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Communications Biology Jun 2024The Mycoplasma Immunoglobulin Binding/Protease (MIB-MIP) system is a candidate 'virulence factor present in multiple pathogenic species of the Mollicutes, including the...
The Mycoplasma Immunoglobulin Binding/Protease (MIB-MIP) system is a candidate 'virulence factor present in multiple pathogenic species of the Mollicutes, including the fast-growing species Mycoplasma feriruminatoris. The MIB-MIP system cleaves the heavy chain of host immunoglobulins, hence affecting antigen-antibody interactions and potentially facilitating immune evasion. In this work, using -omics technologies and 5'RACE, we show that the four copies of the M. feriruminatoris MIB-MIP system have different expression levels and are transcribed as operons controlled by four different promoters. Individual MIB-MIP gene pairs of M. feriruminatoris and other Mollicutes were introduced in an engineered M. feriruminatoris strain devoid of MIB-MIP genes and were tested for their functionality using newly developed oriC-based plasmids. The two proteins are functionally expressed at the surface of M. feriruminatoris, which confirms the possibility to display large membrane-associated proteins in this bacterium. However, functional expression of heterologous MIB-MIP systems introduced in this engineered strain from phylogenetically distant porcine Mollicutes like Mesomycoplasma hyorhinis or Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae could not be achieved. Finally, since M. feriruminatoris is a candidate for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, we confirmed its safety in vivo in domestic goats, which are the closest livestock relatives to its native host the Alpine ibex.
Topics: Bacterial Vaccines; Mycoplasma; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Immunoglobulins; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Mycoplasma Infections; Goats
PubMed: 38942984
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06497-8 -
PloS One 2024The economic impact of gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infections on livestock production is well documented worldwide. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that...
The economic impact of gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infections on livestock production is well documented worldwide. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that parasite colonization induces significant changes in the GI tract environment and, therefore, in the landscape where the microbiota and parasites occur. Understanding the interactions between bacterial and parasite populations in the digestive tract of livestock may be useful to design parasite control strategies based on microbiota modification. The aims of this work were to investigate the impact of the oxytetracycline-mediated manipulation of the gut microbial community on the composition of GI nematode populations in naturally infected sheep and to explore changes in the GI microbial communities after nematode population treatment with the anthelmintic compound monepantel. Extensive manipulation of the GI microbiota with a therapeutic dose of the long-acting oxytetracycline formulation did not induce significant changes in the GI nematode burden. The gut microbiota of treated animals returned to control levels 17 days after treatment, suggesting strong resilience of the sheep microbial community to antibiotic-mediated microbiota perturbation. A significant decrease of the bacterial Mycoplasmataceae family (Log2FC = -4, Padj = 0.001) and a marked increase of the Methanobacteriaceae family (Log2FC = 2.9, Padj = 0.018) were observed in the abomasum of sheep receiving the monepantel treatment. While a comprehensive evaluation of the interactions among GI mycoplasma, methanobacteria and nematode populations deserves further assessment, the bacteria-nematode population interactions should be included in future control programs in livestock production. Understanding how bacteria and parasites may influence each other in the GI tract environment may substantially contribute to the knowledge of the role of microbiota composition in nematode parasite establishment and the role of the parasites in the microbiota composition.
Topics: Animals; Sheep; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Sheep Diseases; Nematode Infections; Nematoda; Oxytetracycline; Gastrointestinal Tract; Aminoacetonitrile; Bacteria
PubMed: 38935803
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306390 -
PloS One 2024We investigated the interactions of unopsonized and opsonized Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) with bovine macrophages in vitro. Mmm survived and proliferated...
We investigated the interactions of unopsonized and opsonized Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) with bovine macrophages in vitro. Mmm survived and proliferated extracellularly on bovine macrophage cell layers in the absence of Mmm-specific antisera. Bovine complement used at non-bactericidal concentrations did neither have opsonizing effect nor promoted intracellular survival, whereas Mmm-specific antisera substantially increased phagocytosis and Mmm killing. A phagocytosis-independent uptake of Mmm by macrophages occurred at a high multiplicity of infection, also found to induce the production of TNF, and both responses were unaffected by non-bactericidal doses of bovine complement. Bovine complement used at higher doses killed Mmm in cell-free cultures and completely abrogated TNF responses by macrophages. These results provide a framework to identify Mmm antigens involved in interactions with macrophages and targeted by potentially protective antibodies and point towards a pivotal role of complement in the control of inflammatory responses in contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Macrophages; Phagocytosis; Complement System Proteins; Mycoplasma; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Pleuropneumonia, Contagious; Mycoplasma mycoides
PubMed: 38935768
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305851 -
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde May 2024Currently, there is a nationwide outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. M. pneumoniae is a bacterium that can cause atypical pneumonia, especially in children and...
