-
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Hybrid sturgeon is the main species of sturgeon cultured in China, with the advantages of a fast growth rate, early sexual maturity, fertile offspring, and more stable...
Hybrid sturgeon is the main species of sturgeon cultured in China, with the advantages of a fast growth rate, early sexual maturity, fertile offspring, and more stable genetic traits. In May 2021, a large number of deaths characterized by superficial hemorrhage and liver damage occurred in a sturgeon farm in Yichang, Hubei Province, which posed a significant risk to hybrid sturgeon captive breeding. We isolated a pathogenic bacterium named D-59 from the diseased sturgeon with apparent symptoms. The pathogen was identified as using 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis combined with biochemical identification. Regression experiments showed that D-59 exhibited clinical signs similar to those of diseased sturgeon in the farm after intraperitoneal injection into hybrid sturgeon. High-throughput sequencing of gut microbes in D-59-infected sturgeon showed that the number of gut microbial species decreased in infected sturgeon, the number of some intestinal commensal bacteria decreased, and the balance of the intestinal microorganisms was disrupted. Histopathological sections indicated many inflammatory cells, congestion, and even necrosis in the tissue of diseased sturgeon. Analysis of blood indexes revealed an increase in the proportion of mononuclear cells and a decrease in the proportion of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of diseased sturgeon. Significantly elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, whereas alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and globulin were decreased in diseased sturgeon. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests demonstrated that D-59 is susceptible to florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and neomycin sulfate. This study aimed to highlight the dangers of infection during hybrid sturgeon culture and to provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Animals; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Phylogeny; Enrofloxacin; Alkaline Phosphatase; Alanine Transaminase; Fishes; Neomycin; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Albumins; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 36275022
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1029692 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2017Staphylococcus sciuri is a bacterial pathogen associated with infections in animals and humans, and represents a reservoir for the mecA gene encoding...
Staphylococcus sciuri is a bacterial pathogen associated with infections in animals and humans, and represents a reservoir for the mecA gene encoding methicillin-resistance in staphylococci. No S. sciuri siphophages were known. Here the identification and characterization of two temperate S. sciuri phages from the Siphoviridae family designated ϕ575 and ϕ879 are presented. The phages have icosahedral heads and flexible noncontractile tails that end with a tail spike. The genomes of the phages are 42,160 and 41,448 bp long and encode 58 and 55 ORFs, respectively, arranged in functional modules. Their head-tail morphogenesis modules are similar to those of Staphylococcus aureus ϕ13-like serogroup F phages, suggesting their common evolutionary origin. The genome of phage ϕ575 harbours genes for staphylokinase and phospholipase that might enhance the virulence of the bacterial hosts. In addition both of the phages package a homologue of the mecA gene, which is a requirement for its lateral transfer. Phage ϕ879 transduces tetracycline and aminoglycoside pSTS7-like resistance plasmids from its host to other S. sciuri strains and to S. aureus. Furthermore, both of the phages efficiently adsorb to numerous staphylococcal species, indicating that they may contribute to interspecies horizontal gene transfer.
Topics: Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Genes, Bacterial; Genome, Viral; Genomics; Host Specificity; Metalloendopeptidases; Phospholipases; Plasmids; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus Phages; Transduction, Genetic; Virus Attachment
PubMed: 28406168
DOI: 10.1038/srep46319 -
MSystems Aug 2021Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sciuri (MRSS) strain C2865 from a stranded dog in Nigeria was trimethoprim (TMP) resistant but lacked formerly described...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sciuri (MRSS) strain C2865 from a stranded dog in Nigeria was trimethoprim (TMP) resistant but lacked formerly described staphylococcal TMP-resistant dihydrofolate reductase genes (). Whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and pan-genome analyses were pursued to unveil the molecular bases for TMP resistance via resistome and mobilome profiling. MRSS C2865 comprised a species subcluster and positioned just above the intraspecies boundary. Lack of species host tropism was observed. S. sciuri exhibited an open pan-genome, while MRSS C2865 harbored the highest number of unique genes (75% associated with mobilome). Within this fraction, we discovered a transferable TMP resistance gene, named , which confers high-level TMP resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. was located in a novel multidrug resistance mosaic plasmid (pUR2865-34) encompassing adaptive, mobilization, and segregational stability traits. was formerly denoted as in spp. from fish farm sediment in China but escaped identification in one macrococcal and diverse staphylococcal genomes in different Asian countries. shares the highest identity with of soil-related Paenibacillus anaericanus (68%). Data analysis discloses that has emerged from a single ancestor and places S. sciuri as a plausible donor. C2865 unique fraction additionally enclosed novel chromosomal mobile islands, including a multidrug-resistant pseudo-SCC cassette, three apparently functional prophages (), and an SaPI4-related staphylococcal pathogenicity island. Since seems not yet common in staphylococcal clinical specimens, our data promote early surveillance and enable molecular diagnosis. We evidence the genome plasticity of S. sciuri and highlight its role as a resourceful reservoir for adaptive traits. The discovery and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRG) and their mobilization platforms are critical to understand the evolution of bacterial resistance and to restrain further expansion. Limited genomic data are available on Staphylococcus sciuri; regardless, it is considered a reservoir for critical AMRG and mobile elements. We uncover a transferable staphylococcal TMP resistance gene, named , in a novel mosaic plasmid harboring additional resistance, adaptive, and self-stabilization features. is present but evaded detection in diverse species from varied sources geographically distant. Our analyses evidence that the -carrying element has emerged from a single ancestor and position S. sciuri as the donor species for spread. We also identify novel mobilizable chromosomal islands encompassing AMRG and three unrelated prophages. We prove high intraspecies heterogenicity and genome plasticity for S. sciuri. This work highlights the importance of genome-wide ecological studies to facilitate identification, characterization, and evolution routes of bacteria adaptive features.
