1
|
Schreiber A, Rodner F, Oberberg N, Anhlan D, Bletz S, Mellmann A, Planz O, Ludwig S. The host-targeted antiviral drug Zapnometinib exhibits a high barrier to the development of SARS-CoV-2 resistance. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105840. [PMID: 38438015 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105840] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Host targeting antiviral drugs (HTA) are directed against cellular mechanisms which can be exploited by viruses. These mechanisms are essential for viral replication, because missing functions cannot be compensated by the virus. However, this assumption needs experimental proof. Here we compared the HTA Zapnometinib (ZMN), with direct acting antivirals (DAA) (Remdesivir (RDV), Molnupiravir (MPV), Nirmatrelvir (NTV), Ritonavir (RTV), Paxlovid PAX)), in terms of their potency to induce reduced drug susceptibilities in SARS-CoV-2. During serial passage of δ-B1.617.2 adaptation to all DAAs occurred, while the inhibitory capacity of ZMN was not altered. Known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for partial resistances were found for RDV, NTV and PAX. Additionally, the high mutagenic potential of MPV was confirmed and decreased drug efficacies were found for the first time. Reduced DAA efficacy did not alter the inhibitory potential of ZMN. These results show that ZMN confers a high barrier towards the development of viral resistance and has the potential to act against partially DAA-insensitive viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Schreiber
- Institute of Virology (IVM), University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Franziska Rodner
- Institute of Virology (IVM), University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nicole Oberberg
- Institute of Virology (IVM), University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Darisuren Anhlan
- Institute of Virology (IVM), University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stefan Bletz
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Oliver Planz
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology (IVM), University Hospital Muenster, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gschwind R, Petitjean M, Fournier C, Lao J, Clermont O, Nordmann P, Mellmann A, Denamur E, Poirel L, Ruppé E. Inter-phylum circulation of a beta-lactamase-encoding gene: a rare but observable event. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0145923. [PMID: 38441061 PMCID: PMC10989005 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01459-23] [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] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Beta-lactamase-mediated degradation of beta-lactams is the most common mechanism of beta-lactam resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Beta-lactamase-encoding genes can be transferred between closely related bacteria, but spontaneous inter-phylum transfers (between distantly related bacteria) have never been reported. Here, we describe an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-encoding gene (blaMUN-1) shared between the Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota phyla. An Escherichia coli strain was isolated from a patient in Münster (Germany). Its genome was sequenced. The ESBL-encoding gene (named blaMUN-1) was cloned, and the corresponding enzyme was characterized. The distribution of the gene among bacteria was investigated using the RefSeq Genomes database. The frequency and relative abundance of its closest homolog in the global microbial gene catalog (GMGC) were analyzed. The E. coli strain exhibited two distinct morphotypes. Each morphotype possessed two chromosomal copies of the blaMUN-1 gene, with one morphotype having two additional copies located on a phage-plasmid p0111. Each copy was located within a 7.6-kb genomic island associated with mobility. blaMUN-1 encoded for an extended-spectrum Ambler subclass A2 beta-lactamase with 43.0% amino acid identity to TLA-1. blaMUN-1 was found in species among the Bacteroidales order and in Sutterella wadsworthensis (Pseudomonadota). Its closest homolog in GMGC was detected frequently in human fecal samples. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported instance of inter-phylum transfer of an ESBL-encoding gene, between the Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota phyla. Although the gene was frequently detected in the human gut, inter-phylum transfer was rare, indicating that inter-phylum barriers are effective in impeding the spread of ESBL-encoding genes, but not entirely impenetrable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Gschwind
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IAME, Paris, France
| | - Marie Petitjean
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Paris, France
| | - Claudine Fournier
- Emerging Antibiotic Resistance, Medical and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance, Fribourg, Switzerland
- INSERM European Unit (IAME, France), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Julie Lao
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IAME, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Clermont
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IAME, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Nordmann
- Emerging Antibiotic Resistance, Medical and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance, Fribourg, Switzerland
- INSERM European Unit (IAME, France), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne, University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Erick Denamur
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Poirel
- Emerging Antibiotic Resistance, Medical and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance, Fribourg, Switzerland
- INSERM European Unit (IAME, France), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne, University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Etienne Ruppé
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Almsick VF, Sobkowiak A, Scherff N, Schuler F, Mellmann A, Schwierzeck V. Characterization of bla OXA-48-carrying plasmids and small non-AMR-coding plasmids collected from Ukrainian patients. Infection 2024; 52:661-665. [PMID: 38030862 PMCID: PMC10954994 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02136-2] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) pose a serious threat for healthcare facilities worldwide, yet the mode of transmission is often unclear. Recently, we recorded an increase of blaOXA-48-harboring isolates at our hospital associated with patients with previous medical treatment in the Ukraine. We used long-read whole genome sequencing (lrWGS) to characterize these isolates including their plasmids. METHODS Samples were collected as part of clinical routine diagnostic or screening of multi-drug resistance bacteria (MDRB). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and all MDRB (n = 10) were sequenced by lrWGS for genotyping, identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and characterization of plasmids. RESULTS While routine analysis of core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) did not show any genetic similarities between isolates, we found an unexpected high similarity in the plasmid diversity of different Enterobacterales in patients with previous medical treatment in the Ukraine. This included an IncL/M plasmid carrying blaOXA-48 and additional small non-AMR-coding plasmids. CONCLUSION Our results show that lrWGS can be used in the routine setting to uncover similarities in plasmids and may give further information about potential epidemiologic associations. In the future, analysis of both AMR and non-AMR plasmids may provide an additional layer of information for molecular surveillance of CPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent F van Almsick
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Cardiology I - Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Annika Sobkowiak
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, Münster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology I - Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Natalie Scherff
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, Münster, Germany
| | - Franziska Schuler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, Münster, Germany
| | - Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Berger P, Dumevi RM, Berger M, Hastor I, Treffon J, Kouzel IU, Kehl A, Scherff N, Dobrindt U, Mellmann A. RpoS acts as a global repressor of virulence gene expression in E. coli O104:H4 and enteroaggregative E. coli. J Infect Dis 2024:jiae151. [PMID: 38526342 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2011, in Germany, Escherichia coli O104:H4 caused the enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) outbreak with the highest incidence rate of hemolytic uremic syndrome. This pathogen carries an exceptionally potent combination of EHEC- and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)-specific virulence factors. Here, we identified an E. coli O104:H4 isolate that carried a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the start codon (ATG > ATA) of rpoS, encoding the alternative sigma factor S. The rpoS ATG > ATA SNP was associated with enhanced EAEC-specific virulence gene expression. Deletion of rpoS in E. coli O104:H4 Δstx2 and typical EAEC resulted in a similar effect. Both rpoS ATG > ATA and ΔrpoS strains exhibited stronger virulence-related phenotypes in comparison to wild type. Using promoter-reporter gene fusions, we demonstrated that wild-type RpoS repressed aggR, encoding the main regulator of EAEC virulence. In summary, our work demonstrates that RpoS acts as a global repressor of E. coli O104:H4 virulence, primarily through an AggR-dependent mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petya Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rexford M Dumevi
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ines Hastor
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Janina Treffon
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ian U Kouzel
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexander Kehl
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Natalie Scherff
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sobkowiak A, Scherff N, Schuler F, Bletz S, Mellmann A, Schwierzeck V, van Almsick V. Plasmid-encoded gene duplications of extended-spectrum β-lactamases in clinical bacterial isolates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1343858. [PMID: 38469349 PMCID: PMC10925753 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1343858] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is an urgent and alarming One Health problem. This study aimed to investigate duplications of plasmid-encoded ESBL genes and their impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes in clinical and screening isolates. Methods Multi-drug-resistant bacteria from hospitalized patients were collected during routine clinical surveillance from January 2022 to June 2023, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined. Genotypes were extracted from long-read whole-genome sequencing data. Furthermore, plasmids and other mobile genetic elements associated with ESBL genes were characterized, and the ESBL genes were correlated to ceftazidime minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results In total, we identified four cases of plasmid-encoded ESBL gene duplications that match four genetically similar plasmids during the 18-month surveillance period: five Escherichia coli and three Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. As the ESBL genes were part of transposable elements, the surrounding sequence regions were duplicated as well. In-depth analysis revealed insertion sequence (IS)-mediated transposition mechanisms. Isolates with duplicated ESBL genes exhibited a higher MIC for ceftazidime in comparison to isolates with a single gene copy (3-256 vs. 1.5-32 mg/L, respectively). Conclusion ESBL gene duplications led to an increased phenotypic resistance against ceftazidime. Our data suggest that ESBL gene duplications by an IS-mediated transposition are a relevant mechanism for how AMR develops in the clinical setting and is part of the microevolution of plasmids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Sobkowiak
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology I – Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Natalie Scherff
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Franziska Schuler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Bletz
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Vincent van Almsick
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology I – Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Failure, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schwartbeck B, Rumpf CH, Hait RJ, Janssen T, Deiwick S, Schwierzeck V, Mellmann A, Kahl BC. Various mutations in icaR, the repressor of the icaADBC locus, occur in mucoid Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from the airways of people with cystic fibrosis. Microbes Infect 2024:105306. [PMID: 38316375 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major pathogens isolated from the airways of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Recently, we described a mucoid S. aureus phenotype from respiratory specimens of pwCF, which constitutively overproduced biofilm that consisted of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) due to a 5bp-deletion (5bp-del) in the intergenic region of the intercellular adhesin (ica) locus. Since we were not able to identify the 5bp-del in mucoid isolates of two pwCF with long-term S. aureus persistence and in a number of mucoid isolates of pwCF from a prospective multicenter study, these strains were (i) characterized phenotypically, (ii) investigated for biofilm formation, and (iii) molecular typed by spa-sequence typing. To screen for mutations responsible for mucoidy, the ica operon of all mucoid isolates was analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Whole genome sequencing was performed for selected isolates. For all mucoid isolates without the 5 bp-del, various mutations in icaR, which is the transcriptional repressor of the icaADBC operon. Mucoid and non-mucoid strains belonged to the same spa-type. Transformation of PIA-overproducing S. aureus with a vector expressing the intact icaR gene restored the non-mucoid phenotype. Altogether, we demonstrated a new mechanism for the emergence of mucoid S. aureus isolates of pwCF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Schwartbeck
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | - Christine H Rumpf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Timo Janssen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | - Susanne Deiwick
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany
| | | | | | - Barbara C Kahl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lehmkuhl J, Schneider JS, Werth KLV, Scherff N, Mellmann A, Kampmeier S. Role of membrane vesicles in the transmission of vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1895. [PMID: 38253607 PMCID: PMC10803344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52310-1] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Clonal transmission and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contribute to the spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in global healthcare. Our study investigated vesiduction, a HGT mechanism via membrane vesicles (MVs), for vanA and vanB genes that determine vancomycin resistance. We isolated MVs for VRE of different sequence types (STs) and analysed them by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Selected MV samples were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. In resistance transfer experiments, vancomycin-susceptible enterococci were exposed to MVs and bacterial supernatants of VRE. Compared to bacteria grown in lysogeny broth (MVs/LB), cultivation under vancomycin stress (MVs/VAN) resulted in increased particle concentrations of up to 139-fold (ST80). As a key finding, we could show that VRE isolates of ST80 and ST117 produced remarkably more vesicles at subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations (approx. 9.2 × 1011 particles/ml for ST80 and 2.4 × 1011 particles/ml for ST117) than enterococci of other STs (range between 1.8 × 1010 and 5.3 × 1010 particles/ml). In those MV samples, the respective resistance genes vanA and vanB were completely verifiable using sequence analysis. Nevertheless, no vancomycin resistance transfer via MVs to vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium was phenotypically detectable. However, our results outline the potential of future research on ST-specific MV properties, promising new insights into VRE mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lehmkuhl
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Natalie Scherff
