Samuel JE. Chemokine Receptor 7 Is Essential for Coxiella burnetii Whole-Cell Vaccine-Induced Cellular Immunity but Dispensable for Vaccine-Mediated Protective Immunity. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:624-634. [PMID: 30938819 PMCID: PMC6639598 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz146] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protective immunity against Coxiella burnetii infection is conferred by vaccination with virulent (PI-WCV), but not avirulent (PII-WCV) whole-cell inactivated bacterium. The only well-characterized antigenic difference between virulent and avirulent C. burnetii is they have smooth and rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. METHODS Mice were vaccinated with PI-WCV and PII-WCV. Humoral and cellular responses were evaluated using protein chip microarrays and ELISpots, respectively. Dendritic cell (DC) maturation after stimulation with PI-WVC and PII-WVC was evaluated using flow cytometry. Vaccine-challenge studies were performed to validate the importance of the receptor CCR7. RESULTS Other than specific antibody response to PI-LPS, similar antibody profiles were observed but IgG titers were significantly higher after vaccination with PI-WCV. Furthermore, higher frequency of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells was detected in mice immunized with PI-WCV. PI-WCV-stimulated DCs displayed significantly higher levels of CCR7 and migratory ability to secondary lymphoid organs. Challenge-protection studies in wild-type and CCR7-deficient mice confirmed that CCR7 is critical for PI-WCV-induced cellular immunity. CONCLUSIONS PI-WVC stimulates protective immunity to C. burnetii in mice through stimulation of migratory behavior in DCs for protective cellular immunity. Additionally, the humoral immune response to LPS is an important component of protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan
| | - Erin J van Schaik
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan
| | - Anthony E Gregory
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan
| | - Adam Vigil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Irvine
| | - Phillip L Felgner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Irvine
| | - Laura R Hendrix
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan
| | - Robert Faris
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan
| | - James E Samuel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan
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Esmaeili S, Mohabati Mobarez A, Khalili M, Mostafavi E. High prevalence and risk factors of Coxiella burnetii in milk of dairy animals with a history of abortion in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 63:127-130. [PMID: 30961807 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is causative agent of Q fever, which is a public health problem in most countries. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence rate of C. burnetii in raw milk of dairy animals in Iran with previous history of abortion. In this survey, milk samples were collected from different dairy animals with history of abortion from Qom province (center of Iran). Samples were tested by Nested PCR and Real-time PCR for detection of IS1111 gene of C. burnetii. In total, 34.92% (44 of 126) milk samples were positive for C. burnetii. Prevalence of C. burnetii in cattle, sheep and goat milk was 33.33%, 35.71% and 35.71%, respectively. Age was a significant risk factor for shedding of C. burnetii in cattle (P = 0.02) and goat (P = 0.05). Shedding of C. burnetii was high prevalence in milk of dairy animals with history of abortion in Iran. The high prevalence of this bacterium in milk (especially in animals with history of abortion) indicates that Excreted by milk as a potential source to spread of infection in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohabati Mobarez
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
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Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes acute and chronic Q fever. C. burnetii grows within a eukaryotic host cell in a vacuole highly similar to a phagolysosome. Found worldwide, this environmentally stable pathogen is maintained in nature via chronic infection of ruminants. Aerosol-mediated infection of humans results in infection and usurpation of alveolar macrophages through mechanisms using a bacterial Type 4B Secretion System and secreted effector proteins. Advances in axenic culture and genetic systems are changing our understanding of the pathogen's physiology and intimate molecular manipulations of host cells during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward I. Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Daniel E. Voth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Bitew MA, Khoo CA, Neha N, De Souza DP, Tull D, Wawegama NK, Newton HJ, Sansom FM. De novo NAD synthesis is required for intracellular replication of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of the neglected zoonotic disease Q fever. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:18636-18645. [PMID: 30315113 PMCID: PMC6290155 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the important zoonotic disease Q fever. Improved genetic tools and the ability to grow this bacterium in host cell-free media has advanced the study of C. burnetii pathogenesis, but the mechanisms that allow it to survive inside the hostile phagolysosome remain incompletely understood. Previous screening of a transposon mutant library for replication within HeLa cells has suggested that nadB, encoding a putative l-aspartate oxidase required for de novo NAD synthesis, is needed for intracellular replication. Here, using genetic complementation of two independent nadB mutants and intracellular replication assays, we confirmed this finding. Untargeted metabolite analyses demonstrated key changes in metabolites in the NAD biosynthetic pathway in the nadB mutant compared with the WT, confirming the involvement of NadB in de novo NAD synthesis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of a functionally conserved arginine residue at position 275. Using site-directed mutagenesis to substitute this residue with leucine, which abolishes the activity of Escherichia coli NadB, and expression of WT and R275L GST-NadB fusion proteins in E. coli JM109, we found that purified recombinant WT GST-NadB has l-aspartate oxidase activity and that the R275L NadB variant is inactive. Complementation of the C. burnetii nadB mutant with a plasmid expressing this inactive R275L NadB failed to restore replication to WT levels, confirming the link between de novo NAD synthesis and intracellular replication of C. burnetii This suggests that targeting this prokaryotic-specific pathway could advance the development of therapeutics to combat C. burnetii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mebratu A Bitew
