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Scientific Reports Dec 2023This study aimed to determine the presence and characteristics of locally circulating strains of Streptococcus suis, the most important streptococcal pathogen in swine....
This study aimed to determine the presence and characteristics of locally circulating strains of Streptococcus suis, the most important streptococcal pathogen in swine. Oral swab samples were collected from pigs from 664 representative smallhold farms across nine provinces in the Philippines. Isolates were identified and characterized using PCR assays. The study revealed an isolation rate of 15.8% (105/664, 95% CI: 13.0-18.6) among the sampled farms. Two hundred sixty-nine (269) S. suis isolates were recovered from 119 unique samples. Serotype 31 was the most prevalent (50/269, 95% CI: 13.9-23.2) among the other serotypes identified: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 21, 27, 28, and 29. The detection of the three 'classical' S. suis virulence-associated genes showed that 90.7% (244/269, 95% CI: 87.2-94.2) were mrp/epf/sly Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis further revealed 70 novel sequence types (STs). Notably, several local isolates belonging to these novel STs formed clonal complexes (CC) with S. suis strains recovered from Spain and USA, which are major pork-exporting countries to the Philippines. This study functionally marks the national baseline knowledge of S. suis in Philippines.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Streptococcus suis; Philippines; Farms; Streptococcal Infections; Genotype; Swine Diseases; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 38040767
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48406-9 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024is one of the porcine pathogens that have recently emerged as a pathogen capable of causing zoonoses in some humans. Patients infected with can present with sepsis,...
INTRODUCTION
is one of the porcine pathogens that have recently emerged as a pathogen capable of causing zoonoses in some humans. Patients infected with can present with sepsis, meningitis, or arthritis. Compared to common pathogens, such as , , and , infections in humans have been reported only rarely.
METHODS
This case report described a 57-year-old man who presented with impaired consciousness and fever following several days of backache. He was a butcher who worked in an abattoir and had wounded his hands 2 weeks prior. The patient was dependent on alcohol for almost 40 years. was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Although he received adequate meropenem and low-dose steroid therapy, the patient suffered from bilateral sudden deafness after 5 days of the infection. The final diagnosis was meningitis and sepsis.
RESULTS
The patient survived with hearing loss in both ears and dizziness at the 60-day follow-up.
DISCUSSION
We reported a case of infection manifested as purulent meningitis and sepsis. Based on literature published worldwide, human meningitis shows an acute onset and rapid progression in the nervous system. Similar to bacterial meningitis, effective antibiotics, and low-dose steroids play important roles in the treatment of human meningitis.
Topics: Humans; Streptococcus suis; Male; Middle Aged; Streptococcal Infections; China; Meningitis, Bacterial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Sepsis; Hearing Loss, Sudden
PubMed: 38808002
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369703 -
BMC Veterinary Research Oct 2023Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pig pathogen worldwide with zoonotic potential. Though different research groups have contributed to a better understanding of... (Review)
Review
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pig pathogen worldwide with zoonotic potential. Though different research groups have contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of S. suis infections in recent years, there are still numerous neglected research topics requiring animal infection trials. Of note, animal experiments are crucial to develop a cross-protective vaccine which is highly needed in the field. Due to the severe clinical signs associated with S. suis pathologies such as meningitis and arthritis, implementation of refinement is very important to reduce pain and distress of experimentally infected pigs. This review highlights the great diversity of clinical signs and courses of disease after experimental S. suis pig infections. We review clinical read out parameters and refinement strategies in experimental S. suis pig infections published between 2000 and 2021. Currently, substantial differences exist in describing clinical monitoring and humane endpoints. Most of the reviewed studies set the body temperature threshold of fever as high as 40.5°C. Monitoring intervals vary mainly between daily, twice a day and three times a day. Only a few studies apply scoring systems. Published scoring systems are inconsistent in their inclusion of parameters such as body temperature, feeding behavior, and respiratory signs. Locomotion and central nervous system signs are more common clinical scoring parameters in different studies by various research groups. As the heterogenicity in clinical monitoring limits the comparability between studies we hope to initiate a discussion with this review leading to an agreement on clinical read out parameters and monitoring intervals among S. suis research groups.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Streptococcus suis; Swine Diseases; Body Temperature; Streptococcal Infections
PubMed: 37798634
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03735-9 -
Microbial Genomics Mar 2024is a leading cause of infection in pigs, causing extensive economic losses. In addition, it can also infect wild fauna, and can be responsible for severe infections in...