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tönnies H, Heep A, Herrmann J, Lange M, Mellmann A, Hamprecht A. Investigating environmental transmission to resolve a Bacillus cereus group outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit using core genome multilocus sequence typing. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38184647 PMCID: PMC10771705 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01359-0] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We analyzed an outbreak of Bacillus cereus group (Bcg) at a single-center neonatal intensive care unit level IV by conducting comprehensive sampling of both patients and the environment. METHODS Between 06/2020 and 10/2021, all Bcg isolates identified by both regular colonization screening and additional sampling of the environment were subjected to whole-genome sequencing, followed by in vitro extraction of MLST ST, resistance genes and virulence factors. Using publicly available genome sequences, we defined an ad hoc core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme comprising 2759 target genes for Bcg typing, which we applied to the detected isolates. We have compared the results with a stable cgMLST that was published in the meantime and completed the investigation with a SNP analysis. RESULTS We analyzed 28 Bcg isolates from patient and environmental samples using MLST and cgMLST. This revealed multiple sequence types, with ST127 being the most common (n = 13). Both cgMLST schemes grouped ten of the 13 ST127 isolates into a cluster, including two invasive isolates from two different patients and several environmental samples. SNP analysis postulated a screen from a ventilation machine as a possible reservoir. CONCLUSION In sensitive settings such as neonatal intensive care units, considering the environment in outbreak analyses is crucial, especially when investigating potential transmission routes through shared devices. When dealing with widespread bacteria such as Bcg, high-resolution typing techniques are necessary. In this study, we successfully resolved an outbreak of Bcg infections using a custom cgMLST scheme combined with a SNP analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hauke Tönnies
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Axel Heep
- Department of Pediatrics, Elisabeth Children's Hospital, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Herrmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lange
- Department of Pediatrics, Elisabeth Children's Hospital, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Axel Hamprecht
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abdrabou AMM, Sy I, Bischoff M, Arroyo MJ, Becker SL, Mellmann A, von Müller L, Gärtner B, Berger FK. Discrimination between hypervirulent and non-hypervirulent ribotypes of Clostridioides difficile by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and machine learning. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:1373-1381. [PMID: 37721704 PMCID: PMC10587247 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04665-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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hypervirulent ribotypes (HVRTs) of Clostridioides difficile such as ribotype (RT) 027 are epidemiologically important. This study evaluated whether MALDI-TOF can distinguish between strains of HVRTs and non-HVRTs commonly found in Europe. Obtained spectra of clinical C. difficile isolates (training set, 157 isolates) covering epidemiologically relevant HVRTs and non-HVRTs found in Europe were used as an input for different machine learning (ML) models. Another 83 isolates were used as a validation set. Direct comparison of MALDI-TOF spectra obtained from HVRTs and non-HVRTs did not allow to discriminate between these two groups, while using these spectra with certain ML models could differentiate HVRTs from non-HVRTs with an accuracy >95% and allowed for a sub-clustering of three HVRT subgroups (RT027/RT176, RT023, RT045/078/126/127). MALDI-TOF combined with ML represents a reliable tool for rapid identification of major European HVRTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Mostafa Abdrabou
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße 100, Building 43, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, El Gomhouria Street, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
- National Reference Center for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, Homburg-Münster-Coesfeld, Germany.
| | - Issa Sy
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße 100, Building 43, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Markus Bischoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße 100, Building 43, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
- National Reference Center for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, Homburg-Münster-Coesfeld, Germany
| | - Manuel J Arroyo
- Clover Bioanalytical Software, Av. del Conocimiento, 41, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Sören L Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße 100, Building 43, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- National Reference Center for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, Homburg-Münster-Coesfeld, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Lutz von Müller
- National Reference Center for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, Homburg-Münster-Coesfeld, Germany
- Christophorus Kliniken Coesfeld, Coesfeld, Germany
| | - Barbara Gärtner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße 100, Building 43, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
- National Reference Center for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, Homburg-Münster-Coesfeld, Germany
| | - Fabian K Berger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße 100, Building 43, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
- National Reference Center for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, Homburg-Münster-Coesfeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Blau K, Berger FK, Mellmann A, Gallert C. Clostridioides difficile from Fecally Contaminated Environmental Sources: Resistance and Genetic Relatedness from a Molecular Epidemiological Perspective. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2497. [PMID: 37894155 PMCID: PMC10608975 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the most important pathogen causing antimicrobial-associated diarrhea and has recently been recognized as a cause of community-associated C. difficile infection (CA-CDI). This study aimed to characterize virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ribotype (RT) distribution and genetic relationship of C. difficile isolates from diverse fecally contaminated environmental sources. C. difficile isolates were recovered from different environmental samples in Northern Germany. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined by E-test or disk diffusion method. Toxin genes (tcdA and tcdB), genes coding for binary toxins (cdtAB) and ribotyping were determined by PCR. Furthermore, 166 isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) for core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) and extraction of AMR and virulence-encoding genes. Eighty-nine percent (148/166) of isolates were toxigenic, and 51% (76/148) were positive for cdtAB. Eighteen isolates (11%) were non-toxigenic. Thirty distinct RTs were identified. The most common RTs were RT127, RT126, RT001, RT078, and RT014. MLST identified 32 different sequence types (ST). The dominant STs were ST11, followed by ST2, ST3, and ST109. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole and displayed a variable rate of resistance to moxifloxacin (14%), clarithromycin (26%) and rifampicin (2%). AMR genes, such as gyrA/B, blaCDD-1/2, aph(3')-llla-sat-4-ant(6)-la cassette, ermB, tet(M), tet(40), and tetA/B(P), conferring resistance toward fluoroquinolone, beta-lactam, aminoglycoside, macrolide and tetracycline antimicrobials, were found in 166, 137, 29, 32, 21, 72, 17, and 9 isolates, respectively. Eleven "hypervirulent" RT078 strains were detected, and several isolates belonged to RTs (i.e., RT127, RT126, RT023, RT017, RT001, RT014, RT020, and RT106) associated with CA-CDI, indicating possible transmission between humans and environmental sources pointing out to a zoonotic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khald Blau
- Department of Microbiology–Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, 26723 Emden, Germany;
| | - Fabian K. Berger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
- German National Reference Center for Clostridioides Difficile, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- German National Reference Center for Clostridioides Difficile, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Gallert
- Department of Microbiology–Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, 26723 Emden, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Optenhövel M, Mellmann A, Kuczius T. Occurrence and prevalence of Legionella species in dental chair units in Germany with a focus on risk factors. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:1235-1244. [PMID: 37698817 PMCID: PMC10511595 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04659-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Water-bearing instruments and treatments in dental units produce aerosols originating from the dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), which are often microbially contaminated. Particularly, the presence of Legionella mainly realized as aerosols leads to a risk of infection in patients and dental staff. METHODS Here, we record the general bacteriological status of DUWLs in Germany and investigated the prevalence of Legionella spp., with a focus on identification and occurrence of distinct species considering the various aspects of dental practice such as dental chair equipment, disinfection methods, and temperatures. RESULTS Out of 3789 water samples of 459 dental practices, collected in the years 2019 and 2020, 36.4% were Legionella positive with predominance of L. anisa (97.89%) identified by MALDI-TOF biotyping. L. pneumophila was detected very rarely. Risk factor analysis revealed that temperatures >20°C are a significant factor for increased Legionella colonization. CONCLUSION In order to minimize the risk of infection, routine monitoring of the water quality in dental chair units is recommended with regard to general microbiological loads and to the presence of Legionella as opportunistic pathogen as well as the regular application of routine disinfection procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Optenhövel
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Thorsten Kuczius
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wiethoff JP, Sandmann S, Theiler T, Nze Nkogue C, Akomo-Okoue EF, Varghese J, Kreidenweiss A, Mellmann A, Lell B, Adegnika AA, Held J, Schaumburg F. Pharyngeal Communities and Antimicrobial Resistance in Pangolins in Gabon. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0066423. [PMID: 37338382 PMCID: PMC10434165 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00664-23] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife can be a reservoir and source of zoonotic pathogens for humans. For instance, pangolins were considered one of the potential animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant species (e.g., extended-spectrum β-lactamase [ESBL]-producing Enterobacterales) and Staphylococcus aureus-related complex and to describe the bacterial community in wild Gabonese pangolins. The pharyngeal colonization of pangolins sold in Gabon (n = 89, 2021 to 2022) was analyzed using culture media selective for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, S. aureus-related complex, Gram-positive bacteria and nonfermenters. Phylogenetic analyses of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales was done using core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) and compared with publicly available genomes. Patterns of cooccurring species were detected by network analysis. Of the 439 bacterial isolates, the majority of species belonged to the genus Pseudomonas (n = 170), followed by Stenotrophomonas (n = 113) and Achromobacter (n = 37). Three Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and one Escherichia coli isolate were ESBL-producers, which clustered with human isolates from Nigeria (MLST sequence type 1788 [ST1788]) and Gabon (ST38), respectively. Network analysis revealed a frequent cooccurrence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia with Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, pangolins can be colonized with human-related ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Unlike in other African wildlife, S. aureus-related complex was not detected in pangolins. IMPORTANCE There is an ongoing debate if pangolins are a relevant reservoir for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Here, we wanted to know if African pangolins are colonized with bacteria that are relevant for human health. A wildlife reservoir of antimicrobial resistance would be of medical relevance in regions were consumption of so-called bushmeat is common. In 89 pangolins, we found three ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and one ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains, which were closely related to isolates from humans in Africa. This points toward either a transmission between pangolins and humans or a common source from which both humans and pangolins became colonized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna P. Wiethoff
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Sandmann
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tom Theiler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Julian Varghese
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Kreidenweiss
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Bertrand Lell
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayôla A. Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Held
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effelsberg N, Kobusch I, Schollenbruch H, Linnemann S, Bang C, Franke A, Köck R, Boelhauve M, Mellmann A. Pilot study on nasal microbiota dynamics and MRSA carriage of a pig cohort housed on straw bedding. Mol Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 37525505 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be transmitted between pigs and humans on farms. Hence, the reduction of MRSA carriage in pigs could decrease the risk of zoonotic transmission. Recently, straw bedding has been found to significantly reduce MRSA carriage in pigs. The mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear but changes in the nasal microbiome may play a role. In this exploratory study, the nasal microbiota of pigs kept on straw was examined using V1/V2 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Nasal swabs were collected from 13 pigs at six different time points during the course of a full fattening cycle resulting in 74 porcine samples. In addition, straw samples were collected at each time point. Eleven out of 13 pigs were MRSA positive at housing-in. We found a strong temporal pattern in the microbial communities. Both microbial diversity and abundance of Staphylococcus species peaked in week 5 after introduction to the straw stable decreased in week 10, when all pigs turned MRSA-negative, and increased again toward the end of the fattening period. These findings show that the introduction of pigs into a new environment has a huge impact on their nasal microbiota, which might lead to unfavorable conditions for MRSA. Moreover, other Staphylococcus species may play a role in eliminating MRSA carriage. We designed a follow-up study including two different husbandry systems to further assess these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Kobusch
- Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest, Germany
| | - Hannah Schollenbruch
- Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest, Germany
| | - Sabrina Linnemann
- Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest, Germany
| | - Corinna Bang
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Robin Köck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc Boelhauve
- Department of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Campmann F, Tönnies H, Böing C, Schuler F, Mellmann A, Schwierzeck V. Molecular Characterization of Clinical Linezolid-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1805. [PMID: 37512978 PMCID: PMC10383320 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is part of the human skin flora but can also cause nosocomial infections, such as device-associated infections, especially in vulnerable patient groups. Here, we investigated clinical isolates of linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis (LRSE) collected from blood cultures at the University Hospital Münster (UHM) during the period 2020-2022. All detected isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) and the relatedness of the isolates was determined using core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). The 15 LRSE isolates detected were classified as multilocus sequence type (ST) 2 carrying the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type III. All isolates showed high-level resistance for linezolid by gradient tests. However, no isolate carried the cfr gene that is often associated with linezolid resistance. Analysis of cgMLST data sets revealed a cluster of six closely related LRSE isolates, suggesting a transmission event on a hematological/oncological ward at our hospital. Among the included patients, the majority of patients affected by LRSE infections had underlying hematological malignancies. This confirms previous observations that this patient group is particularly vulnerable to LRSE infection. Our data emphasize that the surveillance of LRSE in the hospital setting is a necessary step to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant S. epidermidis among vulnerable patient groups, such as patients with hematological malignancies, immunosuppression or patients in intensive care units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Campmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hauke Tönnies
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Böing
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Franziska Schuler
