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World Journal of Gastroenterology Jan 2016The gut microbiota acts as a real organ. The symbiotic interactions between resident micro-organisms and the digestive tract highly contribute to maintain the gut... (Review)
Review
The gut microbiota acts as a real organ. The symbiotic interactions between resident micro-organisms and the digestive tract highly contribute to maintain the gut homeostasis. However, alterations to the microbiome caused by environmental changes (e.g., infection, diet and/or lifestyle) can disturb this symbiotic relationship and promote disease, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and cancer. Colorectal cancer is a complex association of tumoral cells, non-neoplastic cells and a large amount of micro-organisms, and the involvement of the microbiota in colorectal carcinogenesis is becoming increasingly clear. Indeed, many changes in the bacterial composition of the gut microbiota have been reported in colorectal cancer, suggesting a major role of dysbiosis in colorectal carcinogenesis. Some bacterial species have been identified and suspected to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis, such as Streptococcus bovis, Helicobacter pylori, Bacteroides fragilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium septicum, Fusobacterium spp. and Escherichia coli. The potential pro-carcinogenic effects of these bacteria are now better understood. In this review, we discuss the possible links between the bacterial microbiota and colorectal carcinogenesis, focusing on dysbiosis and the potential pro-carcinogenic properties of bacteria, such as genotoxicity and other virulence factors, inflammation, host defenses modulation, bacterial-derived metabolism, oxidative stress and anti-oxidative defenses modulation. We lastly describe how bacterial microbiota modifications could represent novel prognosis markers and/or targets for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Colorectal Neoplasms; DNA Damage; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Intestines; Oxidative Stress; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 26811603
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i2.501 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jul 2019The pathogenesis of clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene involves an interruption to the blood supply to the infected tissues, often via a traumatic wound, anaerobic...
The pathogenesis of clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene involves an interruption to the blood supply to the infected tissues, often via a traumatic wound, anaerobic growth of the infecting clostridial cells, the production of extracellular toxins, and toxin-mediated cell and tissue damage. This review focuses on host-pathogen interactions in -mediated and -mediated myonecrosis. The major toxins involved are α-toxin, which has phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase activity, and α-toxin, a β-pore-forming toxin that belongs to the aerolysin family. Although these toxins are cytotoxic, their effects on host cells are quite complex, with a range of intracellular cell signaling pathways induced by their action on host cell membranes.
Topics: Anaerobiosis; Bacterial Toxins; Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium septicum; Gas Gangrene; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 31350831
DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.GPP3-0024-2018 -
Vaccines Feb 2022The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include... (Review)
Review
The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include those produced by type C and , both of which are characterized by enterocolitis. The main histotoxic diseases are gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis. Gas gangrene is produced by one or more of the following microorganisms: type A, , and type A, and it is characterized by necrotizing cellulitis and/or myositis. Tyzzer disease is produced by and is mainly characterized by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Infectious necrotic hepatitis is produced by type B and is characterized by focal necrotizing hepatitis. The main neurotoxic clostridial diseases are tetanus and botulism, which are produced by and , respectively. Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis and botulism by flaccid paralysis. Neither disease present with specific gross or microscopic lesions. The pathogenesis of clostridial diseases involves the production of toxins. Confirming a diagnosis of some of the clostridial diseases of horses is sometimes difficult, mainly because some agents can be present in tissues of normal animals. This paper reviews the main clostridial diseases of horses.
PubMed: 35214776
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020318 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Aug 2022Clostridium septicum bacteremia is often associated with occult malignancies (approximately 80%), especially of the right colon. Furthermore, inflammation of the aortic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Clostridium septicum bacteremia is often associated with occult malignancies (approximately 80%), especially of the right colon. Furthermore, inflammation of the aortic wall can rapidly lead to aneurysm induction through bacterial seeding into atheromatous lesions with consecutive life-threatening rupture. We summarize all published data on this rare and lethal disease to evaluate therapeutic approaches and give valid treatment recommendations because there are no guidelines.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted screening EMBASE and MEDLINE databases following the PRISMA guidelines with search period from first description to August 25, 2021.
RESULTS
There were 72 cases of C septicum aortitis reported in 64 publications. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) was performed in a minority of patients (n = 6) unfit for surgery but lacked long-term survivors. Antibiotic treatment was beneficial in a bridge to surgery concept, but up to now harbored a 6-month mortality rate of 100% (median overall survival, 0.5 months) when no additional aortic repair was performed. Open aortic repair was the only potential curative approach but was accompanied with a 90-day-mortality of 26.7% (4/15).
