Absence of an Important Vaccine and Diagnostic Target in Carriage- and Disease-Related Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae

ABSTRACTNontypeableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHi)-associated disease is a major health problem globally. Whole-genome sequence analysis identified the absence ofhpdgenes encodingHaemophilusprotein D in 3 of 16 phylogenetically distinct NTHi isolates. This novel finding is of potential clinical significance, as protein D andhpdrepresent important NTHi vaccine antigen and diagnostic targets, respectively.

Download Full-text

First Complete Genome Sequence of Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a

Genome Announcements ◽

10.1128/genomea.01506-16 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mariam Iskander ◽

Kristy Hayden ◽

Gary Van Domselaar ◽

Raymond Tsang

Keyword(s):

Haemophilus Influenzae ◽

Genome Sequence ◽

Invasive Disease ◽

Indigenous Populations ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Human Pathogen ◽

Small Children ◽

Content Type ◽

Serotype A

ABSTRACT Haemophilus influenzae is an important human pathogen that primarily infects small children. In recent years, H. influenzae serotype a has emerged as a significant cause of invasive disease among indigenous populations. Here, we present the first complete whole-genome sequence of H. influenzae serotype a.

Download Full-text

Whole genome sequence analysis of Shigella from Malawi identifies fluoroquinolone resistance

Microbial Genomics ◽

10.1099/mgen.0.000532 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

Author(s):

George E. Stenhouse ◽

Khuzwayo C. Jere ◽

Chikondi Peno ◽

Rebecca J. Bengtsson ◽

End Chinyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sequence Analysis ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Fluoroquinolone Resistance ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequence Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Link Type ◽

Global Priority

Increasing antimicrobial resistance and limited alternative treatments have led to fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella strain inclusion on the WHO global priority pathogens list. In this study we characterized multiple Shigella isolates from Malawi with whole genome sequence analysis, identifying the acquirable fluoroquinolone resistance determinant qnrS1.

Download Full-text

First Whole-Genome Sequence of a Haemophilus influenzae Type e Strain Isolated from a Patient with Invasive Disease in Italy

Genome Announcements ◽

10.1128/genomea.00059-17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (13) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Maria Giufrè ◽

Rita Cardines ◽

Marina Cerquetti

Keyword(s):

Haemophilus Influenzae ◽

Genome Sequence ◽

Invasive Disease ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Haemophilus Influenzae Type ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Type B ◽

Genomic Information ◽

Conjugate Vaccines ◽

Content Type

ABSTRACT In the present era of conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b, non-vaccine-preventable strains are of concern. Here, we report the first whole-genome sequence of an invasive H. influenzae type e strain. This genomic information will enable further investigations on encapsulated non-type b H. influenzae strains.

Download Full-text

A Protein E-PilA Fusion Protein Shows Vaccine Potential against Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in Mice and Chinchillas

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.00345-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 87 (8) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Carine Ysebaert ◽

Philippe Denoël ◽

Vincent Weynants ◽

Lauren O. Bakaletz ◽

Laura A. Novotny ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Haemophilus Influenzae ◽

Fusion Protein ◽

Vaccine Antigen ◽

Murine Models ◽

Nontypeable Haemophilus Influenzae ◽

Content Type ◽

Preclinical Evaluation ◽

Type Iv ◽

Vaccine Potential

ABSTRACT PE-PilA is a fusion protein composed of immunologically relevant parts of protein E (PE) and the majority subunit of the type IV pilus (PilA), two major antigens of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Here we report on the preclinical evaluation of PE-PilA as a vaccine antigen. The immunogenic potential of the PE and PilA within the fusion was compared with that of isolated PE and PilA antigens. When injected intramuscularly into mice, the immunogenicity of PE within the fusion was equivalent to that of isolated PE, except when it was formulated with alum. In contrast, in our murine models PilA was consistently found to be more immunogenic as a subentity of the PE-PilA fusion protein than when it was injected as an isolated antigen. Following immunization with PE-PilA, anti-PE antibodies demonstrated the same capacity to inhibit the binding of PE to vitronectin as those induced after PE immunization. Likewise, PE-PilA-induced anti-PilA antibodies inhibited the formation of NTHi biofilms and disrupted established biofilms in vitro. These experiments support the immunogenic equivalence between fused PE-PilA and isolated PE and PilA. Further, the potential of PE-PilA immunization against NTHi-induced disease was evaluated. After intranasal NTHi challenge, colonization of the murine nasopharynx significantly dropped in animals formerly immunized with PE-PilA, and in chinchillas, signs of otitis media were significantly reduced in animals that had received anti-PE-PilA antibodies. Taken together, our data support the use of PE-PilA as an NTHi vaccine antigen.

