Oral Abscess Caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes in Ball Python (Python regius); A Case Report

Chryseobacterium indologenes is an opportunistic pathogen isolated from human infections and, rarely, from some aquatic animals. A 3-year-old male ball python (Python regius) was admitted to the veterinary clinic by a pet owner because of acute respiratory and swallowing failure. During physical examinations, oral secretions and abscesses were observed in the mouth cavity and throat of the animal. After microbiological analysis including isolation, identification, and 16s rRNA sequencing, C. indologenes was detected as the main cause of the oral abscess in this case. Phylogenetic relatedness analysis showed a close relationship between this isolate and other strains isolated from human infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the isolate was multi-drug resistant. However, it was very sensitive to minocycline, ceftazidime, and tetracycline. The patient was treated by antibiotic therapy and completely recovered after two weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first incidence of C. indologenes in an oral abscess in a ball python. As a result we would consider this organism as an opportunistic animal pathogen with zoonotic potentiality.

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Reservoirs of resistance: polymyxin resistance in veterinary-associated companion animal isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.105075 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 185 (7) ◽

pp. 206-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andrea Scott ◽

Sian Pottenger ◽

Dorina Timofte ◽

Matthew Moore ◽

Laura Wright ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Polymyxin B ◽

Potential Reservoir ◽

Human Infections ◽

Animal Isolates

BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of infections. Widespread resistance in human infections are increasing the use of last resort antimicrobials such as polymyxins. However, these have been used for decades in veterinary medicine. Companion animals are an understudied source of antimicrobial resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. This study evaluated the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates to polymyxins to determine whether the veterinary niche represents a potential reservoir of resistance genes for pathogenic bacteria in both animals and humans.Methods and resultsClinical P. aeruginosa isolates (n=24) from UK companion animals were compared for antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of human-associated isolates (n=37). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for polymyxin B and colistin in the companion animals was significantly higher than in human isolates (P=0.033 and P=0.013, respectively). Genotyping revealed that the veterinary isolates were spread throughout the P. aeruginosa population, with shared array types from human infections such as keratitis and respiratory infections, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. Whole genome sequencing revealed mutations in genes associated with polymyxin resistance and other antimicrobial resistance-related genes.ConclusionThe high levels of resistance to polymyxin shown here, along with genetic similarities between some human and animal isolates, together suggest a need for sustained surveillance of this veterinary niche as a potential reservoir for resistant, clinically relevant bacteria in both animals and humans.

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Iron Restriction to Clinical Isolates ofCandida albicansby the Novel Chelator DIBI Inhibits Growth and Increases Sensitivity to AzolesIn VitroandIn Vivoin a Murine Model of Experimental Vaginitis

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.02576-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 (8) ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Kimberley A. Savage ◽

Maria del Carmen Parquet ◽

David S. Allan ◽

Ross J. Davidson ◽

Bruce E. Holbein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Iron Homeostasis ◽

Iron Chelation ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Clinical Isolates ◽

Cell Multiplication ◽

The Novel ◽

Content Type ◽

Sensitive Isolate ◽

Human Infections

ABSTRACTCandida albicansis an important opportunistic pathogen causing various human infections that are often treated with azole antifungals. The U.S. CDC now regards developing candidal antifungal resistance as a threat, creating a need for new and more effective antifungal treatments. Iron is an essential nutrient for all living cells, and there is growing evidence that interference with iron homeostasis ofC. albicanscan improve its response to antifungals. This study was aimed at establishing whether withholding iron by currently used medical iron chelators and the novel chelator DIBI could restrict growth and also enhance the activity of azoles against clinical isolates ofC. albicans. DIBI, but not deferoxamine or deferiprone, inhibited the growth ofC. albicansat relatively low concentrationsin vitro, and this inhibition was reversed by iron addition. DIBI in combination with various azoles demonstrated stronger growth inhibition than the azoles alone and greatly prolonged the inhibition of cell multiplication. In addition, the administration of DIBI along with fluconazole (FLC) to mice inoculated with an FLC-sensitive isolate in a model of experimentalC. albicansvaginitis showed a markedly improved clearance of infection. These results suggest that iron chelation by DIBI has the potential to enhance azole efficacy for the treatment of candidiasis.