Currently, there is a nationwide outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. M. pneumoniae is a bacterium that can cause atypical pneumonia, especially in children and young adults, and does not respond to the standard antibiotics prescribed for pneumonia. In addition, the bacterium regularly causes extra-pulmonary symptoms. In our hospitals, we have admitted 100 patients (including 20 children) with M. pneumoniae since the fall of 2023, many of which were young and had severe clinical symptoms. It is important to recognize the clinical picture to start effective antibiotic treatment. In this clinical lesson, we will provide two examples of recently admitted patients and discuss the characteristics of all inpatients who have presented to our hospitals during this epidemic. Finally, we pay attention to antibiotic policy and antibiotic resistance.
Topics: Humans; Netherlands; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Child; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Disease Outbreaks; Male; Female; Adult
PubMed: 38888406
DOI: No ID Found -
Avian Diseases Jun 2024Manufacturers of (MG) modified live vaccines usually recommend a single application at 8 wk of age. This makes 12-16-wk-old layer pullets suitable for challenge studies...
Manufacturers of (MG) modified live vaccines usually recommend a single application at 8 wk of age. This makes 12-16-wk-old layer pullets suitable for challenge studies intended to evaluate these vaccines. Numerous challenge models in different poultry species and ages have been reported. However, there is not an established layer pullet challenge model for this age. The aim of this study is to develop a suitable challenge model in 12-wk-old layer pullets. MG R strain was used as the challenge strain, and its ability to induce clinical signs and lesions in 12-wk-old Hy-Line W-36 layer pullets was evaluated. Three different doses (low, 7.95 × 10 color-changing units [CCU]/bird; medium, 7.95 × 10 CCU/bird; and high, 7.95 × 10 CCU/bird) via three different routes (eye drop, fine spray, and contact infection) were compared and evaluated using different parameters. At 14 days post-challenge, there were no mortalities in any of the groups throughout the study. Layer pullets directly challenged with the high dose via the fine spray route showed the clearest and most consistent results (clinical signs, positive quantitative real-time PCR [qPCR], seroconversion, air sac scoring, and histopathological changes of the tracheal mucosa). Medium and low challenge doses applied via fine spray or eye drop did not show consistent results. R strain was able to spread to the contact infection birds, as confirmed by the positive qPCR results; however, none of the contact-infected birds showed any clinical signs or gross or microscopic lesions. Our results suggest that a high dose (7.95 × 10 CCU/bird) administered through a fine spray route is the model of choice in any future MG vaccine evaluation trials in 12-wk-old layer pullets.
Topics: Mycoplasma gallisepticum; Animals; Poultry Diseases; Mycoplasma Infections; Chickens; Bacterial Vaccines; Female
PubMed: 38885057
DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-D-23-00045 -
Clinical Laboratory Jun 2024The objective of this study is to understand the characteristics of the common spectrum of pathogen and the resistance of Mycoplasma in Sialidase-positive bacterial...
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study is to understand the characteristics of the common spectrum of pathogen and the resistance of Mycoplasma in Sialidase-positive bacterial vaginosis.
METHODS
The vaginal secretion specimens collected from August 2018 to October 2018 for the analysis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) were subjected to various techniques. These included routine leukorrhea examination, bacterial vaginosis sialidase testing, routine culture for common pathogens, mass spectrometry identification, and Mycoplasma resistance testing.
RESULTS
A total of 238 patients with BV were identified. The cleanliness grading was mostly clean (+) and clean (2+), accounting for 38.24% and 30.67%, respectively. The bacterial vaginosis test for vaginal secretions showed leukocyte esterase positivity in 220 cases, resulting in a positivity rate of 92.44%. The spectrum of routine culture was analyzed and divided into four groups: A, B, C, and D. Group A consisted of Candidal vaginitis (13.45%); group B consisted of Gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis (32.77%); group C consisted of gram-negative bacillus vaginitis (46.22%); and group D consisted of Streptococcus agalactiae vaginitis (7.56%). The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results for Mycoplasma showed a high detection rate of BV, with a positivity rate of 86.13%. There was a high sensitivity to tetracyclines for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis, but a high resistance to macrolides and quinolones.
CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial vaginosis existed in various complex forms, including Candida, Gardnerella vaginalis, Gram-negative bacillus, and Streptococcus agalactiae types. Moreover, there was an increasing trend of multi-drug resistance in Mycoplasma hominis. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to this condition and make accurate judgments based on the etiological characteristics and common antimicrobial susceptibility tests. This will enable the implementation of effective therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Neuraminidase; Mycoplasma; Adult; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Vagina; Young Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Mycoplasma Infections; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Adolescent
PubMed: 38868882
DOI: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.230826 -
Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi =... Jun 2024Over the past two to three decades, the emergence and re-emergence of new infectious diseases, advances in molecular detection techniques of pathogens, antibiotic...
Over the past two to three decades, the emergence and re-emergence of new infectious diseases, advances in molecular detection techniques of pathogens, antibiotic resistance, changes in population lifestyle and immune status (including vaccination), and other factors have led to new evolutions in the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). (1) Although remains a common pathogen of CAP, it is no longer the leading cause in China and the United States. According to the results of 2 multicenter studies in China in the early 21st century, accounted for 10.3% and 12.0% of adult CAP pathogens, respectively, ranking second. A study on key pathogens of adult CAP in nine cities in mainland China from 2014 to 2019 using real-time quantitative PCR and conventional culture on respiratory and blood specimens showed an overall prevalence of of 7.43%, ranking sixth. However, its ranking varied from third to seventh among the nine cities. (2) Challenges and concerns about viruses have increased. National surveillance of acute respiratory tract infections and epidemiology in China from 2009 to 2019 indicated that the positivity rates for viral infections in adult pneumonia was 20.5%. These rates were similar to the results of the CDC's CAP pathogen study in the United States, although the rankings were different (viruses ranked second in China and first in the United States). Over the past 20 years, the emergence of new viral respiratory infections caused by mutant strains or zoonotic strains has significantly increased the challenges and threats posed by viral respiratory infections. (3) The role of () in adult CAP and the need for routine empirical antibiotic coverage are controversial. In addition to the influence of epidemic cycles, the prevalence of is influenced by factors such as age, season, study design, and detection methods, and geographical distribution is also an important influencing factor. Although ranks first among CAP pathogens in mainland China (11.05%), there are significant regional differences. In Beijing, Xi'an, and Changchun ranks first, while in Harbin, Nanjing, and Fuzhou it ranks second to sixth. In Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Chengdu ranks after the tenth position. Available evidence supports the notion that routine coverage of is not necessary for empirical treatment of CAP, except in severe cases. In regions with a high prevalence of , the decision to cover atypical pathogens in patients with mild to moderate CAP should be based on local data and individualized. (4) CAP caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), has become a concern. According to a systematic review of Chinese literature, accounted for 8.12% of adult CAP patients, ranking fifth, and accounted for 4.7% (ninth). The China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS) reported an average resistance rate of 27.7% for to third-generation cephalosporins and a resistance rate of 10.0% to carbapenems in 2021. The average resistance rate of to carbapenems was 16.6%. Early empirical treatment should consider predicting the resistance profile using a "locally validated risk factor" scoring system. (5) Co-infections are common but under-reported. The development of non-culture detection techniques over the past 40 years has significantly increased the detection rate of respiratory pathogens, especially viruses, leading to an increasing number of reports of bacterial-viral co-infections in CAP. It has been reported that co-infections account for 39% of severe CAP cases on ventilators in the ICU. Currently, there is inconsistency and confusion regarding the definition and concept of co-infection, the choice of detection techniques, and the differentiation between co-detection and co-infection. Many reports of co-infections in COVID-19 lacked pathogenic evidence, and some even listed "effective antibiotic treatment" as one of the diagnostic criteria for viral-bacterial co-infections, suggesting to some extent an overuse of antibiotics in COVID-19. Due to the diverse etiological spectrum of CAP between regions in the recent years, it is challenging to develop unified guidelines for the management of CAP in large countries. This article provides recommendations for the development of local guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of CAP.
Topics: Humans; Community-Acquired Infections; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Adult; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Coinfection; China; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38858211
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112147-20231024-00264 -
Tropical Biomedicine Mar 2024In tropical regions, numerous tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) play a crucial role as causative agents of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Recently, the population...
