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BMC Infectious Diseases Jul 2022Streptococcus canis is a group G beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species which normally resides on the skin and mucosal surfaces of dogs. Although it rarely causes...
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus canis is a group G beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species which normally resides on the skin and mucosal surfaces of dogs. Although it rarely causes infection in humans, our case and review of relevant literature demonstrate that this multi-host pathogen may be responsible for metastatic infection. We present an appropriate management strategy in such cases.
CASE PRESENTATION
A previously healthy 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of erythema, pain, and swelling of the left ankle and foot, consistent with acute cellulitis. The patient was initially discharged home with a plan to complete a course of IV cefazolin as an outpatient, but later recalled after two sets of blood cultures grew gram positive cocci. Blood cultures speciated as Streptococcus canis. This was performed by identifying beta hemolytic strep on blood agar, then typed as Lancefield group G, followed by MALDI-TOF which distinguished S. canis. History was unremarkable except for a 2-week history of lower back pain precipitated by a wrestling injury. There was no canine bite or scratch wound, although the patient lives with a dog. CT spine was obtained which demonstrated right piriformis myositis and S1 osteomyelitis. MRI additionally demonstrated right erector spinae myositis, right sacroiliitis, and multiple collections in the right posterior paraspinal soft tissues. Transthoracic echocardiogram did not demonstrate valvular vegetations. The S. canis isolate was pan-susceptible and the patient was ultimately discharged home and completed a 8-week course of IV penicillin G. After completion of therapy, his symptoms, repeat imaging, and biochemical markers suggested resolution of infection on follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that management of S. canis bacteremia should involve consideration of screening for metastatic infection and infectious diseases consultation. However, despite its potential for systemic involvement, S. canis is often susceptible to narrow spectrum antibiotics, and may be treated with penicillins.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; Animals; Bacteremia; Dogs; Humans; Male; Myositis; Osteomyelitis; Sacroiliitis; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus
PubMed: 35840925
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07580-3 -
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Apr 2023Streptococcus canis is a beta-haemolytic, Gram-positive cocci commonly identified on the canine ocular surface under both healthy and diseased conditions. The objective...
Streptococcus canis is a beta-haemolytic, Gram-positive cocci commonly identified on the canine ocular surface under both healthy and diseased conditions. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of S. canis on the normal and abnormal ocular surface of a canine ophthalmology referral population in Canada, and to investigate potential clinical aspects that may be associated with its presence. Included were 59 dogs (118 eyes) with unilateral or bilateral ocular disease diagnosed at the time of conjunctival sampling. A real-time PCR specific for S. canis was standardized for use with conjunctival swabs. Total DNA was extracted from 118 samples and used as template for the diagnostic assay. Samples were considered positive if amplification was detected and dissociation temperature matched a positive control. Signalment and other clinical data were also collected at the time of sampling. Of the 118 eyes sampled, 8 tested positive for S. canis (6.8%). No association between the detection of S. canis and breed, cephalic conformation, sex, age, use of ophthalmic antibiotics or other topical medications, ophthalmic diagnosis, use of systemic antibiotics or other systemic medications, or systemic diagnosis was identified. In conclusion, S. canis may be present on the ocular surface of dogs at a higher rate than previously reported. It is suggested that this may be linked to the use of PCR for pathogen detection instead of culture.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dog Diseases; Eye Diseases; Prevalence; Streptococcus; Canada
PubMed: 37118781
DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00677-y -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2014Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant pathogen of humans, annually causing over 700,000,000 infections and 500,000 deaths. Virulence in S. pyogenes is closely linked... (Review)
Review
Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant pathogen of humans, annually causing over 700,000,000 infections and 500,000 deaths. Virulence in S. pyogenes is closely linked to mobile genetic elements like phages and chromosomal islands (CI). S. pyogenes phage-like chromosomal islands (SpyCI) confer a complex mutator phenotype on their host. SpyCI integrate into the 5' end of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutL, which also disrupts downstream operon genes lmrP, ruvA, and tag. During early logarithmic growth, SpyCI excise from the bacterial chromosome and replicate as episomes, relieving the mutator phenotype. As growth slows and the cells enter stationary phase, SpyCI reintegrate into the chromosome, again silencing the MMR operon. This system creates a unique growth-dependent and reversible mutator phenotype. Additional CI using the identical attachment site in mutL have been identified in related species, including Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus parauberis, and Streptococcus canis. These CI have small genomes, which range from 13 to 20 kB, conserved integrase and DNA replication genes, and no identifiable genes encoding capsid proteins. SpyCI may employ a helper phage for packaging and dissemination in a fashion similar to the Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPI). Outside of the core replication and integration genes, SpyCI and related CI show considerable diversity with the presence of many indels that may contribute to the host cell phenotype or fitness. SpyCI are a subset of a larger family of streptococcal CI who potentially regulate the expression of other host genes. The biological and phylogenetic analysis of streptococcal chromosomal islands provides important clues as to how these chromosomal islands help S. pyogenes and other streptococcal species persist in human populations in spite of antibiotic therapy and immune challenges.
