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PloS One 2020The aim of the study was to detect and genetically characterize Arcobacter butzleri in pet red-footed tortoises suspected for Campylobacter spp., using molecular...
Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Arcobacter butzleri isolated from red-footed pet tortoises suspected for Campylobacter spp. from Grenada, West Indies.
The aim of the study was to detect and genetically characterize Arcobacter butzleri in pet red-footed tortoises suspected for Campylobacter spp., using molecular techniques. A written consent from tortoise owners was obtained, after explaining the advantages of the research to tortoise owners of Grenada. Fecal samples were collected from 114 tortoises from five parishes of the country and cultured for Campylobacter spp. using selective culture techniques. A. butzleri was isolated from 4.39% of pet tortoises. Total thirteen isolates were obtained; all identified as A. butzleri by a universal and a species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Genetic characterization of these isolates was performed based on Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) that generated eight different genetic fingerprints with a discriminatory power of 0.91. Campylobacter species were not detected molecularly in any of the culture-positive samples. This is the first report of infection of pet tortoises in Grenada, West Indies with A. butzleri. This study emphasizes on the risk of zoonotic transmission of A. butzleri by exotic pets, which is a serious concern for public health.
Topics: Animals; Arcobacter; Campylobacter; DNA Fingerprinting; DNA, Bacterial; Feces; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Turtles
PubMed: 32176736
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230390 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Oct 2020In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused extreme flooding in eastern North Carolina, USA, a region highly dense in concentrated animal production, especially swine...
Search for spp. Reveals High Prevalence and Pronounced Genetic Diversity of Arcobacter butzleri in Floodwater Samples Associated with Hurricane Florence in North Carolina, USA.
In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused extreme flooding in eastern North Carolina, USA, a region highly dense in concentrated animal production, especially swine and poultry. In this study, floodwater samples ( = 96) were collected as promptly post-hurricane as possible and for up to approximately 30 days and selectively enriched for using Bolton broth enrichment and isolation on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) microaerobically at 42°C. Only one sample yielded , which was found to be with the novel sequence type 2866 (ST-2866). However, the methods employed to isolate readily yielded from 73.5% of the floodwater samples. The isolates failed to grow on Mueller-Hinton agar at 25, 30, 37, or 42°C microaerobically or aerobically but could be readily subcultured on mCCDA at 42°C microaerobically. Multilocus sequence typing of 112 isolates indicated that all were The majority (85.7%) of the isolates exhibited novel sequence types (STs), with 66 novel STs identified. Several STs, including certain novel ones, were detected in diverse waterbody types (channel, isolated ephemeral pools, floodplain) and from multiple watersheds, suggesting the potential for regionally dominant strains. The genotypes were clearly partitioned into two major clades, one with high representation of human and ruminant isolates and another with an abundance of swine and poultry isolates. Surveillance of environmental waters and food animal production systems in this animal agriculture-dense region is needed to assess potential regional prevalence and temporal stability of the observed strains as well as their potential association with specific types of food animal production. Climate change and associated extreme weather events can have massive impacts on the prevalence of microbial pathogens in floodwaters. However, limited data are available on foodborne zoonotic pathogens such as or in hurricane-associated floodwaters in rural regions with intensive animal production. With a high density of intensive animal production as well as pronounced vulnerability to hurricanes, eastern North Carolina presents unique opportunities in this regard. Our findings revealed widespread incidence of the emerging zoonotic pathogen in floodwaters from Hurricane Florence. We encountered high and largely unexplored diversity while also noting the potential for regionally abundant and persistent clones. We noted pronounced partitioning of the floodwater genotypes into two source-associated clades. The data will contribute to elucidating the poorly understood ecology of this emerging pathogen and highlight the importance of surveillance of floodwaters associated with hurricanes and other extreme weather events for and other zoonotic pathogens.
Topics: Arcobacter; Campylobacter jejuni; Cyclonic Storms; Floods; Genotype; Multilocus Sequence Typing; North Carolina; Rivers
PubMed: 32769187
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01118-20 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022The is a globally emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen that can cause diarrhea in humans. It is relatively homogenous and clearly distinguishes the group from other...