PubMed: 34374564
DOI: 10.1128/mSystems.00511-21 -
Microorganisms May 2020In addition to the industrial and biomedical applications of lithium, information on the tolerance of microorganisms to high Li concentrations in natural biological...
In addition to the industrial and biomedical applications of lithium, information on the tolerance of microorganisms to high Li concentrations in natural biological systems is limited. Strain LCHXa is a novel free-living Gram-positive, non-motile bacterium strain isolated from water samples taken at Laguna Chaxa, a non-industrial water body with the highest soluble Li content (33 mM LiCl) within the Salar de Atacama basin in northern Chile. Enrichment was conducted in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with 1 M LiCl. Strain LCHXa was a Novobiocin-resistant and coagulase negative . Phylogenetically, strain LCHXa belongs to the species . Strain LCHXa grew optimally in LB medium at pH 6-8 and 37 °C, and it was able to sustain growth at molar Li concentrations at 2 M LiCl, with a decrease in the specific growth rate of 85%. Osmoregulation in strain LCHXa partially involves glycine betaine and glycerol as compatible solutes.
PubMed: 32380652
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050668 -
Journal of Global Antimicrobial... Dec 2022In this study, we aimed to assess the extent of dissemination of methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus sciuri in animal farms in Tunisia and evaluate the distribution of...
OBJECTIVES
In this study, we aimed to assess the extent of dissemination of methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus sciuri in animal farms in Tunisia and evaluate the distribution of virulence and methicillin resistance genes in the M. sciuri population.
METHODS
Staphylococci and mammaliicocci isolated from unhealthy animals and healthy humans from adjacent farms in Tunisia were characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm formation, agglutination, and hemolysis abilities. Mammaliicoccus sciuri relatedness and content in antibiotic resistance and virulence genes were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS).
RESULTS
Mammaliicoccus sciuri was the most prevalent species (46.2%), showing the highest resistance rates to fusidic acid (94.6%), oxacillin (73%), penicillin (40.5%), clindamycin (37%), ciprofloxacin (27%), and cefoxitin (24.3%). Some isolates carried genes encoding resistance to nine different antibiotic classes. mecA was found in 35% of M. sciuri and mecC in 16.2%. All isolates carrying mecC were of S. sciuri subspecies carnaticus and carried the hybrid element SCCmec-mecC. Mammaliicoccus sciuri were able to produce strong biofilm (27%) and have clumping ability (16%). Additionally, they carried genes for capsule production (cap8, 100%), iron-regulated surface determinants (isdE, 24%; isdG, 3%), and virulence regulation (clpC and clpP, 100%). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis showed that 17 M. sciuri cross-transmission events probably occurred between different animal species and farms. Moreover, SCCmec was estimated to have been acquired five times by S. sciuri subsp. carnaticus.
CONCLUSION
Multidrug resistant and pathogenic M. sciuri were frequently disseminated between different animal species within the farm environment. mecA and mecC can be disseminated by both frequent acquisition of the SCCmec element and clonal dissemination.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Methicillin Resistance; Animals, Domestic; Tunisia; Staphylococcus
PubMed: 36202202
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2022.09.007 -
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and... Dec 2022A β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) previously annotated to be present in the genome of , SauBCA, has been shown to belong to another pathogenic bacterium, . This...