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ferrando VA, Friedrich ME, Gandhi S, Mellmann A, Masemann D, Christersson A, Anhlan D, Brunotte L, Stoll M, Harder T, Beer M, Boergeling Y, Ludwig S. Cell-intrinsic genomic reassortment of pandemic H1N1 2009 and Eurasian avian-like swine influenza viruses results in potentially zoonotic variants. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2212809. [PMID: 37191590 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2212809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAV) cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics in humans. The most recent pandemic outbreak occurred in 2009 with H1N1pdm09. This virus, which most likely reassorted in swine before its transmission to humans, was reintroduced into the swine population and continues circulating ever since. In order to assess its potential to cause reassortants on a cellular level, human origin H1N1pdm09 and a recent Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine IAV were (co-)passaged in the newly generated swine lung cell line C22. Co-infection with both viruses gave rise to numerous reassortants that additionally carry different mutations which can partially be found in nature as well. Reassortment most frequently affected the PB1, PA and NA segments with the swine IAV as recipient. These reassortants reached higher titers in swine lung cells and were able to replicate in genuine human lung tissue explants ex vivo, suggesting a possible zoonotic potential. Interestingly, reassortment and mutations in the viral ribonucleoprotein complex influence the viral polymerase activity in a cell type and species-specific manner. In summary, we demonstrate reassortment promiscuity of these viruses in a novel swine lung cell model and indicate a possible zoonotic potential of the reassortants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica A Ferrando
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Marcel E Friedrich
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Shrey Gandhi
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dörthe Masemann
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Anmari Christersson
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Darisuren Anhlan
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Monika Stoll
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Timm Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yvonne Boergeling
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology Münster, Westfälische Wilhelms-University 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Salzberger B, Mellmann A, Bludau A, Ciesek S, Corman V, Dilthey A, Donker T, Eckmanns T, Egelkamp R, Gatermann SG, Grundmann H, Häcker G, Kaase M, Lange B, Mielke M, Pletz MW, Semmler T, Thürmer A, Wieler LH, Wolff T, Widmer AF, Scheithauer S. An appeal for strengthening genomic pathogen surveillance to improve pandemic preparedness and infection prevention: the German perspective. Infection 2023:10.1007/s15010-023-02040-9. [PMID: 37129842 PMCID: PMC10152431 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of viable infection surveillance and the relevant infrastructure. From a German perspective, an integral part of this infrastructure, genomic pathogen sequencing, was at best fragmentary and stretched to its limits due to the lack or inefficient use of equipment, human resources, data management and coordination. The experience in other countries has shown that the rate of sequenced positive samples and linkage of genomic and epidemiological data (person, place, time) represent important factors for a successful application of genomic pathogen surveillance. Planning, establishing and consistently supporting adequate structures for genomic pathogen surveillance will be crucial to identify and combat future pandemics as well as other challenges in infectious diseases such as multi-drug resistant bacteria and healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, the authors propose a multifaceted and coordinated process for the definition of procedural, legal and technical standards for comprehensive genomic pathogen surveillance in Germany, covering the areas of genomic sequencing, data collection and data linkage, as well as target pathogens. A comparative analysis of the structures established in Germany and in other countries is applied. This proposal aims to better tackle epi- and pandemics to come and take action from the "lessons learned" from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Salzberger
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center (UMG), Georg-August University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Victor Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Dilthey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tjibbe Donker
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Richard Egelkamp
- Next Generation Sequencing, Public Health Agency of Lower Saxony, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sören G Gatermann
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hajo Grundmann
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Häcker
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Centre University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Kaase
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center (UMG), Georg-August University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Berit Lange
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Brunswick, Germany
| | | | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreas F Widmer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Scheithauer
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center (UMG), Georg-August University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Krüger TIM, Herzog S, Mellmann A, Kuczius T. Impact of Chlorine Dioxide on Pathogenic Waterborne Microorganisms Occurring in Dental Chair Units. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1123. [PMID: 37317097 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial contamination is a problem in dental unit water lines with the consequence of implementing regular disinfection. In this study, the short-term impact of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) treatment was investigated on the microorganisms Legionella pneumophila and L. anisa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The environmental background was proven as an important factor regarding the tolerance to 0.4 mg/L ClO2 as saline and phosphate-buffered saline resulted in a higher bacterial reduction than tap water. Gram-positive microorganisms demonstrated higher robustness to ClO2 than Gram-negative, and microorganisms adapted to tap water showed increased stability compared to cultured cells. At high densities, substantial numbers of bacteria were able to withstand disinfection, whereby the use of 4.6 mg/L ClO2 increased the inactivation rate. A massive cell decrease occurred within the first 5 minutes with subsequent plateau formation or slowed cell reduction upon further exposure. This biphasic kinetics cannot be explained by a ClO2 depletion effect alone, because the probability of bacterial subpopulations with increased tolerance should be taken into account, too. Our results prove high disinfection efficiency to microorganisms that were rather found in correlation to the level of bacterial contamination and background solutions than the chosen concentration for ClO2 treatment itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Susann Herzog
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Thorsten Kuczius
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert Koch-Straße 41, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Köck R, Denkel L, Feßler AT, Eicker R, Mellmann A, Schwarz S, Geffers C, Hübner NO, Leistner R. Clinical Evidence for the Use of Octenidine Dihydrochloride to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections and Decrease Staphylococcus aureus Carriage or Transmission-A Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040612. [PMID: 37111498 PMCID: PMC10145019 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiseptic agent octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) is used for skin preparation, for Staphylococcus aureus decolonization, and within bundles for the prevention of catheter-related or surgical site infections (SSIs). Here, we review the evidence for the effects of OCT from clinical studies. METHODS Review of studies published in the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases until August 2022, performed in clinical settings and reporting on effects of OCT on S. aureus carriage/transmission, SSI prevention, and prevention of intensive care unit (ICU)-related or catheter-related bloodstream and insertion site infections. RESULTS We included 31 articles. The success of S. aureus decolonization with OCT-containing therapies ranged between 6 and 87%. Single studies demonstrated that OCT application led to a reduction in S. aureus infections, acquisition, and carriage. No study compared OCT for skin preparation before surgical interventions to other antiseptics. Weak evidence for the use of OCT for pre-operative washing was found in orthopedic and cardiac surgery, if combined with other topical measures. Mostly, studies did not demonstrate that daily OCT bathing reduced ICU-/catheter-related bloodstream infections with one exception. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to perform studies assessing the clinical use of OCT compared with other antiseptics with respect to its effectiveness to prevent nosocomial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Köck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Luisa Denkel
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea T Feßler
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizoonotics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR), Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rudolf Eicker
- Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizoonotics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Geffers
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils-Olaf Hübner
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rasmus Leistner
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Division Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Treffon J, Prior K, Dreesman J, Egelkamp R, Flieger A, Middendorf-Bauchart B, Projahn M, Richter A, Schuh E, Harmsen D, Mellmann A. Multicenter Preparedness Exercise Enables Rapid Development of Cluster-Specific PCR-Based Screening Assays from Bacterial Genomic Data. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0187322. [PMID: 36840589 PMCID: PMC10035311 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01873-22] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PCR-based screening assays targeting strain-specific genetic markers allow the timely detection and specific differentiation of bacterial strains. Especially in situations where an infection cluster occurs, fast assay development is crucial for supporting targeted control measures. However, the turnaround times (TATs) for assay setup may be high due to insufficient knowledge about screening assay methods, workflows, and software tools. Here, two blind-coded and quality-controlled ring trials were performed in which five German laboratories established PCR-based screening assays from genomic data that specifically target selected bacterial clusters within two bacterial monospecies sample panels. While the first ring trial was conducted without a time limit to train the participants and assess assay feasibility, in the second ring trial, a challenging time limit of 2 weeks was set to force fast assay development as soon as genomic data were available. During both ring trials, we detected high interlaboratory variability regarding the screening assay methods and targets, the TATs for assay setup, and the number of screening assays. The participants designed between one and four assays per cluster that targeted cluster-specific unique genetic sequences, genes, or single nucleotide variants using conventional PCRs, high-resolution melting assays, or TaqMan PCRs. Assays were established within the 2-week time limit, with TATs ranging from 4 to 13 days. TaqMan probe delivery times strongly influenced TATs. In summary, we demonstrate that a specific exercise improved the preparedness to develop functional cluster-specific PCR-based screening assays from bacterial genomic data. Furthermore, the parallel development of several assays enhances assay availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Treffon
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Karola Prior
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Dreesman
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Protection, Hospital Hygiene, and Infection Epidemiology, Public Health Agency of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Egelkamp
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Protection, Hospital Hygiene, and Infection Epidemiology, Public Health Agency of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antje Flieger
- Department of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, National Reference Center for Salmonella and other Bacterial Enteric Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Barbara Middendorf-Bauchart
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michaela Projahn
- Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli Including VTEC, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Richter
- Department of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, National Reference Center for Salmonella and other Bacterial Enteric Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Schuh
- Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli Including VTEC, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dag Harmsen
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
vom Werth KL, Kemper B, Kampmeier S, Mellmann A. Application of Digital Holographic Microscopy to Analyze Changes in T-Cell Morphology in Response to Bacterial Challenge. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050762. [PMID: 36899897 PMCID: PMC10000559 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050762] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a non-invasive, label-free technique used to detect aberrant cell morphologies caused by disease, thus providing a useful diagnostic approach. Here, we evaluated the potential of QPI to differentiate specific morphological changes in human primary T-cells exposed to various bacterial species and strains. Cells were challenged with sterile bacterial determinants, i.e., membrane vesicles or culture supernatants, derived from different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Timelapse QPI by digital holographic microscopy (DHM) was applied to capture changes in T-cell morphology over time. After numerical reconstruction and image segmentation, we calculated single cell area, circularity and mean phase contrast. Upon bacterial challenge, T-cells underwent rapid morphological changes such as cell shrinkage, alterations of mean phase contrast and loss of cell integrity. Time course and intensity of this response varied between both different species and strains. The strongest effect was observed for treatment with S. aureus-derived culture supernatants that led to complete lysis of the cells. Furthermore, cell shrinkage and loss of circular shape was stronger in Gram-negative than in Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, T-cell response to bacterial virulence factors was concentration-dependent, as decreases in cellular area and circularity were enhanced with increasing concentrations of bacterial determinants. Our findings clearly indicate that T-cell response to bacterial stress depends on the causative pathogen, and specific morphological alterations can be detected using DHM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Björn Kemper
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-251-83-55361
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Scheithauer S, Dilthey A, Bludau A, Ciesek S, Corman V, Donker T, Eckmanns T, Egelkamp R, Grundmann H, Häcker G, Kaase M, Lange B, Mellmann A, Mielke M, Pletz M, Salzberger B, Thürmer A, Widmer A, Wieler LH, Wolff T, Gatermann S, Semmler T. [Establishment of genomic pathogen surveillance to strengthen pandemic preparedness and infection prevention in Germany]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:443-449. [PMID: 36811648 PMCID: PMC9945818 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic has shown a deficit of essential epidemiological infrastructure, especially with regard to genomic pathogen surveillance in Germany. In order to prepare for future pandemics, the authors consider it urgently necessary to remedy this existing deficit by establishing an efficient infrastructure for genomic pathogen surveillance. Such a network can build on structures, processes, and interactions that have already been initiated regionally and further optimize them. It will be able to respond to current and future challenges with a high degree of adaptability.The aim of this paper is to address the urgency and to outline proposed measures for establishing an efficient, adaptable, and responsive genomic pathogen surveillance network, taking into account external framework conditions and internal standards. The proposed measures are based on global and country-specific best practices and strategy papers. Specific next steps to achieve an integrated genomic pathogen surveillance include linking epidemiological data with pathogen genomic data; sharing and coordinating existing resources; making surveillance data available to relevant decision-makers, the public health service, and the scientific community; and engaging all stakeholders. The establishment of a genomic pathogen surveillance network is essential for the continuous, stable, active surveillance of the infection situation in Germany, both during pandemic phases and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Scheithauer
- Institut für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Deutschland.