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Detection of Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Clinical and Intensive Care Unit Environmental Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871526520666191231124717 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 758-762

Author(s):

Omid Zarei ◽

Hassan Mahmoudi ◽

Ali Mohammadi Bardbari ◽

Pezhman Karami ◽

Mohammad Yousef Alikhani

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Virulence Factors ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Resistance Pattern ◽

Disk Diffusion Method ◽

Human Infections

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative non-glucose fermenting aerobic bacteria and an opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals. The present study was carried out to investigate the distribution of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance properties of P. aeruginosa isolated from patients and intensive care unit (ICU) environment. Material and Methods: A total of 116 P. aeruginosa isolated from patients and ICU environment were collected from Besat hospital in Hamadan, the West of Iran. P. aeruginosa isolates were analyzed based on the presence of the virulence factors encoding genes included exoA, exoS, exoU, and algD using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using a disk diffusion method. Results: The results showed the prevalence of exoA 33 (56.9%), exoS 21 (36.20%), exoU 37 (63.8%), and algD 35 (60.34%) genes in ICU environment P. aeruginosa strains and exo A 23 (39.25%), exoS 25 (43.1%), exoU 40(68.98%), and algD 25 (43.1%) genes in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. High resistance levels of the clinical and ICU environment isolate to ampicillinsulbactam (100%), were also observed. Conclusions: Our findings should raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in hospitalized patients in Iran. Clinicians should exercise caution in prescribing antibiotics, especially in cases of human infections.

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Effects of music on behavior and physiological stress response of domestic cats in a veterinary clinic

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x19828131 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 122-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Amanda Hampton ◽

Alexandra Ford ◽

Roy E Cox ◽

Chin-chi Liu ◽

Ronald Koh

Keyword(s):

Physical Examination ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Classical Music ◽

Physiological Stress ◽

Auditory Stimuli ◽

Veterinary Clinic ◽

Examination Period ◽

Physiological Stress Response ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Physical Examinations

Objectives Our objective was to determine if feline-specific music played in a veterinary clinical setting would promote lower cat stress scores (CSSs), lower mean handling scale scores (HSs) and reduced neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) in cats during physical examinations. Methods Cats were exposed to one of three auditory stimuli tests – silence, classical music and cat-specific music – during three physical examinations 2 weeks apart. CSSs were recorded at pre- and post-auditory tests and during the examination period. The HSs were recorded at the physical examination period. The physiological stress was assessed via NLRs. Results The pre-auditory test showed no difference in CSS between cats listening to silence, classical music and cat music. CSSs for post-auditory tests and examination periods were not significantly different between silence and classical music; however, CSSs were significantly decreased in cats listening to cat music vs silence and in cats listening to cat music vs classical music. HSs were not different in cats listening to silence vs classical music, but were significantly lower in cats listening to cat music vs silence and classical music. No difference was found in NLRs among all three auditory stimuli tests. Conclusions and relevance Listening to cat-specific music prior to, and during, physical examination was associated with lower CSSs and lower HSs in cats, but had no effect on the physiological stress responses measured by NLRs. We conclude that cat-specific music may benefit cats by decreasing the stress levels and increasing the quality of care in veterinary clinical settings.

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In Vitro Synergism of Colistin and N-acetylcysteine against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics8030101 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 101 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nagaia Ciacci ◽

Selene Boncompagni ◽

Felice Valzano ◽

Lisa Cariani ◽

Stefano Aliberti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Topical Administration ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Wide Range ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Human Infections ◽

Time Kill ◽

Dose Dependent

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging global opportunistic pathogen, responsible for a wide range of human infections, including respiratory tract infections. Intrinsic multidrug resistance and propensity to form biofilms make S. maltophilia infections recalcitrant to treatment. Colistin is among the second-line options in case of difficult-to-treat S. maltophilia infections, with the advantage of being also administrable by nebulization. We investigated the potential synergism of colistin in combination with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (a mucolytic agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) against S. maltophilia grown in planktonic phase and biofilm. Eighteen S. maltophilia clinical isolates (comprising three isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) and two trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT)-resistant strains) were included. Checkerboard assays showed a synergism of colistin/NAC combinations against the strains with colistin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) >2 µg/mL (n = 13), suggesting that NAC could antagonize the mechanisms involved in colistin resistance. Nonetheless, time–kill assays revealed that NAC might potentiate colistin activity also in case of lower colistin MICs. A dose-dependent potentiation of colistin activity by NAC was also clearly observed against S. maltophilia biofilms, also at sub-MIC concentrations. Colistin/NAC combinations, at concentrations likely achievable by topical administration, might represent a valid option for the treatment of S. maltophilia respiratory infections and should be examined further.