The is a globally emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen that can cause diarrhea in humans. It is relatively homogenous and clearly distinguishes the group from other . () is a heterogeneous species and little is known about its genomic characterization in China. This study aims to determine the genetic and plasmid features of based on whole-genome sequence (WGS). Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) were used for the species classification for 90 initially identified strains. One complete genome and 42 draft genomes were obtained by whole genome sequencing. The genomic characteristics were determined using various bioinformatics software. The genomes of the strains examined were estimated to vary from 1.81 to 2.28 Mb in length, with a G + C content of around 27%. ANI and DDH results indicated that 90 initially identified strains should be reclassified into four new species (ANI > 96% or DDH > 70%). Two clades (four subclades) were identified among 90 genomes with the phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree indicated these 90 genomes exhibited a high intra-species genomic diversity. No clustering was assorted with the host or geographic location among these genomes. Aminoglycoside resistance genes, such as , , , , and streptothricin resistance gene were detected in the chromosomes from a third of the Chinese strains. Virulence-related genes were identified in all the sequenced strains. A novel large multiple drug-resistant plasmid (named pCNAC48 with 161,992 bp in length) was identified in strain ICDCAC48. Two antibiotic-resistance islands were found in the plasmid with lengths of 7,950 and 25,137 bp and G + C content of 38.23 and 32.39%, respectively. The drug resistance genes and some transposable elements were cross-distributed among the islands in the plasmid. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests indicated these resistance genes in the plasmid were functional. Plasmid conjugation and curing experiments proved pCNAC48 was stable in strain ICDCAC48. It was the first identified multiple drug resistance plasmid in .
PubMed: 36212879
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.984450 -
Clinical Microbiology Reviews Jan 2011The genus Arcobacter, defined almost 20 years ago from members of the genus Campylobacter, has become increasingly important because its members are being considered... (Review)
Review
The genus Arcobacter, defined almost 20 years ago from members of the genus Campylobacter, has become increasingly important because its members are being considered emergent enteropathogens and/or potential zoonotic agents. Over recent years information that is relevant for microbiologists, especially those working in the medical and veterinary fields and in the food safety sector, has accumulated. Recently, the genus has been enlarged with several new species. The complete genomes of Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter nitrofigilis are available, with the former revealing diverse pathways characteristic of free-living microbes and virulence genes homologous to those of Campylobacter. The first multilocus sequence typing analysis showed a great diversity of sequence types, with no association with specific hosts or geographical regions. Advances in detection and identification techniques, mostly based on molecular methods, have been made. These microbes have been associated with water outbreaks and with indicators of fecal pollution, with food products and water as the suspected routes of transmission. This review updates this knowledge and provides the most recent data on the taxonomy, species diversity, methods of detection, and identification of these microbes as well as on their virulence potential and implication in human and animal diseases.
Topics: Animals; Arcobacter; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Food Microbiology; Genetic Variation; Genome, Bacterial; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Humans; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Water Microbiology; Zoonoses
PubMed: 21233511
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.00034-10 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta Jan 2002The epsilon-proteobacteria form a subdivision of the Proteobacteria including the genera Wolinella, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Sulfurospirillum, Arcobacter and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
The epsilon-proteobacteria form a subdivision of the Proteobacteria including the genera Wolinella, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Sulfurospirillum, Arcobacter and Dehalospirillum. The majority of these bacteria are oxidase-positive microaerophiles indicating an electron transport chain with molecular oxygen as terminal electron acceptor. However, numerous members of the epsilon-proteobacteria also grow in the absence of oxygen. The common presence of menaquinone and fumarate reduction activity suggests anaerobic fumarate respiration which was demonstrated for the rumen bacterium Wolinella succinogenes as well as for Sulfurospirillum deleyianum, Campylobacter fetus, Campylobacter rectus and Dehalospirillum multivorans. To date, complete genome sequences of Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni are available. These bacteria and W. succinogenes contain the genes frdC, A and B encoding highly similar heterotrimeric enzyme complexes belonging to the family of succinate:quinone oxidoreductases. The crystal structure of the W. succinogenes quinol:fumarate reductase complex (FrdCAB) was solved recently, thus providing a model of succinate:quinone oxidoreductases from epsilon-proteobacteria. Succinate:quinone oxidoreductases are being discussed as possible therapeutic targets in the treatment of several pathogenic epsilon-proteobacteria.