Topics: Chromosomes, Bacterial; DNA Mismatch Repair; Evolution, Molecular; Genes, Bacterial; Genetic Variation; Genomic Islands; Humans; INDEL Mutation; Microbial Viability; Mutagenesis, Insertional; Mutation; Phenotype; Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Streptococcus; Streptococcus pyogenes; Virulence
PubMed: 25161960
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00109 -
Theriogenology Aug 2024The vaginal microbiota of the queen (i.e., female cat) has never been described using culture independent methods. The objectives of the present research were to...
The vaginal microbiota of the queen (i.e., female cat) has never been described using culture independent methods. The objectives of the present research were to describe the vaginal microbiota of healthy domestic shorthair queens using both 16S rRNA sequencing and culture, and to assess the effects of age, living environment, and reproductive season on its composition. Thirty queens undergoing elective ovariectomy were included in the study. The vaginal samples were collected just before surgery, from animals under general anaesthesia. Two consecutive mini-swabs were introduced in the queens' vaginal tract. A preliminary study with 10 healthy queens aimed to negate sampling order's effect. Two consecutive samples for sequencing (5 queens, 10 swabs) and culture (5 queens, 10 swabs) were collected, confirming a match (100 % in culture, Bray-Curtis P = 0.96 in sequencing). The experiment included 20 queens that were prospectively grouped based on age (prepubertal N = 10, adult N = 10), living environment (indoor N = 10, outdoor N = 10), and time of the year, whether during the reproductive season (N = 10) or during seasonal anoestrous (N = 10). Bacteria were identified through metataxonomic analysis, amplifying the V1-V2 regions of 16S rRNA gene, and through standard culture followed by MALDI-TOF MS. The feline vaginal microbiota is dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria. Escherichia-Shigella, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella were the most abundant genera. Although culture underestimated bacterial richness and diversity compared to sequencing, Escherichia and Streptococcus were the most isolated bacteria. No bacterial growth was observed in 15 % of samples (N = 3/20), whereas growth of one or two bacterial species was observed in 64.7 % (N = 11/17) and 35.3 % (N = 6/17) of cases, respectively. No differences in terms of alpha (Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test P = 0.65) and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis, Unweighted and Weighted UniFrac analyses P > 0.5) were observed. Although a difference in alpha diversity based on phylogenetic tree (P = 0.02) was detected between indoor and outdoor queens. In conclusion, mixed and monoculture of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus canis, Staphylococcus felis, and Enterococcus spp. are normal findings within the cat vagina. Age and reproductive season do not influence the feline vaginal microbiota, whereas further research is needed to elucidate the role of the living environment.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Female; Vagina; Microbiota; Bacteria; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Seasons
PubMed: 38772246
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.021 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Jul 2022To profile Streptococcus canis isolates obtained from corneal ulcers in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To profile Streptococcus canis isolates obtained from corneal ulcers in dogs.
ANIMALS
10 dogs.
PROCEDURES
Medical records were searched to identify dogs diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis by a veterinary ophthalmologist and having a positive corneal culture for S canis during the year 2020. For each case, clinical findings and outcome were determined, antimicrobial resistance and sensitivity panels were summarized, whole genome sequencing was performed, and isolates were typed using multi-locus sequence typing and genome-based proteome phylogenetic analysis.