CONCLUSIONS
Open aortic repair combined with perioperative antibiotic treatment should be offered to all patients as the only potentially curative approach. If applicable, resection of a coexisting colonic tumor should be performed after successful aortic repair. Alternatively, long-term antibiotic treatment can be offered to patients unfit for surgery in a palliative setting. Endovascular aortic repair has been performed on a minority of patients with a high risk for stent graft infection and should remain a salvage strategy when therapeutic pressure demands acute intervention in patients unfit for surgery.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aorta; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortitis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Clostridium septicum; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35358668
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.02.029 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Mar 2018Gangrenous dermatitis (GD) is a disease of chickens and turkeys that causes severe economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Clostridium septicum, Clostridium... (Review)
Review
Gangrenous dermatitis (GD) is a disease of chickens and turkeys that causes severe economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Clostridium septicum, Clostridium perfringens type A, and occasionally Clostridium sordellii are considered the main causes of GD, although Staphylococcus aureus and other aerobic bacteria may also be involved in some cases of the disease. GD has become one of the most significant diseases of commercial turkeys in the United States. Several infectious and/or environmental immunosuppressive factors can predispose to GD. Skin lesions are considered to be the main portal of entry of the microorganism(s) involved. GD is characterized by acute onset of mortality associated with gross skin and subcutaneous tissue lesions consisting of variable amounts of serosanguineous exudate together with emphysema and hemorrhages. The underlying skeletal muscle can also be involved. Ulceration of the epidermis may be also noticed in cases complicated with S. aureus. Microscopically, necrosis of the epidermis and dermis, and subcutaneous edema and emphysema are commonly observed. Gram-positive rods can be identified within the subcutis and skeletal muscles, usually associated with minimal inflammatory infiltrate. A presumptive diagnosis of GD can be made based on history, clinical signs, and gross anatomic and microscopic lesions. However, confirmation should be based on demonstration of the causative agents by culture, PCR, immunohistochemistry, and/or fluorescent antibody tests.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Chickens; Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium septicum; Dermatitis; Gangrene; Poultry Diseases; Skin; Staphylococcus aureus; Turkeys
PubMed: 29145799
DOI: 10.1177/1040638717742435 -
Tropical Animal Health and Production Apr 2021Clostridium is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic, and spore-forming bacterium, which is found in the surrounding environments throughout the world. Clostridium... (Review)
Review
Clostridium is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic, and spore-forming bacterium, which is found in the surrounding environments throughout the world. Clostridium species cause botulism, tetanus, enterotoxaemia, gas gangrene, necrotic enteritis, pseudomembranous colitis, blackleg, and black disease. Clostridium infection causes severe economic losses in livestock and poultry industries. Vaccination seems to be an effective way to control Clostridial diseases. This review discusses the toxins and vaccine development of the most common pathogenic Clostridium species in animals, including Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium novyi, Clostridium chauvoei, and Clostridium septicum. In this comprehensive study, we will review different kinds of clostridial toxins and the vaccines that are experimentally or practically available and will give a short description on each vaccine focusing on its applications, advantages, and disadvantages.
Topics: Animals; Clostridium; Clostridium Infections; Clostridium perfringens; Vaccination
PubMed: 33891221
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02728-w -
Radiology Case Reports Oct 2022We present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis following multiple vertebral augmentations in a patient with an insidious presentation. Vertebral augmentation (kyphoplasty...
We present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis following multiple vertebral augmentations in a patient with an insidious presentation. Vertebral augmentation (kyphoplasty and/or vertebroplasty) is a minimally invasive procedure that has become a fairly common and highly effective method in treating compression fractures. A large majority of patients that undergo this procedure suffer from osteoporosis. Numerous studies have shown that patients who undergo the procedure obtain substantial pain relief and improve functional status, often times to a greater extent than other surgical and nonsurgical management. Although its prevalence is low, infection after vertebral augmentation can be a serious consequence of the procedure. Blood cultures in this case were positive for is a gram-positive, spore forming bacteria that is part of the normal gut flora in humans and is commonly associated with GI malignancy, necrosis, and inflammation. The patient did not respond to long-term intravenous antibiotics and required vertebral corpectomy and debridement with instrumentation. Vertebral body cultures obtained intraoperatively were positive for . It was noted historically that the patient had a hemorrhoidectomy 4 weeks prior to her initial fracture presentation. Although the risk of infection after vertebral augmentation is low, it is imperative that careful pre- and postoperative evaluation as well as follow-up is completed in order to prevent catastrophic consequences for patients. In patients with recent gastrointestinal tract manipulation/surgery, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered prior to vertebral augmentation procedures.