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Epithelial Coculture and l-Lactate Promote Growth of Helicobacter cinaedi under H2-Free Aerobic Conditions

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.01943-16 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 82 (22) ◽

pp. 6701-6714 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jonathan E. Schmitz ◽

Takako Taniguchi ◽

Naoaki Misawa ◽

Timothy L. Cover

Keyword(s):

Type Strain ◽

Constitutive Expression ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Growth Conditions ◽

Host Cells ◽

Aerobic Conditions ◽

Content Type ◽

Helicobacter Cinaedi ◽

Human Infections

ABSTRACTHelicobacter cinaediis an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with infections of diverse anatomic sites. Nevertheless, the species demonstrates fastidious axenic growth; it has been described as requiring a microaerobic atmosphere, along with a strong preference for supplemental H2gas. In this context, we examined the hypothesis thatin vitrogrowth ofH. cinaedicould be enhanced by coculture with human epithelial cells. When inoculated (in Ham's F12 medium) over Caco-2 monolayers, the type strain (ATCC BAA-847) gained the ability to proliferate under H2-free aerobic conditions. Identical results were observed during coculture with several other monolayer types (LS-174T, AGS, and HeLa). Under chemically defined conditions, 40 amino acids and carboxylates were screened for their effect on the organism's atmospheric requirements. Several molecules promoted H2-free aerobic proliferation, although it occurred most prominently with millimolar concentrations ofl-lactate. The growth response ofH. cinaedito Caco-2 cells andl-lactate was confirmed with a collection of 12 human-derived clinical strains. mRNA sequencing was next performed on the type strain under various growth conditions. In addition to providing a whole-transcriptome profile ofH. cinaedi, this analysis demonstrated strong constitutive expression of thel-lactate utilization locus, as well as differential transcription of terminal respiratory proteins as a function of Caco-2 coculture andl-lactate supplementation. Overall, these findings challenge traditional views ofH. cinaedias an obligate microaerophile.IMPORTANCEH. cinaediis an increasingly recognized pathogen in people with compromised immune systems. Atypical among other members of its bacterial class,H. cinaedihas been associated with infections of diverse anatomic sites. GrowingH. cineadiin the laboratory is quite difficult, due in large part to the need for a specialized atmosphere. The suboptimal growth ofH. cinaediis an obstacle to clinical diagnosis, and it also limits investigation into the organism's biology. The current work shows thatH. cinaedihas more flexible atmospheric requirements in the presence of host cells and a common host-derived molecule. This nutritional interplay raises new questions about how the organism behaves during human infections and provides insights for how to optimize its laboratory cultivation.

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A New Look at the Genus Solobacterium: A Retrospective Analysis of Twenty-Seven Cases of Infection Involving S. moorei and a Review of Sequence Databases and the Literature

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9061229 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1229

Author(s):

Corentine Alauzet ◽

Fabien Aujoulat ◽

Alain Lozniewski ◽

Safa Ben Brahim ◽

Chloé Domenjod ◽

...

Keyword(s):

16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Metagenomic Sequence ◽

Oral Infections ◽

Sequence Databases ◽

Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽

Cerebral Infections ◽

Human Infections

Solobacterium moorei is an anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus present within the oral and the intestinal microbiota that has rarely been described in human infections. Besides its role in halitosis and oral infections, S. moorei is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen causing mainly bloodstream and surgical wound infections. We performed a retrospective study of 27 cases of infections involving S. moorei in two French university hospitals between 2006 and 2021 with the aim of increasing our knowledge of this unrecognized opportunistic pathogen. We also reviewed all the data available in the literature and in genetic and metagenomic sequence databases. In addition to previously reported infections, S. moorei had been isolated from various sites and involved in intra-abdominal, osteoarticular, and cerebral infections more rarely or not previously reported. Although mostly involved in polymicrobial infections, in seven cases, it was the only pathogen recovered. Not included in all mass spectrometry databases, its identification can require 16S rRNA gene sequencing. High susceptibility to antibiotics (apart from rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and clindamycin; 91.3%, 11.8%, and 4.3% of resistant strains, respectively) has been noted. Our global search strategy revealed S. moorei to be human-associated, widely distributed in the human microbiota, including the vaginal and skin microbiota, which may be other sources for infection in addition to the oral and gut microbiota.