RESULTS
10 S canis isolates were included from dogs diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis. Dogs were either treated surgically via keratectomy and conjunctival grafting (n = 6) or treated medically (4). Three of 10 corneas failed to heal and required enucleation (2/6 conjunctival grafts and 1/4 medically managed corneal ulcers). All three corneal ulcers that failed to heal were associated with S canis sequence type (ST) 43. Sequence types identified from successfully treated cases included ST8 (n = 1), ST50 (1), ST2 (2), ST27 (1), and ST15 (1). One ST43 isolate was obtained from a dog that healed following a conjunctival graft, however this was the only dog that received an oral antibiotic in addition to topical antibiotics.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Based on this small dataset, S canis ST43 may be associated with increased virulence and contribute to conjunctival graft failure and progressive corneal collagenolysis. The postoperative administration of an oral antimicrobial may protect against conjunctival graft rejection in dogs specifically due to S canis ST43.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Corneal Ulcer; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Phylogeny; Ulcer; Dog Diseases; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 35943931
DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.03.0153 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2021Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid and can negatively influence immune defense mechanisms. During bacterial infections in the dog, neutrophils infiltrate infected...
Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid and can negatively influence immune defense mechanisms. During bacterial infections in the dog, neutrophils infiltrate infected tissue and mediate antimicrobial effects with different mechanisms such as phagocytosis and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Here, we investigated the influence of methylprednisolone on canine NET formation and neutrophil killing efficiency of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Therefore, canine blood derived neutrophils were treated with different concentrations of methylprednisolone over time. The survival factor of , or was determined in presence of stimulated neutrophils. Additionally, free DNA and nucleosomes as NET marker were analyzed in supernatants and neutrophils were assessed for NET formation by immunofluorescence microscopy. Methylprednisolone concentrations of 62.5 and 625 µg/mL enhanced the neutrophil killing of Gram positive bacteria, whereas no significant influence was detected for the Gram negative . Interestingly, higher amounts of free DNA were detected under methylprednisolone stimulation in a concentration dependency and in the presence of and . The nucleosome release by neutrophils is induced by bacterial infection and differs depending on the concentration of methylprednisolone. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy analysis identified methylprednisolone at a concentration of 62.5 µg/mL as a NET inducer. In summary, methylprednisolone enhances NET-formation and time-dependent and concentration-dependent the bactericidal effect of canine neutrophils on Gram positive bacteria.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dogs; Extracellular Traps; Female; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Male; Methylprednisolone; Neutrophils; Nucleosomes; Phagocytosis
PubMed: 34299355
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147734 -
Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases Nov 2022The eye (including the cornea) and ear canal are the major sources of Streptococcus canis in companion animal practice. In this study, we aimed to clarify the genotypic...
The eye (including the cornea) and ear canal are the major sources of Streptococcus canis in companion animal practice. In this study, we aimed to clarify the genotypic and phenotypic features of eye-origin isolates collected in 2021 compared to ear-origin isolates collected in 2021 and eye-origin isolates collected in 2017. Of the 102 isolates in 2021, 9 eye-origin isolates were enrolled. Twenty ear-origin isolates in 2021 and 13 eye-origin isolates in 2017 were included as controls. Genotypic analyses included profiling of virulence-associated genes (VAGs; inl, sagA, slo, scp, lbp, fbp, gbp, ap1, fp1, and brp), S. canis M-like protein (SCM) allele typing, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genotyping and phenotyping analyses including hemolytic activity (HA) measurement and AMR phenotyping. One 2017-eye-origin isolate displayed high-level HA; the others displayed low-level HA. No association was evident between the 2021-eye-origin population and the detection rate of each VAG. There was no association between the 2021-eye-origin population and the main SCM allele 2. A significant association was evident between the 2021-eye-origin population and the main clonal complex (CC) 46 containing sequence type (ST) 46/ST2. A significant association was also detected between the 2021-eye-origin population and AMR phenotypes/genotypes. Our observations suggest unique microbiological features (CC46 with AMR phenotypes/genotypes) among the 2021-eye-origin population.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Streptococcal Infections; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Genotype; Multilocus Sequence Typing
PubMed: 35908873
DOI: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2022.137 -
Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases May 2022Using bacterial pan-genomes obtained through whole genome sequencing (WGS), coding DNA sequences (CDSs) can be clustered into pan-genome orthologous groups (POGs). We...