| | - Alexander Dilthey
- Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - Anna Bludau
- Institut für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institut für Medizinische Virologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Victor Corman
- Institut für Virologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Tjibbe Donker
- Institut für Infektionsprävention und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Richard Egelkamp
- Next Generation Sequencing, Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Hajo Grundmann
- Institut für Infektionsprävention und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Georg Häcker
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Martin Kaase
- Institut für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Berit Lange
- Abteilung Epidemiologie, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Braunschweig, Deutschland
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institut für Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | | | - Mathias Pletz
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Bernd Salzberger
- Infektiologie, Abteilung für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Andreas Widmer
- Abteilung für Infektiologie und Spitalhygiene, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Schweiz
| | | | | | - Sören Gatermann
- Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Froböse NJ, Olaru ID, Schneider JS, Zhang W, Mellmann A, Schuler F, Grebe T, Schaumburg F. Does pre-incubation in selective-enrichment media improve the detection of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli using the RIDA®GENE PCR? Int J Med Microbiol 2023; 313:151575. [PMID: 36736015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2023.151575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether a selective pre-PCR enrichment step improves test performance of RIDA®GENE EHEC/EPEC to detect diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from stool samples. Each of the 250 stool samples was analyzed for the presence of stx1/2 and eae both with and without pre-PCR enrichment in selective broth. In comparison to a reference method, sensitivities for stx1/2 and eae with and without pre-PCR enrichment were 84% (95%CI 70-93) and 89% (stx1/2, 95%CI 76-96), and 71% (95%CI 58-81) and 72% (eae, 95%CI 60-82), respectively. Specificity exceeded 97% for both methods and target genes. In summary, pre-PCR broth enrichment did not improve test performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neele J Froböse
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ioana D Olaru
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr 10, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Julia Sophie Schneider
- Institute of Hygiene and National Consulting Laboratory for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str 41, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Wenlan Zhang
- Institute of Hygiene and National Consulting Laboratory for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str 41, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene and National Consulting Laboratory for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str 41, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Franziska Schuler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Grebe
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Domagkstr 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Richter A, Pietsch M, Harmsen D, Juraschek K, Lang C, Mellmann A, Middendorf-Bauchart B, Pulz M, Roth S, Schuh E, Fruth A, Flieger A. [Assessment of available and currently applied typing methods of zoonotic pathogens using the example of Shiga toxin-producing and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (STEC/EHEC)]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:84-91. [PMID: 36525034 PMCID: PMC9756714 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03628-6] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In order to improve patient care and to increase food safety within the framework of One Health, the project "Integrated Genomic Surveillance of Zoonotic Agents (IGS-Zoo)" aims to develop concepts for a genomic surveillance of Shiga toxin(Stx)-producing and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (STEC/EHEC) in Germany. METHODS An online survey was conducted to assess the currently available and applied STEC/EHEC typing methods in the federal laboratories of veterinary regulation, food control, and public health service. RESULTS Twenty-six questionnaires from 33 participants were evaluated with regard to STEC/EHEC. The number of STEC/EHEC-suspected samples that the laboratories process per year ranges between 10 and 3500, and out of these they obtain between 3 and 1000 pathogenic isolates. Currently the most frequently used typing method is the determination of Stx- and intimin-coding genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is currently used by eight federal state laboratories, and nine are planning to implement it in the future. The most common obstacle for further typing of STEC/EHEC is that isolation from sample material is often unsuccessful despite apparent PCR detection of the stx genes. DISCUSSION The results of the survey should facilitate the integration of the analysis methods developed in the project and emphasize the target groups' individual needs for corresponding training concepts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Richter
- Fachgebiet 11: Bakterielle darmpathogene Erreger und Legionellen, Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), Burgstr. 37, 38855, Wernigerode, Deutschland
| | - Michael Pietsch
- Fachgebiet 11: Bakterielle darmpathogene Erreger und Legionellen, Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), Burgstr. 37, 38855, Wernigerode, Deutschland
| | - Dag Harmsen
- Poliklinik für Parodontologie und Zahnerhaltung, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Juraschek
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christina Lang
- Fachgebiet 11: Bakterielle darmpathogene Erreger und Legionellen, Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), Burgstr. 37, 38855, Wernigerode, Deutschland
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institut für Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | | | - Matthias Pulz
- Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Sarah Roth
- Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Elisabeth Schuh
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Fachgebiet 11: Bakterielle darmpathogene Erreger und Legionellen, Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), Burgstr. 37, 38855, Wernigerode, Deutschland
| | - Antje Flieger
- Fachgebiet 11: Bakterielle darmpathogene Erreger und Legionellen, Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), Burgstr. 37, 38855, Wernigerode, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dirks EE, Luković JA, Peltroche-Llacsahuanga H, Herrmann A, Mellmann A, Arvand M. Molecular Epidemiology, Clinical Course, and Implementation of Specific Hygiene Measures in Hospitalised Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infection in Brandenburg, Germany. Microorganisms 2022; 11:44. [PMID: 36677336 PMCID: PMC9862616 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) have increased worldwide, and the disease is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAI). This study aimed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile, the clinical outcome, and the time of initiation of specific hygiene measures in patients with CDI in a large tertiary-care hospital in Brandenburg. (2) Methods: Faecal samples and data from hospitalised patients diagnosed with CDI were analysed from October 2016 to October 2017. The pathogens were isolated, identified as toxigenic C. difficile, and subsequently subtyped using PCR ribotyping and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Data regarding specific hygiene measures for handling CDI patients were collected. (3) Results: 92.1% of cases could be classified as healthcare-associated (HA)-CDI. The recurrence rate within 30 and 90 days after CDI diagnosis was 15.7% and 18.6%, and the mortality rate was 21.4% and 41.4%, respectively. The most frequent ribotypes (RT) were RT027 (31.3%), RT014 (18.2%), and RT005 (14.1%). Analysis of WGS data using cgMLST showed that all RT027 isolates were closely related; they were assigned to two subclusters. Single-room isolation or barrier measures were implemented in 95.7% patients. (4) Conclusions: These data show that RT027 is regionally predominant, thus highlighting the importance of specific hygiene measures to prevent and control CDI and the need to improve molecular surveillance of C. difficile at the local and national level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther E. Dirks
- Unit for Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jasminka A. Luković
- Institute for Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Carl-Thiem-Hospital, 03048 Cottbus, Germany
| | | | - Anke Herrmann
- Unit for Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Muenster and National Reference Center for Clostridioides Difficile, Münster Branch, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mardjan Arvand
- Unit for Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Treffon J, Heppner B, Eismann J, Bothe J, Omengo B, Mellmann A. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Real-Time PCR Screening Assay for Rapid Tracking of Bacterial Infection Clusters To Complement Whole-Genome Sequencing Efforts during Outbreak Investigations. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0303622. [PMID: 36250868 PMCID: PMC9769705 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03036-22] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection clusters of multidrug-resistant bacteria increase mortality and entail expensive infection control measures. Whereas whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the current gold standard to confirm infection clusters, PCR-based assays targeting cluster-specific signatures, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from WGS data, are more suitable to initially screen for cluster isolates within large sample sizes. Here, we evaluated four software tools (SeqSphere+, RUCS, Gegenees, and Find Differential Primers) regarding their efficiency to find SNPs within WGS data sets that were specific for two bacterial monospecies infection clusters but were absent from a WGS reference data set comprising several hundred diverse genotypes of the same bacterial species. Cluster-specific SNPs were subsequently used to establish a probe-based real-time PCR screening assay for in vitro differentiation between cluster and noncluster isolates. SeqSphere+ and RUCS found 2 and 24 SNPs for clusters 1 and 14 and 24 SNPs for cluster 2, respectively. However, some signatures detected by RUCS were not cluster specific. Interestingly, all SNPs identified by SeqSphere+ were also detected by RUCS. In contrast, analyses with the remaining tools either resulted in no SNPs (with Find Differential Primers) or failed (Gegenees). Design of six cluster-specific real-time PCR assays enabled reliable cluster screening in vitro. Our evaluation revealed that SeqSphere+ and RUCS identified cluster-specific SNPs that could be used for large-scale screening in surveillance samples via real-time PCR, thereby complementing WGS efforts. This faster and simplified approach for the surveillance of bacterial clusters will improve infection control measures and will enhance protection of patients and physicians. IMPORTANCE Infection clusters of multidrug-resistant bacteria threaten medical facilities worldwide and cause immense health care costs. In recent years, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been increasingly applied to detect and to further control bacterial clusters. However, as WGS is still expensive and time-consuming, its exclusive application for screening and confirmation of bacterial infection clusters contributes to high costs and enhanced turnaround times, which many hospitals cannot afford. Therefore, there is need for alternative methods that can enable further surveillance of bacterial clusters that are initially detected by WGS in a faster and more cost-efficient way. Here, we established a system based on real-time PCR that enables rapid large-scale sample screening for bacterial cluster isolates within 7 days after the initial detection of an infection cluster, thereby complementing WGS efforts. This faster and simplified surveillance of bacterial clusters will improve infection control measures and will enhance protection of patients and physicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Treffon
- University Hospital Münster, Institute of Hygiene, Münster, Germany
| | - Bianca Heppner
- University Hospital Münster, Institute of Hygiene, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Julia Bothe
- inno-train Diagnostik GmbH, Kronberg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Effelsberg N, Buchholz M, Kampmeier S, Lücke A, Schwierzeck V, Angulo FJ, Brestrich G, Martin C, Moïsi JC, von Eiff C, Mellmann A, von Müller L. Frequency of Diarrhea, Stool Specimen Collection and Testing, and Detection of Clostridioides Difficile Infection Among Hospitalized Adults in the Muenster/Coesfeld Area, Germany. Curr Microbiol 2022; 80:37. [PMID: 36526801 PMCID: PMC9757625 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03143-6] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) often manifests as diarrhea, particularly in adults of older age or with underlying comorbidities. However, only severe cases are notifiable in Germany. Moreover, failure to collect a stool specimen from inpatients with diarrhea or incomplete testing may lead to underdiagnosis and underreporting of CDI. We assessed the frequency of diarrhea, stool specimen collection, and CDI testing to estimate CDI underdiagnosis and underreporting among hospitalized adults. In a ten-day point-prevalence study (2019-2021) of nine hospitals in a defined area (Muenster/Coesfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), all diarrhea cases (≥ 3 loose stools in 24 h) among adult inpatients were captured via medical record screening and nurse interviews. Patient characteristics, symptom onset, putative origin, antibiotic consumption, and diagnostic stool sampling were collected in a case report form (CRF). Diagnostic results were retrieved from the respective hospital laboratories. Among 6998 patients screened, 476 (7%) diarrhea patients were identified, yielding a hospital-based incidence of 201 cases per 10,000 patient-days. Of the diarrheal patients, 186 (39%) had a stool sample collected, of which 160 (86%) were tested for CDI, meaning that the overall CDI testing rate among diarrhea patients was 34%. Toxigenic C. difficile was detected in 18 (11%) of the tested samples. The frequency of stool specimen collection and CDI testing among hospitalized diarrhea patients was suboptimal. Thus, CDI incidence in Germany is likely underestimated. To assess the complete burden of CDI in German hospitals, further investigations are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Effelsberg
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Meike Buchholz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene, Christophorus Kliniken, Südring 41, 48653, Coesfeld, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Lücke
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene, Christophorus Kliniken, Südring 41, 48653, Coesfeld, Germany
| | - Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Frederick J Angulo
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | | | - Catherine Martin
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Jennifer C Moïsi
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | | | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
- National Reference Center for C. Difficile, Münster, Germany.