is a leading cause of infection in pigs, causing extensive economic losses. In addition, it can also infect wild fauna, and can be responsible for severe infections in humans. Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described in worldwide and most of the AMR genes are carried by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). This contributes to their dissemination by horizontal gene transfer. A collection of 102 strains isolated from humans, pigs and wild boars in France was subjected to whole genome sequencing in order to: (i) study their genetic diversity, (ii) evaluate their content in virulence-associated genes, (iii) decipher the mechanisms responsible for their AMR and their association with MGEs, and (iv) study their ability to acquire extracellular DNA by natural transformation. Analysis by hierarchical clustering on principal components identified a few virulence-associated factors that distinguish invasive CC1 strains from the other strains. A plethora of AMR genes (=217) was found in the genomes. Apart from the frequently reported (B) and (O) genes, more recently described AMR genes were identified [(F)/, (D)]. Modifications in PBPs/MraY and GyrA/ParC were detected in the penicillin- and fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates respectively. New AMR gene-MGE associations were detected. The majority of the strains have the full set of genes required for competence, i.e for the acquisition of extracellular DNA (that could carry AMR genes) by natural transformation. Hence the risk of dissemination of these AMR genes should not be neglected.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Streptococcus suis; Virulence; France; Virulence Factors; DNA
PubMed: 38536216
DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001224 -
Microorganisms Sep 2023Antimicrobial resistance is an important health issue in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to monitor the antimicrobial resistance of three of the...
Antimicrobial resistance is an important health issue in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to monitor the antimicrobial resistance of three of the most important bacteria involved in porcine respiratory disease. A total of 465 isolates were tested during the 2017-2022 period for antimicrobial susceptibility for (n = 137), (n = 207), and (n = 121) by disk diffusion method. The results were interpreted by CLSI breakpoints, where available. High rates of susceptibility (from 90 to >99%) were observed for cefquinome, ceftiofur, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, amoxicillin, penicillin, ampicillin, florfenicol, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. isolates showed high resistance to streptomycin (77%), gentamycin (45%), tilmicosin (39%) erythromycin (33%), oxytetracycline (19%), and tetracycline (18%). For , the highest rates of resistance were observed for streptomycin (98%), tetracycline (75%), oxytetracycline (72%), doxycycline (52%), and erythromycin (51%). presented a high rate of resistance for streptomycin (63%), tilmicosin (29%), oxytetracycline (13%), and tetracycline (14%). Bacteria isolates maintained high susceptibility against antimicrobial agents usually used against the mainly respiratory tract pathogens of swine. Resistance for streptomycin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and tilmicosin was high for all the tested pathogens.
PubMed: 37894069
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102410 -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2024is a significant and emerging zoonotic pathogen. ST1 and ST7 strains are the primary agents responsible for human infections in China, including the Guangxi Zhuang...
is a significant and emerging zoonotic pathogen. ST1 and ST7 strains are the primary agents responsible for human infections in China, including the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GX). To enhance our understanding of ST1 population characteristics, we conducted an investigation into the phylogenetic structure, genomic features, and virulence levels of 73 ST1 human strains from GX between 2005 and 2020. The ST1 GX strains were categorized into three lineages in phylogenetic analysis. Sub-lineage 3-1a exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship with the ST7 epidemic strain SC84. The strains from lineage 3 predominantly harboured 89K-like pathogenicity islands (PAIs) which were categorized into four clades based on sequence alignment. The acquirement of 89K-like PAIs increased the antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity of corresponding transconjugants. We observed significant diversity in virulence levels among the 37 representative ST1 GX strains, that were classified as follows: epidemic (E)/highly virulent (HV) (32.4%, 12/37), virulent plus (V+) (29.7%, 11/37), virulent (V) (18.9%, 7/37), and lowly virulent (LV) (18.9%, 7/37) strains based on survival curves and mortality rates at different time points in C57BL/6 mice following infection. The E/HV strains were characterized by the overproduction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum and promptly established infection at the early phase of infection. Our research offers novel insights into the population structure, evolution, genomic features, and pathogenicity of ST1 strains. Our data also indicates the importance of establishing a scheme for characterizing and subtyping the virulence levels of strains.
