Sheep as a Potential Source of Zoonotic Cryptosporidiosis in China

ABSTRACTIn this study, we assessed the prevalence and genetic characteristics ofCryptosporidiumin sheep from 10 provinces in China. Fecal samples from 1,035 sheep originating from 16 farms were collected, and 295 (28.5%) were found to beCryptosporidiumpositive by nested PCR.Cryptosporidiumwas detected at all farms, with infection rates between 5.7% and 50.0%. ThreeCryptosporidiumspecies were identified, includingCryptosporidium xiaoi(73.2%, 216/295),Cryptosporidium ubiquitum(21.7%, 64/295), andCryptosporidium parvum(5.1%, 15/295). The distribution ofCryptosporidiumspecies differed by province and by farm. All three species were detected in lambs and adult sheep but the highest infection rate was found in postweaned lambs. All three species were detected in all four seasons, with the highest prevalence found in autumn. FourC. parvumsubtypes (IIaA15G2R1, IIaA17G2R1, IIdA18G1, and IIdA19G1) and oneC. ubiquitumsubtype (XIIa) were identified. For most provinces in this study, we are not aware of a previously published description or molecular characterization ofCryptosporidiuminfections in sheep. This information will improve our knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in China.IMPORTANCECryptosporidiumis an important zoonotic parasite that causes diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Previous studies suggested geographic differences in the distribution ofCryptosporidiumspecies in sheep. However, molecular characterization studies ofCryptosporidiumspecies in sheep have been carried out in only a few provinces in China, and the limited data available do not reflect the real situation. In this study, five districts, covering most areas where sheep are bred in China, were selected for examination ofCryptosporidiumspecies, andCryptosporidiuminfections were detected at all farms assessed, suggesting thatCryptosporidiumis widespread in sheep in China. We also found geographic differences in the distribution ofCryptosporidiumspecies but did not detect any differences between sheep age groups or seasons. Subtyping analyses showed that all of the subtypes identified in this study have been reported in humans, suggesting that sheep may be a potential source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis.

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Estimating time to onset of swine influenza symptoms after initial novel A(H1N1v) viral infection

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268810002566 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 139 (9) ◽

pp. 1418-1424 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

B. D. M. TOM ◽

A. J. VAN HOEK ◽

R. PEBODY ◽

J. McMENAMIN ◽

C. ROBERTSON ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Incubation Time ◽

Time Distribution ◽

Age Groups ◽

Swine Influenza ◽

Interval Censoring ◽

Limited Data ◽

History Of ◽

Influenza Case ◽

Time To Onset

SUMMARYCharacterization of the incubation time from infection to onset is important for understanding the natural history of infectious diseases. Attempts to estimate the incubation time distribution for novel A(H1N1v) have been, up to now, based on limited data or peculiar samples. We characterized this distribution for a generic group of symptomatic cases using laboratory-confirmed swine influenza case-information. Estimates of the incubation distribution for the pandemic influenza were derived through parametric time-to-event analyses of data on onset of symptoms and exposure dates, accounting for interval censoring. We estimated a mean of about 1·6–1·7 days with a standard deviation of 2 days for the incubation time distribution in those who became symptomatic after infection with the A(H1N1v) virus strain. Separate analyses for the <15 years and ⩾15 years age groups showed a significant (P<0·02) difference with a longer mean incubation time in the older age group.

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Molecular Characterization of the CytochromebGene andIn VitroAtovaquone Susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Kenya

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.03956-14 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 59 (3) ◽

pp. 1818-1821 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Luicer A. Ingasia ◽

Hoseah M. Akala ◽

Mabel O. Imbuga ◽

Benjamin H. Opot ◽

Fredrick L. Eyase ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasmodium Falciparum ◽

Genetic Polymorphism ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Mutant Allele ◽

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Wild Type Allele ◽

Wild Type ◽

Western Kenya ◽

Content Type

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of a genetic polymorphism(s) at codon 268 in the cytochromebgene, which is associated with failure of atovaquone-proguanil treatment, was analyzed in 227Plasmodium falciparumparasites from western Kenya. The prevalence of the wild-type allele was 63%, and that of the Y268S (denoting a Y-to-S change at position 268) mutant allele was 2%. There were no pure Y268C or Y268N mutant alleles, only mixtures of a mutant allele(s) with the wild type. There was a correlation between parasite 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and parasite genetic polymorphism; mutant alleles had higher IC50s than the wild type.