PubMed: 35965923
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.06.062 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Mar 2020Gas gangrene is a necrotizing infection of subcutaneous tissue and muscle that affects mainly ruminants and horses, but also other domestic and wild mammals. type A,... (Review)
Review
Gas gangrene is a necrotizing infection of subcutaneous tissue and muscle that affects mainly ruminants and horses, but also other domestic and wild mammals. type A, type A, and are the etiologic agents of this disease, acting singly or in combination. Although a presumptive diagnosis of gas gangrene can be established based on clinical history, clinical signs, and gross and microscopic changes, identification of the clostridia involved is required for confirmatory diagnosis. Gross and microscopic lesions are, however, highly suggestive of the disease. Although the disease has a worldwide distribution and can cause significant economic losses, the literature is limited mostly to case reports. Thus, we have reviewed the current knowledge of gas gangrene in mammals.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Clostridium; Clostridium Infections; Gas Gangrene; Mammals
PubMed: 32081096
DOI: 10.1177/1040638720905830 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery May 2020Clostridium septicum is an anaerobic, motile, spore-forming, toxin-producing gram-positive bacillus that can lead to rapidly progressive gas gangrene due to the release... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Clostridium septicum is an anaerobic, motile, spore-forming, toxin-producing gram-positive bacillus that can lead to rapidly progressive gas gangrene due to the release of alpha toxin. Aortic aneurysm secondary to C. septicum infection is a rare condition with 60 cases reported in the literature; however, we have recently treated several patients with the condition in our large tertiary care and aortic center.
METHODS
Blood and tissue culture results collected between January 2005 and January 2018 and maintained in the microbiology laboratory database at the Cleveland Clinic were reviewed to identify those with C. septicum reported. Each was reviewed to determine radiographic or histopathologic correlation with aortic disease.
RESULTS
Seven cases of C. septicum aortitis were reviewed. Underlying malignant disease was found in four cases and a history of remote malignant disease in one case. The most common location for infection was the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Vascular surgery had previously been performed in three of the cases. Five of the seven patients underwent operative repair. All patients were treated with β-lactam antibiotics. The two patients who did not undergo an operation died, which is consistent with the 100% mortality described in the literature. Of the five patients who underwent an operation, there was only one documented survivor and one was lost to follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
In the largest reported case series, only a small percentage of patients with C. septicum-infected aortic aneurysms survived >1 year. In the patients described, those who did not receive an operation had 100% mortality. Earlier recognition and prompt operation with appropriate antimicrobial therapy are needed to improve the outcome of patients diagnosed with this rare infection.
Topics: Aneurysm, Infected; Aortic Aneurysm; Clostridium septicum; Gas Gangrene; Humans; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Survival Rate
PubMed: 31843297
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.09.029 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Bacteria of the genus are anaerobic Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli that include more than 200 species. Some of them are known to cause invasive infections and... (Review)
Review
Bacteria of the genus are anaerobic Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli that include more than 200 species. Some of them are known to cause invasive infections and diseases caused by the production of toxins. Some of the diseases that are mediated by toxins are colitis in patients with specific risk factors, such as previous administration of antimicrobials or foodborne botulism. Invasive diseases include bacteremia, infective endocarditis (IE), clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene), and other diseases that involve the destruction of soft tissue due to the local production of toxins. The present study aimed to review all cases of IE by and species and describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of these infections. A narrative review was performed based on a search in PubMed and Scopus for studies published until 11 September 2023, providing such data of IE caused by and species in humans. A total of 20 studies containing data for 21 patients were included. A prosthetic valve was present in 5 patients (23.8%). The aortic valve was the most commonly involved, followed by the mitral valve. Fever, sepsis, and embolic phenomena were the most common clinical presentations. Beta-lactams and metronidazole were the most commonly used antimicrobials. Surgery was performed in nine patients (45%). Mortality reached 33.3%. IE in multiple valves was associated with increased mortality. Despite the heterogeneous genetic and molecular characteristics that necessitate the taxonomic change of some of this genus's previous members, the clinical syndrome of IE caused by these bacteria seems to have similar characteristics.
PubMed: 38247592
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010033