| | - Lutz von Müller
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene, Christophorus Kliniken, Südring 41, 48653, Coesfeld, Germany
- National Reference Center for C. Difficile, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wohlfarth E, Kresken M, Higgins PG, Stefanik D, Wille J, Hafner D, Körber-Irrgang B, Seifert H, Kniehl E, Funke G, Schumacher U, Wichelhaus TA, Hörauf A, Peters G, Becker K, Mellmann A, Weißer H, Siegel E, MacKenzie C, Holfelder M, Eigner U, Schubert S, Podbielski A, Diefenbach A, Göbel U, Straube E, Pfister W, Rödel J, Schneider W, Jantsch J, Ziesing S. The evolution of carbapenem resistance determinants and major epidemiological lineages among carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in Germany, 2010-2019. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106689. [PMID: 36375774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the molecular epidemiology and carbapenem resistance determinants in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates collected during four multicentre surveillance studies conducted by the Paul-Ehrlich-Society for Infection Therapy. Isolates were collected prospectively from hospital in-patients at 17 medical centres in Germany over four periods of three- to six-months starting in October of each of 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. Species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF, gyrB multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and detection of the intrinsic blaOXA-51-like gene. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution. The prevalence of carbapenemase-encoding genes was investigated by OXA-multiplex PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Molecular epidemiology was examined by rep-PCR and core-genome multi-locus sequence typing. A total of 302 A. baumannii isolates were collected. Resistance to imipenem and/or meropenem was detected in 58 isolates (19.2%) from 14 centres. The proportion of carbapenem-resistant isolates increased from 21.3% in 2010 to 33.3% in 2013, and then decreased to 13.8% in 2016 and 12.3% in 2019. Forty-six of these isolates were associated with the international clonal lineage IC2 and five with IC1. The most prevalent carbapenemase gene detected was blaOXA-23-like (n=51). Further carbapenem-resistance determinants were blaOXA-40-like (n=1), blaOXA-58-like (n=3) and blaNDM-1 (n=2). In one isolate, ISAba1 was detected upstream of blaOXA-51-like. In conclusion, IC2 was the most prevalent clonal lineage detected in this study. Interestingly, in Germany, carbapenem resistance seems to have decreased in A. baumannii between 2013 and 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Kresken
- Antiinfectives Intelligence GmbH, Cologne, Germany; Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln gGmbH, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Paul G Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Danuta Stefanik
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Wille
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Dieter Hafner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | | | - Harald Seifert
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Peng L, Dumevi RM, Chitto M, Haarmann N, Berger P, Koudelka G, Schmidt H, Mellmann A, Dobrindt U, Berger M. A Robust One-Step Recombineering System for Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091689. [PMID: 36144292 PMCID: PMC9504302 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) can cause severe diarrheic in humans. To improve therapy options, a better understanding of EHEC pathogenicity is essential. The genetic manipulation of EHEC with classical one-step methods, such as the transient overexpression of the phage lambda (λ) Red functions, is not very efficient. Here, we provide a robust and reliable method for increasing recombineering efficiency in EHEC based on the transient coexpression of recX together with gam, beta, and exo. We demonstrate that the genetic manipulation is 3–4 times more efficient in EHEC O157:H7 EDL933 Δstx1/2 with our method when compared to the overexpression of the λ Red functions alone. Both recombineering systems demonstrated similar efficiencies in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655. Coexpression of recX did not enhance the Gam-mediated inhibition of sparfloxacin-mediated SOS response. Therefore, the additional inhibition of the RecFOR pathway rather than a stronger inhibition of the RecBCD pathway of SOS response induction might have resulted in the increased recombineering efficiency by indirectly blocking phage induction. Even though additional experiments are required to unravel the precise mechanistic details of the improved recombineering efficiency, we recommend the use of our method for the robust genetic manipulation of EHEC and other prophage-carrying E. coli isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lang Peng
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Marco Chitto
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Haarmann
- Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Petya Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gerald Koudelka
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- National Consulting Laboratory for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-251-83-35403
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Schwierzeck V, Effner R, Abel F, Reiger M, Notheis G, Held J, Simon V, Dintner S, Hoffmann R, Hagl B, Huebner J, Mellmann A, Renner ED. Molecular Assessment of Staphylococcus Aureus Strains in STAT3 Hyper-IgE Syndrome Patients. J Clin Immunol 2022; 42:1301-1309. [PMID: 35655107 PMCID: PMC9537231 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-022-01293-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES) are a group of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) caused by monogenic defects such as in the gene STAT3 (STAT3-HIES). Patients suffering from HIES show an increased susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) including skin abscesses and pulmonary infections. To assess if the underlying immune defect of STAT3-HIES patients influences the resistance patterns, pathogenicity factors or strain types of S. aureus. We characterized eleven S. aureus strains isolated from STAT3-HIES patients (n = 4) by whole genome sequencing (WGS) to determine presence of resistance and virulence genes. Additionally, we used multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and protein A (spa) typing to classify these isolates. Bacterial isolates collected from this cohort of STAT3-HIES patients were identified as common spa types in Germany. Only one of the isolates was classified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). For one STAT3 patient WGS illustrated that infection and colonization occurred with different S. aureus isolates rather than one particular clone. The identified S. aureus carriage profile on a molecular level suggests that S. aureus strain type in STAT3-HIES patients is determined by local epidemiology rather than the underlying immune defect highlighting the importance of microbiological assessment prior to antibiotic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Schwierzeck
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Renate Effner
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Abel
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,University Children's Hospital, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Reiger
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty of University Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Gundula Notheis
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,University Children's Hospital, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Held
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen und Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Valeska Simon
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dintner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hoffmann
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Beate Hagl
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,University Children's Hospital, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Huebner
- University Children's Hospital, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilian University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ellen D Renner
- Translational Immunology in Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 80804, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schaumburg F, Idelevich EA, Mellmann A, Kahl BC. Susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia Complex to Ceftazidime/Avibactam and Standard Drugs of Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Microb Drug Resist 2022; 28:545-550. [PMID: 35512733 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2021.0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) in airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. A huge range of intrinsic antimicrobial resistances challenges the treatment of Bcc infections. The aim was to assess the susceptibility of Bcc to ceftazidime/avibactam and standard drugs for the treatment for CF patients and to determine the respective genomic determinants of resistance. Bcc isolates (n = 64) from a prospective multicenter study of CF airway pathogens (2004-2020, Germany) were subjected to broth microdilution and minimal inhibitory concentrations were interpreted with European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints. A synergism between aztreonam and avibactam was tested using ceftazidime/avibactam disks with or without aztreonam. Plasmids and chromosomes of all isolates were screened for antimicrobial resistance genes. The highest susceptibility rate was detected for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (83%), followed by ceftazidime/avibactam (78%), ceftazidime (53%), levofloxacin (39%) and meropenem (27%). The median inhibition zone diameters of ceftazidime-avibactam and ceftazidime/avibactam plus aztreonam were equal. This was in line with the absence of known class B metallo-β-lactamases in any of the isolates. The majority of isolates carried blapenA (98%) and blaampC (86%). Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ceftazidime/avibactam showed high susceptibility rates. Aztreonam in combination with ceftazidime/avibactam had no synergistic effect in our Bcc isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Evgeny A Idelevich
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,Friedrich Loeffler Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Barbara C Kahl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Boeing C, Sandten C, Hrincius ER, Anhlan D, Dworog A, Hanning S, Kuennemann T, Niehues C, Schupp T, Stec E, Thume J, Triphaus D, Wilkens M, Uphoff H, Zuendorf J, Jacobshagen A, Kreyenschmidt M, Ludwig S, Mertins HC, Mellmann A. Decontamination of disposable respirators for reuse in a pandemic employing in-situ-generated peracetic acid. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:420-426. [PMID: 34562528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During shortages of filtering face pieces (FFP) in a pandemic, it is necessary to implement a method for safe reuse or extended use. Our aim was to develop a simple, inexpensive and ecological method for decontamination of disposable FFPs that preserves filtration efficiency and material integrity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Contamination of FFPs (3M Aura 9320+) with SARS-CoV-2 (1.15 × 104 PFUs), Enterococcus faecium (>106 CFUs), and physiological nasopharyngeal flora was performed prior to decontamination by submersion in a solution of 6 % acetic acid and 6 % hydrogen peroxide (6%AA/6%HP solution) over 30 minutes. Material integrity was assessed by testing the filtering efficiency, loss of fit and employing electron microscopy. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Decontamination with the 6%AA/6%HP solution resulted in the complete elimination of SARS-CoV-2, E. faecium and physiological nasopharyngeal flora. Material characterization post-treatment showed neither critical material degradation, loss of fit or reduction of filtration efficiency. Electron microscopy revealed no damage to the fibers, and the rubber bands' elasticity was not affected by the decontamination procedure. No concerning residuals of the decontamination procedure were found. CONCLUSION The simple application and widespread availability of 6%AA/6%HP solution for decontaminating disposable FFPs make this solution globally viable, including developing and third world countries.