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Molecular Characterization of Human-Pathogenic Microsporidia and Cyclospora cayetanensis Isolated from Various Water Sources in Spain: a Year-Long Longitudinal Study

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.02737-12 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 79 (2) ◽

pp. 449-459 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Ana Luz Galván ◽

Angela Magnet ◽

Fernando Izquierdo ◽

Soledad Fenoy ◽

Cristina Rueda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Water Treatment ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Drinking Water Treatment ◽

Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽

Content Type ◽

Cyclospora Cayetanensis ◽

Water Treatment Plants

ABSTRACTRecent studies suggest the involvement of water in the epidemiology ofCyclospora cayetanensisand some microsporidia. A total of 223 samples from four drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), seven wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and six locations of influence (LI) on four river basins from Madrid, Spain, were analyzed from spring 2008 to winter 2009. Microsporidia were detected in 49% of samples (109/223),Cyclosporaspp. were detected in 9% (20/223), and both parasites were found in 5.4% (12/223) of samples. Human-pathogenic microsporidia were detected, includingEnterocytozoon bieneusi(C, D, and D-like genotypes),Encephalitozoon intestinalis,Encephalitozoon cuniculi(genotypes I and III), andAnncaliia algerae.C. cayetanensiswas identified in 17 of 20 samples. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows a year-long longitudinal study ofC. cayetanensisin drinking water treatment plants. Additionally, data about the presence and molecular characterization of the human-pathogenic microsporidia in drinking water, wastewater, and locations of influence during 1 year in Spain are shown. It is noteworthy that although the DWTPs and WWTPs studied meet European and national regulations on water sanitary quality, both parasites were found in water samples from these plants, supporting the idea that new and appropriate controls and regulations for drinking water, wastewater, and recreational waters should be proposed to avoid health risks from these pathogens.

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Molecular Characterization of anEndozoicomonas-Like Organism Causing Infection in the King Scallop (Pecten maximusL.)

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.00952-17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 84 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Irene Cano ◽

Ronny van Aerle ◽

Stuart Ross ◽

David W. Verner-Jeffreys ◽

Richard K. Paley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

16S Rrna ◽

16S Rrna Gene ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Mass Mortality ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Gene Sequences ◽

16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽

Content Type ◽

The 16S Rrna Gene

ABSTRACTOne of the fastest growing fisheries in the UK is the king scallop (Pecten maximusL.), also currently rated as the second most valuable fishery. Mass mortality events in scallops have been reported worldwide, often with the causative agent(s) remaining uncharacterized. In May 2013 and 2014, two mass mortality events affecting king scallops were recorded in the Lyme Bay marine protected area (MPA) in Southwest England. Histopathological examination showed gill epithelial tissues infected with intracellular microcolonies (IMCs) of bacteria resemblingRickettsia-like organisms (RLOs), often with bacteria released in vascular spaces. Large colonies were associated with cellular and tissue disruption of the gills. Ultrastructural examination confirmed the intracellular location of these organisms in affected epithelial cells. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the putative IMCs obtained from infected king scallop gill samples, collected from both mortality events, were identical and had a 99.4% identity to 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from “CandidatusEndonucleobacter bathymodioli” and 95% withEndozoicomonasspecies.In situhybridization assays using 16S rRNA gene probes confirmed the presence of the sequenced IMC gene in the gill tissues. Additional DNA sequences of the bacterium were obtained using high-throughput (Illumina) sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis identified over 1,000 genes with high similarity to protein sequences fromEndozoicomonasspp. (ranging from 77 to 87% identity). Specific PCR assays were developed and applied to screen for the presence of IMC 16S rRNA gene sequences in king scallop gill tissues collected at the Lyme Bay MPA during 2015 and 2016. There was 100% prevalence of the IMCs in these gill tissues, and the 16S rRNA gene sequences identified were identical to the sequence found during the previous mortality event.IMPORTANCEMolluscan mass mortalities associated with IMCs have been reported worldwide for many years; however, apart from histological and ultrastructural characterization, characterization of the etiological agents is limited. In the present work, we provide detailed molecular characterization of anEndozoicomonas-like organism (ELO) associated with an important commercial scallop species.