- From the Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School and
| | - Chen Ai Khoo
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Nitika Neha
- From the Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School and
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia and
| | - David P De Souza
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia and
| | - Dedreia Tull
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia and
| | - Nadeeka K Wawegama
- From the Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School and
| | - Hayley J Newton
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Fiona M Sansom
- From the Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School and
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48
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Zúniga-Navarrete F, Flores-Ramirez G, Quevedo-Díaz M, Škultéty L. Counting of viable C. burnetii cells by quantitative reverse transcription PCR using a recombinant plasmid (pCB-dotA) as a standard. Acta Virol 2018; 62:409-414. [PMID: 30472871 DOI: 10.4149/av_2018_409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular pathogenic bacterium and etiological agent of Q fever in humans. Recently, the bacterium has been set free from the strictly intracellular condition by successful cultivation in acidified citrate cysteine medium. Here, we report a bacterial cell counting method that allows rapid quantification of the absolute or relative number of live cells of C. burnetii in a high throughput manner. The method utilizes TaqMan-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting a single dotA gene for determination of genome equivalent (GE) presented either as DNA or complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesized via reverse transcription. The assay was shown to be specific, sensitive and efficiently reproducible. The quantification was linear over a range of 30 to 3x108 copies. Since there is only one copy of the dotA gene per Coxiella chromosome, the calculated dotA copy numbers can be compared to the number of bacterial cells. Finally, we demonstrated the potential of the method to assess effects of antibiotic on cell viability and to determine the antibiotic-tolerant fraction within a cell population. Keywords: Coxiella burnetii; Q fever; real-time polymerase chain reaction; copy number; antibiotic; axenic media; dotA gene.
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Park JH, Hwang SD, Acharya D, Lee SH, Hwang KJ, Yoo SJ, Lee K. Seroreactivity and Risk Factors Associated with Coxiella burnetii Infection among Cattle Slaughterhouse Workers in South Korea. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:ijerph15102264. [PMID: 30332766 PMCID: PMC6210963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease that is an occupational hazard to people who work in close contact with animals or their carcasses. A nationwide serologic study among cattle slaughterhouse workers who were presumed to be at risk of having C. burnetii infection in South Korea was performed to investigate the seroreactivity of C. burnetii infection and identify related risk factors. Out of 1017 cattle slaughterhouse workers in South Korea, 923 (90.8%) participated in this cross-sectional study. Samples were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies against phase II C. burnetii via indirect immunofluorescence assay. The overall seroreactivity, defined as IgG or IgM antibody titer cutoffs ≥1:16, was 9.1% (84/923). Additionally, a significant association was found between the seroreactivity of C. burnetii infection and performing carcass evisceration work (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–4.03) in multivariate analysis. To diminish C. burnetii infection, cattle slaughterhouse workers need to take precautions during the evisceration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyuk Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea.
| | - Seon Do Hwang
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea.
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea.
| | - Dilaram Acharya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea.
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu University, Devdaha Medical College and Research Institute, Devdaha Municipality, Rupandehi 32900, Nepal.
| | - Seung Hun Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea.
- Yeosu National Quarantine Office, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Yeosu 59729, Korea.
| | - Kyu Jam Hwang
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea.
- Pathogen Resource TF, Center for Infectious Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea.
| | - Seok-Ju Yoo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea.
| | - Kwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea.
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Pérez-Arellano JL, Carranza Rodríguez C, Gutierrez C, Bolaños Rivero M. [Epidemiology of Q fever in Spain (2018)]. Rev Esp Quimioter 2018; 31:386-405. [PMID: 30027720 PMCID: PMC6194867] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is an anthropozoonosis whose causative agent is Coxiella burnetii, which has an important impact from the human and animal health point of view. In this review, a brief historical reference of the infection by C. burnetii and Q fever has been made initially. In a second section the basic epidemiological aspects of this infection are described (reservoirs/ sources of infection, form of transmission and epidemiological forms). Subsequently, the data of the infection by C. burnetii in Spain will be are indicated, particularly the clinical series, the seroepidemiological studies in humans, the affectation of different types of mammals and the participation of the ticks in the biological cycle. In addition, basic data on C. burnetii infection/ disease in other regions of the world will be are also included. Finally, and taking into account the previous data will indicate the main epidemiological characteristics of Q fever at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Pérez-Arellano
- Prof. J. L Pérez Arellano, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical. Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria. Avda Marítima del Sur 35080. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Spain.
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