Topics: Streptococcus suis; Streptococcal Infections; China; Humans; Phylogeny; Virulence; Animals; Mice; Genome, Bacterial; Genomic Islands; Female; Genomics; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 38578304
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2339946 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023is a major pathogen for swine and human. Here we aimed to know the rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in invasive isolates recovered along Spain between 2016 -...
INTRODUCTION
is a major pathogen for swine and human. Here we aimed to know the rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in invasive isolates recovered along Spain between 2016 - 2021 and elucidate their genetic origin.
METHODS
Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 116 isolates of different genetic backgrounds and geographic origins against 18 antibiotics of 9 families. The association between AMR and genotypes and the origin of the isolates were statistically analyzed using Pearson´s chi-square test and the likelihood ratio. The antimicrobial resistant genes were identified by whole genome sequencing analysis and PCR screenings.
RESULTS
High AMR rates (>80%) were detected for tetracyclines, spectinomycin, lincosamides, and marbofloxacin, medium (20-40%) for sulphonamides/trimethoprim, tiamulin, penicillin G, and enrofloxacin, and low (< 20%) for florfenicol, and four additional β-lactams. The occurrence of multidrug resistance was observed in 90% of isolates. For certain antibiotics (penicillin G, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, tilmicosin, and erythromycin), AMR was significantly associated with particular sequence types (STs), geographic regions, age of pigs, and time course. Whole genome sequencing comparisons and PCR screenings identified 23 AMR genes, of which 19 were previously reported in ((3')-IIIa, , aac(6')-Ie-(2'')-Ia, (B), (A/E), (D), (C), (B), (E), (F), (M), (O), (O/W/32/O), (W)), and 4 were novel ((2'')-IIIa, (47), (T)). These AMR genes explained the AMR to spectinomycin, macrolides, lincosamides, tiamulin, and tetracyclines. Several genes were located on mobile genetic elements which showed a variable organization and composition. As AMR gene homologs were identified in many human and animal pathogens, the resistome of has a different phylogenetic origin. Moreover, AMR to penicillin G, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim related to mutations in genes coding for target enzymes (, , and . Bioinformatic analysis estimated traits of recombination on target genes, also indicative of gene transfer events.
CONCLUSIONS
Our work evidences that is a major contributor to AMR dissemination across veterinary and human pathogens. Therefore, control of AMR in should be considered from a One Health approach in regions with high pig production to properly tackle the issue of antimicrobial drug resistance.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Humans; Streptococcus suis; Spectinomycin; Enrofloxacin; Spain; Phylogeny; Streptococcal Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Lincosamides; Penicillin G; Trimethoprim; Tetracyclines; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Diterpenes
PubMed: 38317790
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1329632 -
Virulence Dec 2024(), a significant zoonotic bacterial pathogen impacting swine and human, is associated with severe systemic diseases such as streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome,...
(), a significant zoonotic bacterial pathogen impacting swine and human, is associated with severe systemic diseases such as streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome, meningitis, septicaemia, and abrupt fatality. The multifaceted roles of complement components C5a and C3a extend to orchestrating inflammatory cells recruitment, oxidative burst induction, and cytokines release. Despite the pivotal role of subtilisin-like serine proteases in pathogenicity, their involvement in immune evasion remains underexplored. In the present study, we identify two cell wall-anchored subtilisin-like serine proteases in , SspA-1 and SspA-2, as binding partners for C3a and C5a. Through Co-Immunoprecipitation, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent and Far-Western Blotting Assays, we validate their interactions with the aforementioned components. However, SspA-1 and SspA-2 have no cleavage activity against complement C3a and C5a performed by Cleavage assay. Chemotaxis assays reveal that recombinant SspA-1 and SspA-2 effectively attenuate monocyte chemotaxis towards C3a and C5a. Notably, the , and mutant strains exhibit compromised survival in blood, and resistance of opsonophagocytosis, alongside impaired survival in blood and colonization compared to the parental strain SC-19. Critical insights from the murine and larva infection models further underscore the significance of in altering mortality rates. Collectively, our findings indicate that SspA-1 and SspA-2 are novel binding proteins for C3a and C5a, thereby shedding light on their pivotal roles in immune evasion and the pathogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Swine; Mice; Immune Evasion; Complement C3a; Streptococcus suis; Cytokines; Subtilisins; Streptococcal Infections
PubMed: 38170683
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2301246 -
ACS Synthetic Biology Sep 2023is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes severe invasive disease in pigs and humans. Current methods for genome engineering of rely on the insertion of antibiotic...