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Isolation and Characterization of Akhmeta Virus from Wild-Caught Rodents (Apodemus spp.) in Georgia

Journal of Virology ◽

10.1128/jvi.00966-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 93 (24) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jeffrey B. Doty ◽

Giorgi Maghlakelidze ◽

Irakli Sikharulidze ◽

Shin-Lin Tu ◽

Clint N. Morgan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural History ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Small Mammals ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Human Populations ◽

Content Type ◽

Subsequent Investigation ◽

Isolation And Characterization ◽

History Of

ABSTRACT In 2013, a novel orthopoxvirus was detected in skin lesions of two cattle herders from the Kakheti region of Georgia (country); this virus was named Akhmeta virus. Subsequent investigation of these cases revealed that small mammals in the area had serological evidence of orthopoxvirus infections, suggesting their involvement in the maintenance of these viruses in nature. In October 2015, we began a longitudinal study assessing the natural history of orthopoxviruses in Georgia. As part of this effort, we trapped small mammals near Akhmeta (n = 176) and Gudauri (n = 110). Here, we describe the isolation and molecular characterization of Akhmeta virus from lesion material and pooled heart and lung samples collected from five wood mice (Apodemus uralensis and Apodemus flavicollis) in these two locations. The genomes of Akhmeta virus obtained from rodents group into 2 clades: one clade represented by viruses isolated from A. uralensis samples, and one clade represented by viruses isolated from A. flavicollis samples. These genomes also display several presumptive recombination events for which gene truncation and identity have been examined. IMPORTANCE Akhmeta virus is a unique Orthopoxvirus that was described in 2013 from the country of Georgia. This paper presents the first isolation of this virus from small mammal (Rodentia; Apodemus spp.) samples and the molecular characterization of those isolates. The identification of the virus in small mammals is an essential component to understanding the natural history of this virus and its transmission to human populations and could guide public health interventions in Georgia. Akhmeta virus genomes harbor evidence suggestive of recombination with a variety of other orthopoxviruses; this has implications for the evolution of orthopoxviruses, their ability to infect mammalian hosts, and their ability to adapt to novel host species.

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Molecular Characterization of a Voriconazole-Resistant, Posaconazole-Susceptible Aspergillus fumigatus Isolate in a Lung Transplant Recipient in the United States

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.01130-15 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 60 (2) ◽

pp. 1129-1133 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Jose A. Vazquez ◽

Elias K. Manavathu

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Lung Transplant ◽

Transplant Patient ◽

The United States ◽

Azole Resistance ◽

Content Type ◽

High Level

ABSTRACTMolecular characterization ofcyp51Afrom the azole-resistantAspergillus fumigatusisolate 50593 from a lung transplant patient showed Y121F/T289A changes coupled with a 46-bp tandem repeat (TR46) on the promoter, whereascyp51Afrom the pretherapy isolate,A. fumigatus47381, showed no changes. This is the first reported case ofA. fumigatusazole resistance due to Y121F/T289A/TR46 in the United States, suggesting that multiple mutational alterations ofcyp51Aresulting in high-level azole resistance could occur during prolonged antifungal therapy.

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Molecular Characterization of ISCR1-MediatedblaPER-1in a Non-O1, Non-O139 Vibrio cholerae Strain from China

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.00166-15 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 59 (7) ◽

pp. 4293-4295 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jun Wu ◽

Lianyan Xie ◽

Fangfang Zhang ◽

Yuxing Ni ◽

Jingyong Sun

Keyword(s):

Vibrio Cholerae ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Cholerae Strain ◽

Class 1 Integron ◽

Content Type ◽

Conserved Sequence ◽

Circular Molecule ◽

Class 1 ◽

Insight Into

ABSTRACTWe report the detection of PER-1 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in a clinical non-O1, non-O139Vibrio choleraestrain from China. ISCR1-mediatedblaPER-1was embedded in a complex In4family class 1 integron belonging to the lineage of Tn1696on a conjugative IncA/C plasmid. A free 8.98-kb circular molecule present with the ISCR1-blaPER-1–truncated 3′-conserved sequence (CS) structure was detected in this isolate. These findings may provide insight into the mobilization ofblaPER-1.