In tropical regions, numerous tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) play a crucial role as causative agents of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Recently, the population of companion and pet dogs has significantly increased in Vietnam; however, information on the occurrence of TBPs is still limited. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the occurrence rate, risk factors, and phylogenetic characteristics of TBPs in dogs from northern Vietnam. Of 341 blood samples tested by PCR, the total infection of TBPs was 73.9% (252/341). Babesia vogeli (18SrRNA gene - 30.5%) was detected most frequently in studied dogs followed by Rickettsia spp. (OmpA gene - 27%), Anaplasma platys (groEL gene - 22%), Bartonella spp. (16SrRNA - 18.8%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (16SrRNA - 9.4%) and Hepatozoon canis (18SrRNA gene - 1.2%), respectively. All samples were negative for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophylum. Co-infection was detected in 31.4% of the samples (107/341) of which, A. platys/Bartonella spp. (34/94,10%), Rickettsia spp./B. vogeli (19/94, 5.6%), and M. haemocanis/B. vogeli (19/94, 5.6%) were recorded as the three most frequent two species of co-infection types. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between TBP infection and several host variables regarding age, breed, and living area in the current study. The recent findings reported herein, for the first time in Vietnam, are essential for local veterinarians when considering the appropriate approaches for diagnosing these diseases. Furthermore, this data can be used to establish control measures for future surveillance and prevention strategies against canine TBPs in Vietnam.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Vietnam; Dog Diseases; Risk Factors; Phylogeny; Tick-Borne Diseases; Anaplasma; Babesia; Male; Female; Rickettsia; Bartonella; Mycoplasma; Coinfection
PubMed: 38852134
DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.1.007 -
BMC Microbiology Jun 2024Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study...
BACKGROUND
Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed.
RESULTS
Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities.
CONCLUSIONS
Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Iran; Mycoplasma Infections; Cat Diseases; Mycoplasma; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Female; Male; DNA, Bacterial; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Risk Factors; Coinfection
PubMed: 38849724
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03356-8 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024The impact of chickens on maintaining the economy and livelihood of rural communities cannot be overemphasized. In recent years, mycoplasmosis has become one of the...
BACKGROUND
The impact of chickens on maintaining the economy and livelihood of rural communities cannot be overemphasized. In recent years, mycoplasmosis has become one of the diseases that affect the success of South African chicken production. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the most prevalent strains of Mycoplasma in South Africa. MG and MS are significant respiratory pathogens affecting the productivity of chickens. The present study aimed to molecularly detect using qPCR and characterize the presence of MG and MS using phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis was utilized to clarify general evolutionary relationships between related taxa of different MG and MS observed in tracheal swabs from South African chicken breeds.
METHODS
Forty-five tracheal swabs of the Lohmann Brown (n = 9), Rhode Island Red (n = 9), Ovambo (n = 9), Venda (n = 9), and Potchefstroom Koekoek (n = 9) breeds were collected from symptomatic chickens present in the commercial farm. To detect MG and MS, DNA was extracted from tracheal swabs and faecal samples, and qPCR was performed with a 16 s rRNA (310 bp) and vlhA (400 bp) gene fragment. Following the sequencing of all the amplicons, MG, and MS dendrograms showing the evolutionary relationships among the five South African chicken breeds and the GeneBank reference population were constructed.
RESULTS
The qPCR revealed the presence of MG and MS in 22% (2/9) of the tracheal swab samples tested for MS only in Rhode Island Red breeds; 66.6% (6/9) and 33% (3/9) of the tested samples in Ovambo breeds; and 11.1% (1/9) and 44.4% (4/9) of the tested samples in Venda breeds. No MG or MS were detected in the Lohmann Brown or Potchefstroom Koekoek breed. Furthermore, qPCR revealed the presence of MG in pooled faecal samples from Lohmann Brown and Ovambo breeds. Eight different bacterial isolates were recognized from both samples. Four isolates were of the 16 s ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene (named PT/MG51/ck/00, PT/MG48/ck/00, PT/MG41/ck/00 and PT/MG71/ck/00) gene of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and the other was Mycoplasma Synoviae variable lipoprotein hemagglutinin A (vlhA) gene (named PT/MSA22/ck/01, PT/MS41/ck/01, PT/MS74/ck/01 and PT/MS46/ck/01) which were available in GenBank. These isolates were successfully sequenced with 95-100% similarity to the isolates from the gene bank.
CONCLUSION
The study revealed the presence of both MG and MS in the chicken breeds sampled. Furthermore, the different breeds of chicken were found to be susceptible to infection under the intensive or commercial management system. Therefore, continuous surveillance is encouraged to prevent the spread and outbreak of MG and MS in the poultry industry in South Africa.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; South Africa; Mycoplasma Infections; Poultry Diseases; Mycoplasma synoviae; Mycoplasma gallisepticum; Phylogeny; Trachea; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; DNA, Bacterial; Feces
PubMed: 38840040
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09437-3