Topics: Citric Acid Cycle; Electron Transport; Electron Transport Complex II; Energy Metabolism; Fumarates; Models, Chemical; Models, Molecular; Multienzyme Complexes; Operon; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidoreductases; Proteobacteria; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Succinic Acid; Wolinella
PubMed: 11803019
DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2728(01)00230-4 -
Transcriptome Analysis of Arcobacter butzleri Infection in a Mucus-Producing Human Intestinal Model.Microbiology Spectrum Feb 2023Arcobacter butzleri is a foodborne pathogen belonging to the family. This Gram-negative bacterium is found in water, food, and various organisms, including farm...
Arcobacter butzleri is a foodborne pathogen belonging to the family. This Gram-negative bacterium is found in water, food, and various organisms, including farm animals, clams, and fish. Moreover, A. butzleri has been isolated from human stool samples, where it was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. The present study focused on the transcriptome analysis of three A. butzleri strains isolated from human stools and displaying variable virulence potential . We used a mucus-producing human intestinal model (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12) to study the colonization and invasion abilities of the three A. butzleri strains. The ability of all three A. butzleri strains to colonize our model system was subsequently confirmed. Moreover, transcriptomics showed the upregulation of putative virulence genes. Among these genes, , , and , which belong to the same operon, were upregulated in strain LMG 11119, which also had the greatest colonization ability. Moreover, genes not currently considered A. butzleri virulence genes were differentially expressed during cell model colonization. The main functions of these genes were linked to organic acid metabolism and iron transport and particularly to the function of the TonB complex. Recent advancements in the genomic characterization of A. butzleri revealed putative virulence genes and highlighted the possible pathogenic mechanisms used by this foodborne pathogen. It is therefore possible to study the transcriptomes of these bacteria to explore possible virulence mechanisms under conditions that mimic the infection process. The transcriptome and colonization/invasion analyses that we performed in this study enabled the evaluation of A. butzleri-mediated infection of the mucus-producing human intestinal model. We confirmed the upregulation of previously proposed virulence genes in the A. butzleri strains. In addition, we identified the differential expression of a number of other genes, which are not currently thought to be associated with virulence, in three A. butzleri strains during infection of mucus-producing human epithelial cells. Changes in the concentration of acetic acid and the upregulation of genes associated with organic acid metabolism during host-pathogen contact were also observed. These findings highlight the importance of previously unreported genes in the virulence mechanisms of A. butzleri.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Arcobacter; Caco-2 Cells; Virulence; Virulence Factors; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 36622176
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02071-22 -
FEBS Open Bio Oct 2020Arcobacter (A.) butzleri is an emerging zoonotic pathogen associated with gastrointestinal diseases, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and is widely detected in...
Arcobacter (A.) butzleri is an emerging zoonotic pathogen associated with gastrointestinal diseases, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and is widely detected in animals, showing a high prevalence in poultry and seafood. The survival and adaptation of A. butzleri to cold temperatures remains poorly studied, although it might be of interest for food safety considerations. To address this, growth patterns of eight A. butzleri isolates were determined at 8 °C for 28 days. A. butzleri isolates showed strain-dependent behavior: six isolates were unculturable after day 18, one exhibited declining but detectable cell counts until day 28 and one grew to the stationary phase level. Out of 13 A. butzleri cold shock-related genes homologous to Escherichia coli, 10 were up-regulated in response to a temperature downshift to 8 °C, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Additionally, we compared these data with the cold-shock response in E. coli. Overall, we provide a deeper insight into the environmental adaptation capacities of A. butzleri, which we find shares similarities with the E. coli cold-shock response.
Topics: Arcobacter; Cold-Shock Response; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Temperature; Transcriptome
PubMed: 32810909
DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12959 -
PloS One Dec 2007Arcobacter butzleri is a member of the epsilon subdivision of the Proteobacteria and a close taxonomic relative of established pathogens, such as Campylobacter jejuni...
BACKGROUND
Arcobacter butzleri is a member of the epsilon subdivision of the Proteobacteria and a close taxonomic relative of established pathogens, such as Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori. Here we present the complete genome sequence of the human clinical isolate, A. butzleri strain RM4018.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Arcobacter butzleri is a member of the Campylobacteraceae, but the majority of its proteome is most similar to those of Sulfuromonas denitrificans and Wolinella succinogenes, both members of the Helicobacteraceae, and those of the deep-sea vent Epsilonproteobacteria Sulfurovum and Nitratiruptor. In addition, many of the genes and pathways described here, e.g. those involved in signal transduction and sulfur metabolism, have been identified previously within the epsilon subdivision only in S. denitrificans, W. succinogenes, Sulfurovum, and/or Nitratiruptor, or are unique to the subdivision. In addition, the analyses indicated also that a substantial proportion of the A. butzleri genome is devoted to growth and survival under diverse environmental conditions, with a large number of respiration-associated proteins, signal transduction and chemotaxis proteins and proteins involved in DNA repair and adaptation. To investigate the genomic diversity of A. butzleri strains, we constructed an A. butzleri DNA microarray comprising 2238 genes from strain RM4018. Comparative genomic indexing analysis of 12 additional A. butzleri strains identified both the core genes of A. butzleri and intraspecies hypervariable regions, where <70% of the genes were present in at least two strains.
CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE
The presence of pathways and loci associated often with non-host-associated organisms, as well as genes associated with virulence, suggests that A. butzleri is a free-living, water-borne organism that might be classified rightfully as an emerging pathogen. The genome sequence and analyses presented in this study are an important first step in understanding the physiology and genetics of this organism, which constitutes a bridge between the environment and mammalian hosts.
Topics: Amino Acids, Sulfur; Arcobacter; Bacterial Proteins; Base Pair Mismatch; Base Sequence; Chemotaxis; DNA Primers; DNA Repair; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Genome, Bacterial; Oxidation-Reduction; Phylogeny; Signal Transduction; Sulfur; Virulence
PubMed: 18159241
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001358 -
European Journal of Microbiology &... Dec 2015Arcobacter butzleri causes sporadic cases of gastroenteritis, but the underlying immunopathological mechanisms of infection are unknown. We have recently demonstrated...
Arcobacter butzleri causes sporadic cases of gastroenteritis, but the underlying immunopathological mechanisms of infection are unknown. We have recently demonstrated that A. butzleri-infected gnotobiotic IL-10(-/-) mice were clinically unaffected but exhibited intestinal and systemic inflammatory immune responses. For the first time, we here investigated the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, the main receptor for lipopolysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide of Gram-negative bacteria, in murine arcobacteriosis. Gnotobiotic TLR-4/IL-10-double deficient (TLR-4(-/-) IL-10(-/-)) and IL-10(-/-) control mice generated by broad-spectrum antibiotics were perorally infected with A. butzleri. Until day 16 postinfection, mice of either genotype were stably colonized with the pathogen, but fecal bacterial loads were approximately 0.5-2.0 log lower in TLR-4(-/-) IL-10(-/-) as compared to IL-10(-/-) mice. A. butzleri-infected TLR-4(-/-) IL-10(-/-) mice displayed less pronounced colonic apoptosis accompanied by lower numbers of macrophages and monocytes, T lymphocytes, regulatory T-cells, and B lymphocytes within the colonic mucosa and lamina propria as compared to IL-10(-/-) mice. Furthermore, colonic concentrations of nitric oxide, TNF, IL-6, MCP-1, and, remarkably, IFN-γ and IL-12p70 serum levels were lower in A. butzleri-infected TLR-4(-/-) IL-10(-/-) versus IL-10(-/-) mice. In conclusion, TLR-4 is involved in mediating murine A. butzleri infection. Further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying Arcobacter-host interactions in more detail.
PubMed: 26716021
DOI: 10.1556/1886.2015.00043 -
PloS One 2013Arcobacter butzleri is considered to be an emerging human foodborne pathogen. The completion of an A. butzleri genome sequence along with microarray analysis of 13...
Arcobacter butzleri is considered to be an emerging human foodborne pathogen. The completion of an A. butzleri genome sequence along with microarray analysis of 13 isolates in 2007 revealed a surprising amount of diversity amongst A. butzleri isolates from humans, animals and food. In order to further investigate Arcobacter diversity, 792 faecal samples were collected from cattle on beef and dairy farms in the North West of England. Arcobacter was isolated from 42.5% of the samples and the diversity of the isolates was investigated using multilocus sequence typing. An A. butzleri whole genome sequence, obtained by 454 shotgun sequencing of an isolate from a clinically-healthy dairy cow, showed a number of differences when compared to the genome of a human-derived A. butzleri isolate. PCR-based prevalence assays for variable genes suggested some tentative evidence for source-related distributions. We also found evidence for phenotypic differences relating to growth capabilities between our representative human and cattle isolates. Our genotypic and phenotypic observations suggest that some level of niche adaptation may have occurred in A. butzleri.
Topics: Animals; Arcobacter; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; England; Feces; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genotype; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Phenotype; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 23405126
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055240