Download Full-text

The epidemiology of AmpC-producing Escherichia coli isolated from dairy cattle faeces on pasture-fed farms

Journal of Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1099/jmm.0.001447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 70 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Sara A. Burgess ◽

Adrian L. Cookson ◽

Lisa Brousse ◽

Enrico Ortolani ◽

Jackie Benschop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Sequence Analysis ◽

Type Species ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequence Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

E Coli ◽

Link Type

Introduction. Antibiotic use, particularly amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in dairy farming, has been associated with an increased incidence of AmpC-hyperproducing Escherichia coli . Gap statement. There is limited information on the incidence of AmpC-hyperproducing E. coli from seasonal pasture-fed dairy farms. Aim. We undertook a New Zealand wide cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of AmpC-producing E. coli carried by dairy cattle. Methodology. Paddock faeces were sampled from twenty-six dairy farms and were processed for the selective growth of both extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-producing E. coli . Whole genome sequence analysis was carried out on 35 AmpC-producing E. coli . Results. No ESBL- or plasmid mediated AmpC-producing E. coli were detected, but seven farms were positive for chromosomal mediated AmpC-hyperproducing E. coli . These seven farms were associated with a higher usage of injectable amoxicillin antibiotics. Whole genome sequence analysis of the AmpC-producing E. coli demonstrated that the same strain (<3 SNPs difference) of E. coli ST5729 was shared between cows on a single farm. Similarly, the same strain (≤15 SNPs difference) of E. coli ST8977 was shared across two farms (separated by approximately 425 km). Conclusion. These results infer that both cow-to-cow and farm-to-farm transmission of AmpC-producing E. coli has occurred.

Download Full-text

Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter lactucae OTEC-02, Isolated from Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil

Genome Announcements ◽

10.1128/genomea.00400-17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (21) ◽

Author(s):

Marco Antonio Rogel-Hernandez ◽

Gabriela Guerrero ◽

Clara Ivette Rincón-Molina ◽

Víctor Manuel Ruiz-Valdiviezo ◽

Crhistian Cisneros-Pérez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sequence Analysis ◽

Genome Sequence ◽

Contaminated Soil ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequence Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Different Types ◽

Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter lactucae OTEC-02 was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Whole-genome sequence analysis was performed to learn more about the strain’s ability to degrade different types of recalcitrant toxic monoaromatic hydrocarbons. The genome of this bacterium revealed its genomic properties and versatile metabolic features, as well as a complete prophage.

Download Full-text

Antifungal Susceptibility of Clinical Yeast Isolates from a Large Canadian Reference Laboratory and Application of Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis To Elucidate Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.00402-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (9) ◽

Author(s):

Lisa R. McTaggart ◽

Ana Cabrera ◽

Kirby Cronin ◽

Julianne V. Kus

Keyword(s):

Sequence Analysis ◽

Genome Sequence ◽

Antifungal Susceptibility ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Beta Glucan ◽

Genome Sequence Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Resistance Rates

ABSTRACT To understand the epidemiology and susceptibility patterns of yeast infections in Ontario, Canada, we examined 4,715 clinical yeast isolates submitted to our laboratory for antifungal susceptibility testing from 2014 to 2018. Candida albicans was the most frequently submitted species (43.0%), followed by C. glabrata (21.1%), C. parapsilosis (15.0%), and C. tropicalis (6.2%). Twenty-three other Candida spp. (11.6%) and 4 non-Candida species (3.1%) were also identified. Few changes in species distribution were observed from 2014 to 2018, but the total numbers of yeast isolates sent for testing increased, with an annual 7.4% change. According to CLSI clinical breakpoints, resistance rates remained low overall. Moderate fluconazole resistance was noted among C. glabrata (9%), C. parapsilosis (9%), and C. tropicalis (12%) isolates. Only 1% of C. glabrata isolates were resistant to caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin. Whole-genome sequence analysis confirmed 11 cases of acquired resistance to azoles or echinocandins via in-host evolution. There were mutations in the gene for the catalytic subunit of 1,3-beta-glucan synthase-mediated echinocandin resistance in 3 of 3 C. albicans strains, 3 of 4 C. glabrata strains, and 1 strain of C. tropicalis. Azole resistance was likely caused by a homozygous ERG3 mutation in 1 C. albicans strain and a previously undescribed chromosomal-duplication event involving ERG11 and TAC1 orthologs in 1 C. tropicalis strain. While antifungal resistance rates remain low among yeast isolates in Ontario, ongoing surveillance is necessary to inform empirical therapy for optimal patient management and to guide antifungal stewardship.