Collapse
|
32
|
Shittu AO, Layer-Nicolaou F, Strommenger B, Nguyen MT, Bletz S, Mellmann A, Schaumburg F. First Report of a Methicillin-Resistant, High-Level Mupirocin-Resistant Staphylococcus argenteus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:860163. [PMID: 35372120 PMCID: PMC8964999 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.860163] [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: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the identification of a methicillin-resistant, high-level mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus argenteus. The isolate (1801221) was characterized as t6675-ST2250-SCCmecIVc, and whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolate possessed two plasmids. One plasmid (34,870 bp), designated p1_1801221 with rep23, harboured the mupirocin resistance (mupA) gene. The second plasmid (20,644 bp), assigned as p2_1801221 with rep5a and rep16, carried the resistance determinants for penicillin (blaZ) and cadmium (cadD). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate clustered with the European ST2250 lineage. The overall high similarity of both plasmids in S. argenteus with published DNA sequences of Staphylococcus aureus plasmids strongly suggests an interspecies transfer. The pathogenic potential, community and nosocomial spread, and acquisition of antibiotic resistance gene determinants, including the mupA gene by S. argenteus, highlight its clinical significance and the need for its correct identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo Osagie Shittu
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Adebayo Osagie Shittu,
| | - Franziska Layer-Nicolaou
- National Reference Centre (NRC) for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Birgit Strommenger
- National Reference Centre (NRC) for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Minh-Thu Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Bletz
- Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Roth S, Jung P, Boone J, Mellmann A, Nimmesgern A, Becker SL, Berger FK, von Müller L. Antigen-Specific vs. Neutralizing Antibodies Against Conditioned Media of Patients With Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Prospective Exploratory Study. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:859037. [PMID: 35283831 PMCID: PMC8908241 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.859037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunological response against Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is crucial for an improved understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. From April 2014 to February 2015, adult patients with C. difficile infection (CDI) were recruited, and the clinical course and treatment response were carefully monitored. On day 1, 3, and 6 after diagnosis, patient plasma samples were screened for anti-GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase), anti-TcdA, anti-TcdB, and anti-CWP84 (cell-wall protein 84) antibodies by ELISA. Additionally, neutralization assays of toxins from conditioned media of clinical isolates (RT010, RT014, and RT027) were performed. Most patients with CDI (n = 46) had antibodies against GDH (85%) and CWP84 (61%), but only few had antibodies against TcdA (11%) and TcdB (28%). We found patients with neutralizing antibodies against C. difficile toxins (conditioned media) produced by RT027 (26%). A subgroup of these samples could neutralize both toxins from RT027 and RT014 [11%, (5/46)]; however, no single sample neutralized only RT014. Overall, neutralizing antibody titers were low (≤1:16). In a one week follow-up of acute infection, we never observed an early booster effect with seroconversion or antibody increases, irrespective of disease severity. No correlation was found between the presence of antigen-specific (ELISA) or neutralizing antibodies and the clinical course of disease. Anti-TcdB but not anti-TcdA antibodies correlated with the occurrence of neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, natural antibody titers against C. difficile toxins were absent or low and were not associated with disease severity. The correlation between the anti-TcdB with toxin neutralization confirms the importance of TcdB for virulence of CDI. Alternative sensitization strategies, e.g., through vaccine development, are required to overcome the regular low-titer antibody production following natural intestinal C. difficile exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Roth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Jung
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - James Boone
- TechLab Research and Development, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,German National Reference Center for Clostridioides difficile, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anna Nimmesgern
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sören L Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Fabian K Berger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German National Reference Center for Clostridioides difficile, Homburg, Germany
| | - Lutz von Müller
- German National Reference Center for Clostridioides difficile, Homburg, Germany.,Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene, Coesfeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abdrabou AMM, Bischoff M, Mellmann A, von Müller L, Margardt L, Gärtner BC, Berger FK, Haase G, Häfner H, Hoffmann R, Simon V, Stappmanns H, Hischebeth GT, Büchler C, Rößler S, Hochauf-Stange K, Pfeffer K, MacKenzie C, Kunz C, Alsalameh R, Dziobaka J, le Chapot VS, Sanabria E, Hogardt M, Komp J, Imirzalioglu C, Schmiedel J, Pararas M, Sommer F, Groß U, Bohne W, Kekulé AS, Dagwadordsch U, Löffler B, Rödel J, Walker SV, Tobys D, Weikert-Asbeck S, Hauswaldt S, Kaasch AJ, Zautner AE, Joß N, Siegel E, Kehr K, Schaumburg F, Schoeler S, Hamprecht A, Hellkamp J, Hagemann JB, Kubis J, Hering S, Warnke P. Implementation of a Clostridioides difficile sentinel surveillance system in Germany: First insights for 2019–2021. Anaerobe 2022; 77:102548. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
35
|
Correa-Martínez CL, Jurke A, Schmitz J, Schaumburg F, Kampmeier S, Mellmann A. Molecular Epidemiology of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Bloodstream Infections in Germany: A Population-Based Prospective Longitudinal Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:130. [PMID: 35056579 PMCID: PMC8777844 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a public health challenge worldwide. While VRE bloodstream infections (VREBI) increase in Germany and Europe, population-based molecular data are scarce. We aimed to analyze the molecular epidemiology, demographic aspects, and geographical distribution of VREBI in the German Federal State of North-Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), located in the German-Dutch-Belgian border area, representing over 20% of Germany's population. VREBI isolates were collected from hospitals across NRW between 2016 and 2019. Demographic data were gathered and anonymized upon sample collection. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and identification of glycopeptide resistance were carried out. Epidemiological analysis and geographical mapping were performed. Single VREBI isolates from 755 patients were analyzed. In total, 38.9% were female, and 80.0% were aged ≥ 60 years. The VREBI incidence per 100,000 inhabitants nearly tripled, from 0.52 (2016) to 1.48 (2019), particularly in male patients aged ≥ 50 years. The proportion of vanB reached 83% (n = 202/243) in 2018, overtaking vanA as the predominant glycopeptide resistance determinant, detected in close relation with ST117 isolates. The proportion of MLST sequence type (ST) 117 peaked in 2018, at 78.2% (n = 190/243). The major role of these emerging strains in invasive infections in central Europe requires novel strategies for their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annette Jurke
- Section Infectious Disease Epidemiology, North Rhine-Westphalian Centre for Health, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Janne Schmitz
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.); (S.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.); (S.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.); (S.K.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Boeing C, Correa-Martinez CL, Schuler F, Mellmann A, Karch A, Kampmeier S. Development and Validation of a Tool for the Prediction of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Colonization Persistence-the PREVENT Score. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0035621. [PMID: 34523992 PMCID: PMC8557884 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00356-21] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial pathogens with increasing prevalence worldwide. Extensive hygiene measures have been established to prevent infection transmission in hospitals. Here, we developed a predictive score system (the predictive vancomycin-resistant enterococci [PREVENT] score) to identify the clearance or persistence in patients with a history of VRE carrier status at readmission. Over a cumulative 3-year period, patients with a positive VRE carrier status were included. The study population was recruited in two successive time periods and separated into training data for predictive score development and validation data for evaluation of the predictive power. The risk factors for persistent VRE colonization were analyzed in a univariable analysis before development of a logistic regression model based on the potential risk factors. The score points were determined proportionally to the beta coefficients of the logistic regression model. The data from 448 (79%) patients were used as the training data, and those from 119 (21%) as the validation data. Multivariable analysis revealed the following variables as independent risk factors: age of ≥60 years, hemato-oncological disease, cumulative antibiotic treatment for >4 weeks, and a VRE infection. The resulting logistic regression model exhibited an acceptable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 0.91). The predictive score system had a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 65 to 93%) and a specificity of 77% (95% CI, 66 to 85%). The developed predictive score system is a useful tool to assess the VRE carrier status of patients with a history of VRE colonization. On the basis of this risk assessment, more focused and cost-effective infection control measures can be implemented. IMPORTANCE Given the increasing relevance of VRE as nosocomial pathogens worldwide, infection prevention and control measures, including patient isolation and contact precautions, are indispensable to avoid their spread in the hospital setting. In this study, we developed and validated the PREVENT score, a tool for rapid risk assessment of VRE persistence in patients with a history of previous VRE colonization. The score is designed to be easily performed, employing clinical information available in a regular admission setting and immediately providing information to inform the decision of whether to adopt patient isolation and contact precautions during the hospital stay. After validation, the score was shown to accurately identify patients with persistent VRE colonization upon admission, representing a suitable option as (i) a complementary method yielding preliminary results significantly more quickly than culture-based VRE detection techniques and (ii) an alternative strategy for VRE detection in settings in which microbiological VRE screening is not routinely performed due to limited resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Boeing
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Franziska Schuler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - André Karch
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Detzner J, Püttmann C, Pohlentz G, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Primary Human Colon Epithelial Cells (pHCoEpiCs) Do Express the Shiga Toxin (Stx) Receptor Glycosphingolipids Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer and Are Largely Refractory but Not Resistant towards Stx. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810002. [PMID: 34576167 PMCID: PMC8472147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) is released by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) into the human intestinal lumen and transferred across the colon epithelium to the circulation. Stx-mediated damage of human kidney and brain endothelial cells and renal epithelial cells is a renowned feature, while the sensitivity of the human colon epithelium towards Stx and the decoration with the Stx receptor glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) is a matter of debate. Structural analysis of the globo-series GSLs of serum-free cultivated primary human colon epithelial cells (pHCoEpiCs) revealed Gb4Cer as the major neutral GSL with Cer (d18:1, C16:0), Cer (d18:1, C22:1/C22:0) and Cer (d18:1, C24:2/C24:1) accompanied by minor Gb3Cer with Cer (d18:1, C16:0) and Cer (d18:1, C24:1) as the dominant lipoforms. Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer co-distributed with cholesterol and sphingomyelin to detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) used as microdomain analogs. Exposure to increasing Stx concentrations indicated only a slight cell-damaging effect at the highest toxin concentration of 1 µg/mL for Stx1a and Stx2a, whereas a significant effect was detected for Stx2e. Considerable Stx refractiveness of pHCoEpiCs that correlated with the rather low cellular content of the high-affinity Stx-receptor Gb3Cer renders the human colon epithelium questionable as a major target of Stx1a and Stx2a.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Charlotte Püttmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)251-8355192
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gati NS, Temme IJ, Middendorf-Bauchart B, Kehl A, Dobrindt U, Mellmann A. Comparative phenotypic characterization of hybrid Shiga toxin-producing / uropathogenic Escherichia coli, canonical uropathogenic and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Int J Med Microbiol 2021; 311:151533. [PMID: 34425494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151533] [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: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains are phylogenetically positioned between STEC and UPEC and can cause both diarrhea and urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, their virulence properties and adaptation to different host milieu in comparison to canonical UPEC and STEC strains are unknown. We determined phenotypes of the STEC/UPEC hybrid with respect to virulence including acid resistance, motility, biofilm formation, siderophore production, and adherence to human colonic Caco-2 and bladder T24 cells and compared to phenotypes of commensal strain MG1655, UPEC strain 536, and STEC strains B2F1 and Sakai. Moreover, we assessed the adaptation of the hybrid to artificial urine medium (AUM) and simulated colonic environment medium (SCEM). Overall acid resistance at pH 2.5 was high except in strains B2F1 and hybrid 05-00787 which showed reduced and extremely low acid resistance, respectively. Motility was reduced in hybrid 05-00787 and 09-05501 but strong in the remaining hybrids. While some hybrids showed high biofilm formation in LB, overall biofilm formation in SCEM and AUM were low and non-existent, respectively. All strains tested showed siderophore activity at equilibrium. All strains except MG1655 adhered to Caco-2 cells with the hybrid having similar adherence when compared to 536 but exhibited 2 and 3 times lower adherence when compared to B2F1 and Sakai, respectively. All Stx-producing strains adhered stronger to T24 cells than strains 536 and MG1655. Overall growth in LB, SCEM and AUM was consistent within the hybrid strains, except hybrid 05-00787 which showed significantly different growth patterns. Our data suggest that the hybrid is adapted to both, the intestinal and extraintestinal milieu. Expression of phenotypes typical of intestinal and extraintestinal pathogens thereby supports its potential to cause diarrhea and UTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexander Kehl