A β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) previously annotated to be present in the genome of , SauBCA, has been shown to belong to another pathogenic bacterium, . This enzyme, MscCA, has been investigated for its activation with a series of natural and synthetic amino acid and amines, comparing the results with those obtained for the ortholog enzyme from , EcoCAβ. The best MscCA activators were D-His, L- and D-DOPA, 4-(2-aminoethyl)-morpholine and L-Asn, which showed Ks of 0.12 - 0.89 µM. The least efficient activators were D-Tyr and L-Gln (Ks of 13.9 - 28.6 µM). The enzyme was also also inhibited by anions and sulphonamides, as described earlier. Endogenous CA activators may play a role in bacterial virulence and colonisation of the host which makes this research topic of great interest.
Topics: Amines; Amino Acids; Carbonic Anhydrases; Dihydroxyphenylalanine; Molecular Structure; Morpholines; Staphylococcus aureus; Sulfonamides
PubMed: 36210544
DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2131780 -
Parasites & Vectors Sep 2022Sarcoptes scabiei is globally distributed and one of the most impactful mammalian ectoparasites. Sarcoptic mange, caused by infection with S. scabiei, causes disruption...
BACKGROUND
Sarcoptes scabiei is globally distributed and one of the most impactful mammalian ectoparasites. Sarcoptic mange, caused by infection with S. scabiei, causes disruption of the epidermis and its bacterial microbiota, but its effects on host fungal microbiota and on the microbiota of marsupials in general have not been studied. Here, we (i) examine bacterial and fungal microbiota changes associated with mange in wild bare-nosed wombats (BNWs) and (ii) evaluate whether opportunistic pathogens are potentiated by S. scabiei infection in this species.
METHODS
Using Amplicon Sequencing of the 16S rRNA and ITS2 rDNA genes, we detected skin microbiota changes of the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). We compared the alpha and beta diversity among healthy, moderate, and severe disease states using ANOVA and PERMANOVA with nesting. Lastly, we identified taxa that differed between disease states using analysis of composition of microbes (ANCOM) testing.
RESULTS
We detected significant changes in the microbial communities and diversity with mange in BNWs. Severely affected BNWs had lower amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness compared to that of healthy individuals, and the microbial communities were significantly different between disease states with higher relative abundance of potentially pathogenic microbial taxa in mange-affected BNWs including Staphylococcus sciuri, Corynebacterium spp., Brevibacterium spp., Brachybacterium spp., and Pseudogymnascus spp. and Debaryomyces spp.
CONCLUSION
This study represents the first investigation of microbial changes in association with sarcoptic mange in a marsupial host, as well as the first investigation of fungal microbial changes on the skin of any host suffering from sarcoptic mange. Our results are broadly consistent with bacterial microbiota changes observed in humans, pigs, canids, and Iberian ibex, suggesting the epidermal microbial impacts of mange may be generalisable across host species. We recommend that future studies investigating skin microbiota changes include both bacterial and fungal data to gain a more complete picture of the effects of sarcoptic mange.
Topics: Animals; Goats; Humans; Marsupialia; Mycobiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sarcoptes scabiei; Scabies; Swine
PubMed: 36100860
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05452-y -
Veterinary World Mar 2022Staphylococci are commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens found on the skin and mucosa. Sports animals are more prone to injury and illness, and we believe that...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Staphylococci are commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens found on the skin and mucosa. Sports animals are more prone to injury and illness, and we believe that antimicrobial agents might be extensively used for the treatment and cause the existence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and AMR profile of staphylococci in sports animals (riding horses, fighting bulls, and fighting cocks) in South Thailand.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Nasal (57 fighting bulls and 33 riding horses) and skin swabs (32 fighting cocks) were taken from 122 animals. Staphylococci were cultured in Mannitol Salt Agar and then identified species by biochemical tests using the VITEK 2 card for Gram-positive organisms in conjunction with the VITEK 2 COMPACT machine and genotypic identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed with VITEK 2 AST-GN80 test kit cards and VITEK 2 COMPACT machine. Detection of AMR genes , , and and staphylococcal chromosomal (SCC) type was evaluated by PCR.
RESULTS
Forty-one colonies of staphylococci were isolated, and six species were identified, including (61%), (15%), (10%), (7%), (5%), and (2%). Staphylococci were highly resistant to two drug classes, penicillin (93%) and cephalosporin (51%). About 56% of the isolates were methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), and the majority was (82%), which is primarily found in horses. Most MRS (82%) were multidrug-resistant. Almost all (96%) of the -positive MRS harbored the gene. Almost all MRS isolates possessed an unknown type of SCC. Interestingly, the AMR rate was notably lower in fighting bulls and cocks than in riding horses, which may be related to the owner's preference for herbal therapy over antimicrobial drugs.