Using bacterial pan-genomes obtained through whole genome sequencing (WGS), coding DNA sequences (CDSs) can be clustered into pan-genome orthologous groups (POGs). We aimed to investigate comparative genomic features of Streptococcus canis based on POG analysis and to determine CDSs specific to prevalent sequence type (ST) 9. Twenty WGS datasets from S. canis strains, including invasive and non-invasive specimens, were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Assembly database. Based on the WGS data, we performed comparative genome hybridization (CGH), pan- and core-genome prediction, Venn diagram testing with five ST9 strains, and phylogenetic analysis with ST determination. We compared the CDSs of seven ST9 and 13 non-ST9 strains. We observed genomic diversity based on CGH and Venn diagram analyses. The predicted pan- and core-genomes contained 4,772 and 1,403 genes, respectively. We found five clades consisting of different STs (ST1, ST44/2, ST13/14, ST21/15/41, and ST9) based on the phylogenetic tree. There were differences in four pathways (DNA restriction-modification system, DNA-mediated transposition, extracellular region, and response to oxidative stress) regulated by CDSs specific to ST9. Our findings describe genomic diversity in CGH and Venn diagram testing, pan- and core-genomes, five clades of genomes consisting of different STs, and unique CDS features associated with ST9.
Topics: DNA; Genomics; Phylogeny; Streptococcus
PubMed: 34588372
DOI: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2021.533 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Jan 2023To determine Streptococcus agalactiae genes responsible for causing neonatal meningitis.
AIM
To determine Streptococcus agalactiae genes responsible for causing neonatal meningitis.
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603 V/R is causative agent of neonatal meningitis, maternal infection and sepsis in young children. World health organisation reported high burden of new born death caused by this bacterium. Streptococcus agalactiae colonizing epithelial cells of vagina and endothelial cells have high resistance to available antibiotic drugs which makes it essential to determine new drug targets.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the genome of selected strain with the non-pathogenic strains of streptococcus and identify the virulent and antibiotic resistant genes for adaptation in host environment.
METHOD
The whole genome of human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603 V/R was analysed and compared with Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains using visualization and annotation tools. Genomic islands, mobile genetic elements, virulent and resistant genes were studied.
RESULTS
Genetically pathogenic strain is most similar to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strain NCTC 7136. Comparative analysis revealed the importance of capsular polysaccharides and surface proteins responsible for avoiding immune system attachment to host epithelial cells and virulent behaviour. High number of genes coding for antibiotics resistance may provide a competitive advantage for survival of pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae strain 2603 V/R in its niche.
CONCLUSIONS
The comparative analysis of pathogenic strain Streptococcus agalactiae with non-pathogenic strains of Streptococcus dysgalactiae provided new insights in pathogenicity that could aid in recognization for new regions and genes for development of new drug development strategies considering presence of high number of resistance genes.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Female; Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Endothelial Cells; Genome, Bacterial; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus; Streptococcus agalactiae; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 36572056
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105398 -
Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases May 2020This study investigated quinolone nonsusceptible Streptococcus canis with point mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs). After selecting targets...
This study investigated quinolone nonsusceptible Streptococcus canis with point mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs). After selecting targets from 185 isolates, we tested antimicrobial susceptibility using levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and moxifloxacin. We also determined the amino acid sequences of QRDRs in gyrA/gyrB/parC/parE genes and their point mutations. Finally, we performed S. canis-derived M-like protein (SCM) allele typing, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance genotyping. Correlations between nonsusceptible strains and their related factors were examined. We found 13 (7.0%) nonsusceptible isolates consisting of two classes, high-level minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (n = 7, 3.8%) and low-level MICs (n = 6, 3.2%). Mutations Ser81Phe/Ser81Tyr/Glu85Lys in gyrA, Ser67Phe/Ser67Tyr/Asp71Tyr in parC, Asp438Asn in parE, and Gly408Asp in gyrB were observed in these nonsusceptible strains. Common mutations included Ser81 and Ser67/Asp71; additionally, we found one strain each with Glu85, Asp438, and Gly408 mutations. There was a significant correlation between nonsusceptible isolates and the presence of SCM allele type 2, sequence type 46, tetracyclineresistance genes, and macrolide/lincosamide-resistance genes. These results could be used in future, by veterinarians while treating companion animals with clinical symptoms of streptococcal infections.
Topics: Alleles; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Dogs; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; Genotype; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Point Mutation; Quinolones; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus
PubMed: 32009056
DOI: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2019.392