- University Hospital Münster, Institute of Hygiene, Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- University Hospital Münster, Institute of Hygiene, Microbial Genome-Plasticity, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shittu AO, Taiwo FF, Froböse NJ, Schwartbeck B, Niemann S, Mellmann A, Schaumburg F. Genomic analysis of Staphylococcus aureus from the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat in Nigeria. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:122. [PMID: 34412702 PMCID: PMC8375196 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00987-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Staphylococcus aureus can colonize various host species, and human-animal interaction is a significant factor for cross-species transmission. However, data on S. aureus colonization in animals, particularly on ruminants in close contact with humans, is limited. The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat is among the earliest domesticated ruminant associated with rural dwellers and small-holder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to investigate the population structure, antibiotic resistance, and virulence gene determinants of S. aureus from the WAD goat in Nigeria. Methods Nasal samples were obtained from the WAD goat in five markets in Osun State, South-West Nigeria. S. aureus was characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, detection of virulence determinants, spa typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Representative isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing, biofilm, and cytotoxicity assay. Results Of the 726 nasal samples obtained from the WAD goat, 90 S. aureus (12.4%) were recovered. Overall, 86 isolates were methicillin-susceptible, and four were mecA-positive (i.e., methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]). A diverse S. aureus clonal population was observed (20 sequence types [STs] and 37 spa types), while 35% (13/37) and 40% (8/20) were new spa types and STs, respectively. Eleven MLST clonal complexes (CC) were identified (CC1, CC5, CC8, CC15, CC30, CC45, CC97, CC121, CC133, CC152, CC522). The MRSA isolates were designated as t127-ST852-CC1-SCCmec type VII, t4690-ST152-CC152-SCCmec type Vc, and t8821-ST152-CC152-SCCmec type Vc. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 60% (54/90) of all isolates were associated with ruminant lineages (i.e., CC133, CC522). Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-positive S. aureus was identified in CC1, CC30, CC121, and CC152. For the CC522 isolates, we illustrate their pathogenic potential by the detection of the toxic shock syndrome gene and hemolysins, as well as their strong cytotoxicity and ability to form biofilms. Conclusions This is the first detailed investigation on the genomic content of S. aureus from the WAD goat in Nigeria. The S. aureus population of the WAD goat consists mainly of ruminant-associated lineages (e.g., CC133, CC522), interspersed with human-associated clones, including PVL-positive MRSA CC1 and CC152. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00987-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo Osagie Shittu
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. .,Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | | | - Neele Judith Froböse
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Bianca Schwartbeck
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Silke Niemann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Detzner J, Klein AL, Pohlentz G, Krojnewski E, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Primary Human Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells (pHRPTEpiCs): Shiga Toxin (Stx) Glycosphingolipid Receptors, Stx Susceptibility, and Interaction with Membrane Microdomains. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080529. [PMID: 34437399 PMCID: PMC8402424 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubular epithelial cells of the human kidney are considered as targets of Shiga toxins (Stxs) in the Stx-mediated pathogenesis of hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Stx-releasing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Analysis of Stx-binding glycosphingolipids (GSLs) of primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (pHRPTEpiCs) yielded globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer) with Cer (d18:1, C16:0), Cer (d18:1, C22:0), and Cer (d18:1, C24:1/C24:0) as the dominant lipoforms. Investigation of detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) and nonDRMs, serving as equivalents for the liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered membrane phase, respectively, revealed the prevalence of Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer together with cholesterol and sphingomyelin in DRMs, suggesting lipid raft association. Stx1a and Stx2a exerted strong cellular damage with half-maximal cytotoxic doses (CD50) of 1.31 × 102 pg/mL and 1.66 × 103 pg/mL, respectively, indicating one order of magnitude higher cellular cytotoxicity of Stx1a. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) real-time interaction analysis using biosensor surfaces coated with DRM or nonDRM fractions gave stronger binding capability of Stx1a versus Stx2a that correlated with the lower cytotoxicity of Stx2a. Our study underlines the substantial role of proximal tubular epithelial cells of the human kidney being associated with the development of Stx-mediated HUS at least for Stx1a, while the impact of Stx2a remains somewhat ambiguous.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Anna-Lena Klein
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Elisabeth Krojnewski
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (A.-L.K.); (G.P.); (E.K.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Papan C, Schröder M, Hoffmann M, Knoll H, Last K, Albrecht F, Geisel J, Fink T, Gärtner BC, Mellmann A, Volk T, Berger FK, Becker SL. Combined antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures to contain the spread of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in an intensive care unit. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:99. [PMID: 34193293 PMCID: PMC8242281 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00970-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The unrestricted use of linezolid has been linked to the emergence of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (LRSE). We report the effects of combined antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures on the spread of LRSE in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods Microbiological data were reviewed to identify all LRSE detected in clinical samples at an ICU in southwest Germany. Quantitative data on the use of antibiotics with Gram-positive coverage were obtained in defined daily doses (DDD) per 100 patient-days (PD). In addition to infection control measures, an antibiotic stewardship intervention was started in May 2019, focusing on linezolid restriction and promoting vancomycin, wherever needed. We compared data from the pre-intervention period (May 2018–April 2019) to the post-intervention period (May 2019–April 2020). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine the genetic relatedness of LRSE isolates. Results In the pre-intervention period, LRSE were isolated from 31 patients (17 in blood cultures). The average consumption of linezolid and daptomycin decreased from 7.5 DDD/100 PD and 12.3 DDD/100 PD per month in the pre-intervention period to 2.5 DDD/100 PD and 5.7 DDD/100 PD per month in the post-intervention period (p = 0.0022 and 0.0205), respectively. Conversely, vancomycin consumption increased from 0.2 DDD/100 PD per month to 4.7 DDD/100 PD per month (p < 0.0001). In the post-intervention period, LRSE were detected in 6 patients (4 in blood cultures) (p = 0.0065). WGS revealed the predominance of one single clone. Conclusions Complementing infection control measures by targeted antibiotic stewardship interventions was beneficial in containing the spread of LRSE in an ICU. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00970-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Papan
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Strasse, Building 43, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Schröder
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Heike Knoll
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Last
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Strasse, Building 43, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frederic Albrecht
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Geisel
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Fink
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Barbara C Gärtner
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Strasse, Building 43, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Volk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Fabian K Berger
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Strasse, Building 43, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sören L Becker
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Kirrberger Strasse, Building 43, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gati NS, Altinok OA, Kumar S, Ferrando VA, Kurtz J, Quante M, Ludwig S, Mellmann A. Integrating evolutionary aspects into dual-use discussion: the cases of influenza virus and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:383-392. [PMID: 34925844 PMCID: PMC8672939 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Research in infection biology aims to understand the complex nature of host–pathogen interactions. While this knowledge facilitates strategies for preventing and treating diseases, it can also be intentionally misused to cause harm. Such dual-use risk is potentially high for highly pathogenic microbes such as Risk Group-3 (RG3) bacteria and RG4 viruses, which could be used in bioterrorism attacks. However, other pathogens such as influenza virus (IV) and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), usually classified as RG2 pathogens, also demonstrate high dual-use risk. As the currently approved therapeutics against these pathogens are not satisfactorily effective, previous outbreaks of these pathogens caused enormous public fear, media attention and economic burden. In this interdisciplinary review, we summarize the current perspectives of dual-use research on IV and EHEC, and further highlight the dual-use risk associated with evolutionary experiments with these infectious pathogens. We support the need to carry out experiments pertaining to pathogen evolution, including to gain predictive insights on their evolutionary trajectories, which cannot be otherwise achieved with stand-alone theoretical models and epidemiological data. However, we also advocate for increased awareness and assessment strategies to better quantify the risks-versus-benefits associated with such evolutionary experiments. In addition to building public trust in dual-use research, we propose that these approaches can be extended to other pathogens currently classified as low risk, but bearing high dual-use potential, given the particular pressing nature of their rapid evolutionary potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sriram Kumar
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Kurtz
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- Department of Philosophy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Detzner J, Krojnewski E, Pohlentz G, Steil D, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Shiga Toxin (Stx)-Binding Glycosphingolipids of Primary Human Renal Cortical Epithelial Cells (pHRCEpiCs) and Stx-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020139. [PMID: 33673393 PMCID: PMC7918848 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human kidney epithelial cells are supposed to be directly involved in the pathogenesis of the hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The characterization of the major and minor Stx-binding glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer), respectively, of primary human renal cortical epithelial cells (pHRCEpiCs) revealed GSLs with Cer (d18:1, C16:0), Cer (d18:1, C22:0), and Cer (d18:1, C24:1/C24:0) as the dominant lipoforms. Using detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) and non-DRMs, Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer prevailed in the DRM fractions, suggesting their association with microdomains in the liquid-ordered membrane phase. A preference of Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer endowed with C24:0 fatty acid accompanied by minor monounsaturated C24:1-harboring counterparts was observed in DRMs, whereas the C24:1 fatty acid increased in relation to the saturated equivalents in non-DRMs. A shift of the dominant phospholipid phosphatidylcholine with saturated fatty acids in the DRM to unsaturated species in the non-DRM fractions correlated with the GSL distribution. Cytotoxicity assays gave a moderate susceptibility of pHRCEpiCs to the Stx1a and Stx2a subtypes when compared to highly sensitive Vero-B4 cells. The results indicate that presence of Stx-binding GSLs per se and preferred occurrence in microdomains do not necessarily lead to a high cellular susceptibility towards Stx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Elisabeth Krojnewski
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Daniel Steil
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (E.K.); (G.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Schwierzeck V, König JC, Kühn J, Mellmann A, Correa-Martínez CL, Omran H, Konrad M, Kaiser T, Kampmeier S. First Reported Nosocomial Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in a Pediatric Dialysis Unit. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:265-270. [PMID: 33501962 PMCID: PMC7197625 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening respiratory condition caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was initially detected in China in December 2019. Currently, in Germany >140 000 cases of COVID-19 are confirmed. Here we report a nosocomial outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the pediatric dialysis unit of the University Hospital Münster (UHM). METHODS Single-step real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from nasopharyngeal swabs was used to diagnose the index patient and identify infected contacts. Epidemiological links were analyzed by patient interviews and medical record reviews. In addition, each contact was assessed for exposure to the index case and monitored for clinical symptoms. Cycle threshold (Ct) values of all positive test results were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. RESULTS Forty-eight cases were involved in this nosocomial outbreak. Nine contact cases developed laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infections. Two SARS-CoV-2-positive cases remained clinically asymptomatic. Eleven cases reported flulike symptoms without positive results. Ct values were significantly lower in cases presenting typical COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting high viral shedding (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS Person-to-person transmission was at the heart of a hospital outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 between healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients in the pediatric dialysis unit at UHM. Semiquantitative rRT-PCR results suggest that individuals with high viral load pose a risk to spread SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital setting. Our epidemiological observation highlights the need to develop strategies to trace and monitor SARS-CoV-2-infected HCWs to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in the hospital setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Christian König