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Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Invasive Heteroresistant Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Korean Hospitals

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.02595-15 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 54 (3) ◽

pp. 760-763 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Eu Suk Kim ◽

In-Gyu Bae ◽

Jeong Eun Cho ◽

Yun Jung Choi ◽

Il-Hwan Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Sequence Type ◽

Content Type ◽

Health Care Associated Infections ◽

Persistent Bacteremia

Invasive heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediateStaphylococcus aureus(h-VISA) isolates were identified and characterized in 10 Korean hospitals from July 2009 to June 2011. The prevalence of h-VISA infections was 3.3% (42/1,289). Most (41/42) were health care-associated infections caused by strains belonging to sequence type 5. Cases of persistent bacteremia were frequent (17/42), and 30-day mortality was high (16/40).

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Molecular Characterization of E. Histolytica Strains Based on the Serine Rich Entamoeba Histolytica Protein (Srehp) And Chitinase Genes.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-665084/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Renay Ngobeni ◽

Amidou Samie

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Significant Influence ◽

Genetic Heterogeneity ◽

Chitinase Gene ◽

Genetic Profile ◽

Genetic Characteristics ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Chitinase Genes

Abstract BACKGROUND: Even though E. histolytica is recognized as an effective pathogen, what determines the outcome of this infection is still not well understood. The present study was carried out to determine the genetic characteristics of E. histolytica isolates from two different regions in South Africa. METHOD: Diarrheal and non-diarrheal stool samples were collected from patients of all ages from Giyani and Pretoria. Different PCR protocols were used to identify E. histolytica and amplify the serine rich E. histolytica protein (SREHP) and chitinase genes. The profiles obtained were compared among the different samples.RESULTS: Out of 111 stool samples collected, 51 were positive by either PCR or microscopy and 14 samples were positive by both methods. The serine- rich E. histolytica protein was amplified in 26 samples. Out of the 26 samples (19) different SREHP profiles were obtained. SREHP #2 was obtained in 5 different samples, 4 from Pretoria and 1 from Giyani (2 diarrheal and 3 non-diarrheal). The chitinase gene was amplified from 51 samples and 22 different chitinase profiles were obtained. Of all the profiles, profile #4 was found in 6 different isolates, 5 from Giyani and 1 from Pretoria (3 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic). However, profile # 18 was only found in formed stools from Giyani. CONCLUSIONS. The results obtained in this study have further confirmed the genetic heterogeneity of E. histolytica for the SREHP and chitinase genes which might have a significant influence in the outcome of amebic infection, depending on the genetic profile of the infecting strain.

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Molecular Characterization of UpaB and UpaC, Two New Autotransporter Proteins of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.05322-11 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 80 (1) ◽

pp. 321-332 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Luke P. Allsopp ◽

Christophe Beloin ◽

Glen C. Ulett ◽

Jaione Valle ◽

Makrina Totsika ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Host Responses ◽

Upec Strain ◽

Content Type ◽

Pcr Screening ◽

E Coli ◽

K 12 ◽

Encoding Genes

ABSTRACTUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the primary cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the developed world. The major factors associated with virulence of UPEC are fimbrial adhesins, which mediate specific attachment to host receptors and trigger innate host responses. Another group of adhesins is represented by the autotransporter (AT) subgroup of proteins. The genome-sequenced prototype UPEC strain CFT073 contains 11 putative AT-encoding genes. In this study, we have performed a detailed molecular characterization of two closely related AT adhesins from CFT073: UpaB (c0426) and UpaC (c0478). PCR screening revealed that theupaBandupaCAT-encoding genes are common inE. coli. TheupaBandupaCgenes were cloned and characterized in a recombinantE. coliK-12 strain background. This revealed that they encode proteins located at the cell surface but possess different functional properties: UpaB mediates adherence to several ECM proteins, while UpaC expression is associated with increased biofilm formation. In CFT073,upaBis expressed whileupaCis transcriptionally repressed by the global regulator H-NS. In competitive colonization experiments employing the mouse UTI model, CFT073 significantly outcompeted itsupaB(but notupaC) isogenic mutant strain in the bladder. This attenuated phenotype was also observed in single-challenge experiments, where deletion of theupaBgene in CFT073 significantly reduced early colonization of the bladder.

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