CONCLUSION
This study presented many types of staphylococci displayed on bulls, cocks, and horses. However, we found a high prevalence of MRS in horses that could be transmitted to owners through close contact activities and might be a source of AMR genotype transmission to other staphylococci.
PubMed: 35497942
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.765-774 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Jun 2005Staphylococcus sciuri is a principally animal-associated bacterial species, but its clinical relevance for humans is increasing. Our study aimed to provide the first...
Staphylococcus sciuri is a principally animal-associated bacterial species, but its clinical relevance for humans is increasing. Our study aimed to provide the first insight into the prevalence of this bacterium in a hospital environment. A 3-month surveillance was conducted in a hospital located in Belgrade, Serbia, and 1,028 samples taken from hands of medical personnel, medical devices, and various hospital surfaces were screened for S. sciuri presence. In total, 108 isolates were obtained, which resulted in a relatively high rate of colonization (10.5%). These isolates, along with 7 S. sciuri strains previously isolated in the same hospital (n = 115), were phenotypically and genotypically characterized. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 73% of the strains were resistant to one or more antibiotics, with 4.3% strains displaying multiresistance. Examination of 16S-23S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer length polymorphism identified the strains at the subspecies level, and 74 (64.3%) strains of S. sciuri subsp. sciuri, 37 (32.2%) strains of S. sciuri subsp. rodentium, and 4 (3.5%) strains of S. sciuri subsp. carnaticus were established. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showed 21 distinct pulsotypes, including 17 main types and 4 subtypes. One dominant cluster with 62 strains was found, while 19 (90.5%) of the PFGE types and subtypes identified had 5 or fewer strains. The predominance of small PFGE clusters suggests that the ubiquitous presence of S. sciuri in the outside environment presents the continuous source for colonization of the hospital environment. The presence of one dominant PFGE cluster of strains indicates that some S. sciuri strains may be capable for adaptation to hospital environment conditions and continuous existence in this environment.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Typing Techniques; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; Equipment and Supplies; Hand; Hospitals; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nurses; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; RNA, Ribosomal, 23S; Staphylococcus; Surface Properties; Yugoslavia
PubMed: 15956397
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.43.6.2782-2785.2005 -
Journal of Dairy Science Aug 2018The role of non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) in the risk of acquisition of intramammary infections with Staphylococcus aureus is vague and still under debate. The...
The role of non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) in the risk of acquisition of intramammary infections with Staphylococcus aureus is vague and still under debate. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the distribution patterns of NAS species from milk and teat skin in dairy herds with automatic milking systems, and (2) examine if the isolated NAS influences the expression of S. aureus virulence factors controlled by the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing system. In 8 herds, 14 to 20 cows with elevated somatic cell count were randomly selected for teat skin swabbing and aseptic quarter foremilk samples from right hind and left front quarters. Teat skin swabs were collected using the modified wet-dry method and milk samples were taken aseptically for bacterial culture. Colonies from quarters with suspicion of having NAS in milk or teat skin samples (or both) were subjected to MALDI-TOF assay for species identification. To investigate the interaction between S. aureus and NAS, 81 isolates NAS were subjected to a qualitative β-galactosidase reporter plate assay. In total, 373 NAS isolates were identified representing 105 from milk and 268 from teat skin of 284 quarters (= 142 cows). Sixteen different NAS species were identified, 15 species from teat skin and 10 species from milk. The most prevalent NAS species identified from milk were Staphylococcus epidermidis (50%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (15%), and Staphylococcus chromogenes (11%), accounting for 76%. Meanwhile, the most prevalent NAS species from teat skin were Staphylococcus equorum (43%), S. haemolyticus (16%), and Staphylococcus cohnii (14%), accounting for 73%. Using reporter gene fusions monitoring transcriptional activity of key virulence factors and regulators, we found that out of 81 supernatants of NAS isolates, 77% reduced expression of hla, encoding a-hemolysin, 70% reduced expression of RNAIII, the key effector molecule of agr, and 61% reduced expression of spa encoding protein A of S. aureus, respectively. Our NAS isolates showed 3 main patterns: (1) downregulation effect such as S. chromogenes (milk) and Staphylococcus xylosus (milk and teat), (2) no effect such as Staphylococcus sciuri (teat) and S. vitulinus (teat), and the third pattern (c) variable effect such as S. epidermidis (milk and teat) and S. equorum (milk and teat). The pattern of cross-talk between NAS species and S. aureus virulence genes varied according to the involved NAS species, habitat type, and herd factors. The knowledge of how NAS influences S. aureus virulence factor expression could explain the varying protective effect of NAS on S. aureus intramammary infections.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mastitis, Bovine; Milk; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 29778469
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14311