Download Full-text

Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacter hormaechei Isolated from Imported Retail Shrimp

Microbiology Resource Announcements ◽

10.1128/mra.01103-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (50) ◽

Author(s):

Nagaraju Indugu ◽

Laxmi Sharma ◽

Charlene R. Jackson ◽

Prashant Singh

Keyword(s):

Genome Sequence ◽

Draft Genome ◽

Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequence Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Shrimp Sample ◽

Enterobacter Hormaechei

ABSTRACT Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of Enterobacter hormaechei 2B-MC1, isolated from a shrimp sample collected from a farmer’s market in Atlanta, Georgia. The assembled genome sequence observed was 4,661,561 bp long with a G+C content of 55.3%. The isolate harbored sul1, sul2, qnrA1, oqxB, dfrA23, blaACT, floR, fosA, tet(A), aph(6)-Id, and aph(3″)-Ib antibiotic resistance genes.

Download Full-text

Isolation and Molecular Analysis of a Novel Neorickettsia Species That Causes Potomac Horse Fever

mBio ◽

10.1128/mbio.03429-19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Omid Teymournejad ◽

Mingqun Lin ◽

Hannah Bekebrede ◽

Ahmed Kamr ◽

Ramiro E. Toribio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Culture ◽

Sequence Analysis ◽

Genome Sequence ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequence Analysis ◽

Content Type ◽

Potomac Horse Fever

ABSTRACT Potomac horse fever (PHF), a severe and frequently fatal febrile diarrheal disease, has been known to be caused only by Neorickettsia risticii, an endosymbiont of digenean trematodes. Here, we report the cell culture isolation of a new Neorickettsia species found in two locations in eastern Ontario, Canada, in 2016 and 2017 (in addition to 10 variable strains of N. risticii) from N. risticii PCR-negative horses with clinical signs of PHF. Gene sequences of 16S rRNA and the major surface antigen P51 of this new Neorickettsia species were distinct from those of all previously characterized N. risticii strains and Neorickettsia species, except for those from an uncharacterized Neorickettsia species culture isolate from a horse with PHF in northern Ohio in 1991. The new Neorickettsia species nonetheless had the characteristic intramolecular repeats within strain-specific antigen 3 (Ssa3), which were found in all sequenced Ssa3s of N. risticii strains. Experimental inoculation of two naive ponies with the new Neorickettsia species produced severe and subclinical PHF, respectively, and the bacteria were reisolated from both of them, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Serological assay titers against the new Neorickettsia species were higher than those against N. risticii. Whole-genome sequence analysis of the new Neorickettsia species revealed unique features of this bacterium compared with N. risticii. We propose to classify this new bacterium as Neorickettsia finleia sp. nov. This finding will improve the laboratory diagnosis of and vaccine for PHF, environmental risk assessment of PHF, and understanding of PHF pathogenesis and Neorickettsia biology in general. IMPORTANCE Despite the detection of Neorickettsia species DNA sequences in various trematode species and their hosts, only three Neorickettsia species have been cell culture isolated and whole-genome sequenced and are known to infect mammals and/or cause disease. The molecular mechanisms that enable the obligatory intracellular bacterium Neorickettsia to colonize trematodes and to horizontally transmit from trematodes to mammals, as well as the virulence factors associated with specific mammalian hosts, are unknown. Potomac horse fever (PHF) is a severe and acute systemic infectious disease of horses, with clinical signs that include diarrhea. Neorickettsia risticii is the only known bacterial species that causes PHF. Ingestion of insects harboring N. risticii-infected trematodes by horses leads to PHF. Our discovery of a new Neorickettsia species that causes PHF and whole-genome sequence analysis of this bacterium will improve laboratory diagnosis and vaccine development for PHF and will contribute to our understanding of Neorickettsia ecology, pathogenesis, and biology.

Download Full-text