is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes severe invasive disease in pigs and humans. Current methods for genome engineering of rely on the insertion of antibiotic resistance markers, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive and does not allow the precise introduction of small genomic mutations. Here we developed a system for CRISPR-based genome editing in , utilizing linear DNA fragments for homologous recombination (HR) and a plasmid-based negative selection system for bacteria not edited by HR. To enable the use of this system in other bacteria, we engineered a broad-host-range replicon in the CRISPR plasmid. We demonstrated the utility of this system to rapidly introduce multiple gene deletions in successive rounds of genome editing and to make precise nucleotide changes in essential genes. Furthermore, we characterized a mechanism by which can escape killing by a targeted Cas9-sgRNA complex in the absence of HR. A characteristic of this new mechanism is the presence of very slow-growing colonies in a persister-like state that may allow for DNA repair or the introduction of mutations, alleviating Cas9 pressure. This does not impact the utility of CRISPR-based genome editing because the escape colonies are easily distinguished from genetically edited clones due to their small colony size. Our CRISPR-based editing system is a valuable addition to the genetic toolbox for engineering of , as it accelerates the process of mutant construction and simplifies the removal of antibiotic markers between successive rounds of genome editing.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Streptococcus suis; CRISPR-Cas Systems; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems; Technology; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37602730
DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00110 -
Veterinary World Feb 2024Among serotypes, serotype 2 is the most significant serotype that causes serious diseases in pigs and humans worldwide. The present study aimed to estimate the global...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Among serotypes, serotype 2 is the most significant serotype that causes serious diseases in pigs and humans worldwide. The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of serotype 2 isolated from pigs, determine its trend, and explore the factors associated with this serotype.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrieved relevant published studies from PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The retrieved citations were screened for possible inclusion. Relevant data were then extracted from the included studies. The random-effects model was used for all meta-analyses. A subgroup meta-analysis was used to assess the heterogeneity of the prevalence for four characteristics (continents, sampling organs, reporting unit, and pig's health status). A cumulative meta-analysis was performed to determine the cumulative prevalence over time. Meta-regression analysis was used to determine the trend of pooled prevalence of serotype 2 over time.
RESULTS
Of 600 articles retrieved, 36 studies comprising a total sample size of 6939 isolates or samples from 16 countries of four continents were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of serotype 2 isolated from pigs was 13.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.7%-17.1%), with high heterogeneity among the included studies (Cochran's Q, 431.6; p < 0.001; I = 91.9%; Table-1). No statistical significance was observed among subgroups of the four characteristics examined. However, the pooled prevalence of serotype 2 was as high as 16.0% (95% CI, 12.5%-20.3%; n = 16) in diseased pigs compared with 9.9% (95% CI, 5.6%-17.0%; n = 15) in healthy pigs. The pooled prevalence of serotype 2 isolated from pigs did not significantly decrease over time [regression coefficient = -0.020 (95% CI, 0.046-0.006, p = 0.139)]. The pooled prevalence of serotype 2 isolated from pigs fluctuated slightly between 13.2% and 17.8% from 2007 to 2023, although the pooled prevalence gradually decreased from 30.6% in 1987 to over 20% in 2003.
CONCLUSION
The global prevalence of serotype 2 isolated from pigs was estimated to be 13.6% (approximately 10% in healthy pigs and around 16% in diseased pigs). serotype 2 isolated from pigs did not change significantly over time. These results indicate that serotype 2 remains a problem for the pig industry and poses a threat to human health.
PubMed: 38595647
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.233-244