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,KfH Kidney Center for Children and Adolescents, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Kühn
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Heymut Omran
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Konrad
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,KfH Kidney Center for Children and Adolescents, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Kaiser
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Schiller P, Knödler M, Berger P, Greune L, Fruth A, Mellmann A, Dersch P, Berger M, Dobrindt U. The Superior Adherence Phenotype of E. coli O104:H4 is Directly Mediated by the Aggregative Adherence Fimbriae Type I. Virulence 2021; 12:346-359. [PMID: 33356871 PMCID: PMC7834096 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1868841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas the O104:H4 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak strain from 2011 expresses aggregative adherence fimbriae of subtype I (AAF/I), its close relative, the O104:H4 enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strain 55989, encodes AAF of subtype III. Tight adherence mediated by AAF/I in combination with Shiga toxin 2 production has been suggested to result in the outbreak strain’s exceptional pathogenicity. Furthermore, the O104:H4 outbreak strain adheres significantly better to cultured epithelial cells than archetypal EAEC strains expressing different AAF subtypes. To test whether AAF/I expression is associated with the different virulence phenotypes of the outbreak strain, we heterologously expressed AAF subtypes I, III, IV, and V in an AAF-negative EAEC 55989 mutant and compared AAF-mediated phenotypes, incl. autoaggregation, biofilm formation, as well as bacterial adherence to HEp-2 cells. We observed that the expression of all four AAF subtypes promoted bacterial autoaggregation, though with different kinetics. Disturbance of AAF interaction on the bacterial surface via addition of α-AAF antibodies impeded autoaggregation. Biofilm formation was enhanced upon heterologous expression of AAF variants and inversely correlated with the autoaggregation phenotype. Co-cultivation of bacteria expressing different AAF subtypes resulted in mixed bacterial aggregates. Interestingly, bacteria expressing AAF/I formed the largest bacterial clusters on HEp-2 cells, indicating a stronger host cell adherence similar to the EHEC O104:H4 outbreak strain. Our findings show that, compared to the closely related O104:H4 EAEC strain 55989, not only the acquisition of the Shiga toxin phage, but also the acquisition of the AAF/I subtype might have contributed to the increased EHEC O104:H4 pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Knödler
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Petya Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Lilo Greune
- Institute for Infectiology, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute , Wernigerode, Germany
| | | | - Petra Dersch
- Institute for Infectiology, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dobrindt
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster , Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Grossmann A, Froböse NJ, Mellmann A, Alabi AS, Schaumburg F, Niemann S. An in vitro study on Staphylococcus schweitzeri virulence. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1157. [PMID: 33442048 PMCID: PMC7806826 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-80961-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus schweitzeri belongs to the Staphylococcus aureus-related complex and is mainly found in African wildlife; no infections in humans are reported yet. Hence, its medical importance is controversial. The aim of this work was to assess the virulence of S. schweitzeri in vitro. The capacity of African S. schweitzeri (n = 58) for invasion, intra- and extracellular cytotoxicity, phagolysosomal escape, coagulase activity, biofilm formation and host cell activation was compared with S. aureus representing the most common clonal complexes in Africa (CC15, CC121, CC152). Whole genome sequencing revealed that the S. schweitzeri isolates belonged to five geographical clusters. Isolates from humans were found in two different clades. S. schweitzeri and S. aureus showed a similar host cell invasion (0.9 vs. 1.2 CFU/Vero cell), host cell activation (i.e. expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, 4.1 vs. 1.7 normalized fold change in gene expression of CCL5; 7.3 vs. 9.9 normalized fold change in gene expression of IL8, A549 cells) and intracellular cytotoxicity (31.5% vs. 25% cell death, A549 cells). The extracellular cytotoxicity (52.9% vs. 28.8% cell death, A549 cells) was higher for S. schweitzeri than for S. aureus. Nearly all tested S. schweitzeri (n = 18/20) were able to escape from phagolysosomes. In conclusion, some S. schweitzeri isolates display virulence phenotypes comparable to African S. aureus. S. schweitzeri might become an emerging zoonotic pathogen within the genus Staphylococcus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Almut Grossmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Neele J Froböse
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Abraham S Alabi
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Silke Niemann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.,Section of Medical and Geographical Infectiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Schneider KN, Correa-Martínez CL, Gosheger G, Rickert C, Schorn D, Mellmann A, Schwierzeck V, Kampmeier S. Assessing the spreading potential of an undetected case of COVID-19 in orthopaedic surgery. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2021; 141:1131-1137. [PMID: 32524227 PMCID: PMC7283422 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-020-03516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the novel coronavirus-induced disease (COVID-19), there is the fear of nosocomial infections and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmissions to healthcare workers (HCW). We report the case of a 64-year-old male patient who underwent explantation of a shoulder prosthesis due to a periprosthetic infection. He was tested SARS-CoV-2 positive 7 days after admission to the orthopaedic department following strict infection control measures, routinely including screening all patients for multi-drug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization upon admission. Aim of our study is to report on the spreading potential of SARS-CoV-2 in a healthcare setting if standard contact precautions and infection control measures have been established. METHODS All HCW with exposure to the patient from day of admission until confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were identified and underwent oropharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS Sixty-six HCW were identified: nine orthopaedic surgeons, four anaesthesiologists, 25 orthopaedic nurses, five nurse anesthetists, eight scrub nurses, five nursing students, two medical assistants and seven service employees. Fourteen HCW (21%) showed clinical symptoms compatible with a SARS-CoV-2 infection: cough (n = 4), sore throat (n = 3), nasal congestion (n = 3), dyspnea (n = 2), fever (n = 1), headache and myalgia (n = 1). SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any of the 66 HCW. CONCLUSION Hygienic measures and contact precautions, aimed at preventing the spread of MRDO, may have helped to prevent a SARS-CoV-2 transmission to HCW-despite high-risk exposure during intubation, surgical treatment and general care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, case series.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. N. Schneider
- Department of Orthopaedics and Tumor Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - C. L. Correa-Martínez
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - G. Gosheger
- Department of Orthopaedics and Tumor Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - C. Rickert
- Department of Orthopaedics and Tumor Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - D. Schorn
- Department of Orthopaedics and Tumor Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - A. Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - V. Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - S. Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Detzner J, Steil D, Pohlentz G, Legros N, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Real-time interaction analysis of Shiga toxins and membrane microdomains of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Glycobiology 2020; 30:174-185. [PMID: 31691795 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwz091] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of the human intestinal tract with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) result in massive extraintestinal complications due to translocation of EHEC-released Shiga toxins (Stxs) from the gut into the circulation. Stx-mediated damage of the cerebral microvasculature raises serious brain dysfunction being the most frequent cause of acute mortality in patients suffering from severe EHEC infections. Stx2a and Stx2e are associated with heavy and mild course of infection, respectively. Stx2a preferentially binds to globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer), while Stx2e prefers globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer). Both glycosphingolipids (GSLs) were detected in detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (pHBMECs) resembling microdomains of the plasma membrane. In this study, we show that Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer of pHBMECs with saturated C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0 fatty acids dominated in DRMs, corresponding to the liquid-ordered membrane phase, whereas lipoforms carrying unsaturated C24:1 and C24:2 fatty acids prevailed in the non-DRM fractions, which correspond to the liquid-disordered membrane phase. Similarly, a shift of the phospholipids from saturated lipoforms in the DRM to unsaturated species in the non-DRM fractions was observed. Real-time biomolecular interaction analysis using affinity-purified Stx2a and Stx2e, recorded with a surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensor, evidenced high binding strength of both toxins toward DRMs and failure in interaction with non-DRMs. These results support the hypothesis of preferential binding of Stxs toward microdomains harboring GSL receptors carrying saturated fatty acids in their lipid anchors. Collectively, unraveling the precise mechanisms of Stx-microdomain interaction may help to develop antiadhesive compounds to combat Stx-mediated cellular injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Steil
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Nadine Legros
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Helge Karch
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Correa-Martínez CL, Becker F, Schwierzeck V, Mellmann A, Brockmann JG, Kampmeier S. Donor-derived vancomycin-resistant enterococci transmission and bloodstream infection after intestinal transplantation. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:180. [PMID: 33160394 PMCID: PMC7648953 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant recipients are at high risk for infections. However, donor-recipient transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) remains mostly unaddressed in the protocols of pre-transplant infection and colonization screening. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are MDROs that colonize the gastrointestinal tract and are associated with a significant burden of disease. Besides the high mortality of invasive VRE infections, chronic colonization leads to costly isolation measures in the hospital setting. Whereas most post-transplantation VRE infections are endogenous and thus preceded by colonization of the recipient, conclusive evidence of VRE transmission via allograft in the context of intestinal transplantation is lacking. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a donor-derived VRE infection after intestinal transplantation including small bowel and right hemicolon. The recipient, a 54-year old male with history of mesenteric ischemia and small bowel perforation due to generalized atherosclerosis and chronic stenosis of the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery, developed an intra-abdominal infection and bloodstream infection after transplantation. VRE isolates recovered from the patient as well as from the allograft prior to transplantation were analyzed via whole genome sequencing. Isolates showed to be genetically identical, thus confirming the transmission from donor to recipient. CONCLUSIONS This case underlines the relevance of donor-recipient VRE transmission and invasive infection in the context of intestinal transplantation, highlighting the need for preoperative MDRO screening that facilitates the prompt and effective treatment of possible infections as well as the timely establishment of contact precautions to prevent further spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos L Correa-Martínez
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Felix Becker
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Waldeyerstraße 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens G Brockmann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Waldeyerstraße 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 41, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Domgakstraße 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Froböse N, Masjosthusmann K, Huss S, Correa-Martinez C, Mellmann A, Schuler F, Kahl B, Wittkowski H, Schaumburg F. A child with soft-tissue infection and lymphadenitis. New Microbes New Infect 2020; 38:100819. [PMID: 33304596 PMCID: PMC7718473 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a soft-tissue infection with Francisella philomiragia, a rare opportunistic pathogen in individuals with chronic granulomatous disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N.J. Froböse
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - K. Masjosthusmann
- General Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S. Huss
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - A. Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - F. Schuler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - B.C. Kahl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - H. Wittkowski
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University Children´s Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - F. Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|