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Molecular Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus From Food Samples and Food Poisoning Outbreaks in Shijiazhuang, China

Frontiers in Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fmicb.2021.652276 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Guoping Lv ◽

Ruiping Jiang ◽

Han Zhang ◽

Lei Wang ◽

Lijie Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Food Poisoning ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Food Samples ◽

Staphylococcal Enterotoxin ◽

Molecular Characteristics ◽

Resistant Gene ◽

Human Infections ◽

The Relationship

As an opportunistic pathogen worldwide, Staphylococcus aureus can cause food poisoning and human infections. This study investigated the sequence typing, the penicillin (blaZ) and methicillin (mec) resistance profiles of S. aureus from food samples and food poisoning outbreaks in Shijiazhuang City, and the staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) types of the S. aureus isolates from food poisoning. A total of 138 foodborne S. aureus isolates were distributed into 8 clonal complexes (CCs) and 12 singletons. CC1, CC5, CC8, CC15, CC97, CC59, CC398, CC88, and CC7 were the predominant CCs of foodborne S. aureus isolates. Moreover, CC59, CC15, and CC5 were the most prevalent CCs in food poisoning outbreaks. SEE was the most commonly detected SE in food poisoning isolates. One hundred thirty-three S. aureus isolates harbored the penicillin-resistant gene blaZ, and nine isolates carried the mec gene. The present study further explained the relationship between S. aureus and foods and food poisoning and indicated the potential risk of S. aureus infection.

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Spread of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in an Intensive Care Unit: A Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Prospective Observational Study

Microbiology Spectrum ◽

10.1128/spectrum.00058-21 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li Wei ◽

Linfei Wu ◽

Hongxia Wen ◽

Yu Feng ◽

Shichao Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Whole Genome Sequence ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Content Type ◽

Carbapenem Resistant ◽

Human Infections

Klebsiella pneumoniae can be an opportunistic pathogen with the oral cavity and gut the main origin. However, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) can be found in patient surroundings and is a serious threat for human infections.

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Strongyloidosis

10.1093/med/9780198570028.003.0064 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

T. J. Nolan ◽

T. B. Nutman ◽

G. A. Schad

Keyword(s):

New Guinea ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Opportunistic Pathogen ◽

Community Based ◽

Infective Larvae ◽

Community Based Programs ◽

Intestinal Parasitism ◽

Human Infections ◽

Immunocompromised Hosts ◽

Epidemiological Information

Strongyloidosis is an intestinal parasitism caused by the threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis. The parasite, occurring in dogs, primates and man, is found throughout the moist tropics, as well as in temperate areas where poor sanitation or other factors facilitate the occurrence of faecally transmitted organisms. In some parts of the world, notably Africa and New Guinea, human infections caused by S. fülleborni have been reported. In Africa, the latter is primarily a parasite of primates, but in New Guinea, no animal host is known. S. stercoralis is unique among zoonotic nematodes, in that larvae passing in the faeces can give rise to a free-living generation of worms which, in turn, give rise to infective larvae. This life history alternative (i.e. heterogonic development) acts as an amplification mechanism, increasing the population of infective larvae in the external environment. The infective larvae are active skin penetrators; infection per os , while possible, is probably of limited importance. Because the parasitic female’s eggs hatch internally, a potential for autoinfection exists when precociously developing larvae attain infectivity while still in the host. This is another virtually unique feature of S. stercoralis infections in both its human and animal hosts. Autoinfection can occasionally escape control by the host, with massive re-penetration and larval migration. This can cause pulmonary or cerebro-spinal strongyloidosis as well as fulminant intestinal parasitism. Control of canine strongyloidosis has been achieved in kennels by strategic use of anthelmintics. Given the lack of epidemiological information community-based programs to control human strongyloidosis have not been attempted. The growing importance of human strongyloidosis depends upon the unique ability of S. stercoralis to replicate within its host and to behave as a potentially fatal opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts, particularly in those receiving corticosteroids.

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