scholarly journals Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC): An Overview of Virulence and Pathogenesis Factors, Zoonotic Potential, and Control Strategies

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 467
Author(s):  
Dipak Kathayat ◽  
Dhanashree Lokesh ◽  
Sochina Ranjit ◽  
Gireesh Rajashekara
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Neonatal Meningitis ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Tract Infections

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in avian species, and recent reports have suggested APEC as a potential foodborne zoonotic pathogen. Herein, we discuss the virulence and pathogenesis factors of APEC, review the zoonotic potential, provide the current status of antibiotic resistance and progress in vaccine development, and summarize the alternative control measures being investigated. In addition to the known virulence factors, several other factors including quorum sensing system, secretion systems, two-component systems, transcriptional regulators, and genes associated with metabolism also contribute to APEC pathogenesis. The clear understanding of these factors will help in developing new effective treatments. The APEC isolates (particularly belonging to ST95 and ST131 or O1, O2, and O18) have genetic similarities and commonalities in virulence genes with human uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) and abilities to cause urinary tract infections and meningitis in humans. Therefore, the zoonotic potential of APEC cannot be undervalued. APEC resistance to almost all classes of antibiotics, including carbapenems, has been already reported. There is a need for an effective APEC vaccine that can provide protection against diverse APEC serotypes. Alternative therapies, especially the virulence inhibitors, can provide a novel solution with less likelihood of developing resistance.

scholarly journals Avian-Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Are Similar to Neonatal Meningitis E. coli Strains and Are Able To Cause Meningitis in the Rat Model of Human Disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 3412-3419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Tivendale ◽  
Catherine M. Logue ◽  
Subhashinie Kariyawasam ◽  
Dianna Jordan ◽  
Ashraf Hussein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Neonatal Meningitis ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Virulence Plasmids ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Typing Methods ◽  
Tract Infections

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli strains causing avian colibacillosis and human neonatal meningitis, urinary tract infections, and septicemia are collectively known as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Characterization of ExPEC strains using various typing techniques has shown that they harbor many similarities, despite their isolation from different host species, leading to the hypothesis that ExPEC may have zoonotic potential. The present study examined a subset of ExPEC strains: neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) strains and avian-pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains belonging to the O18 serogroup. The study found that they were not easily differentiated on the basis of multilocus sequence typing, phylogenetic typing, or carriage of large virulence plasmids. Among the APEC strains examined, one strain was found to be an outlier, based on the results of these typing methods, and demonstrated reduced virulence in murine and avian pathogenicity models. Some of the APEC strains tested in a rat model of human neonatal meningitis were able to cause meningitis, demonstrating APEC's ability to cause disease in mammals, lending support to the hypothesis that APEC strains have zoonotic potential. In addition, some NMEC strains were able to cause avian colisepticemia, providing further support for this hypothesis. However, not all of the NMEC and APEC strains tested were able to cause disease in avian and murine hosts, despite the apparent similarities in their known virulence attributes. Thus, it appears that a subset of NMEC and APEC strains harbors zoonotic potential, while other strains do not, suggesting that unknown mechanisms underlie host specificity in some ExPEC strains.

scholarly journals Genomic analysis of avian-pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolated from diseased chicken

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Papoušková ◽  
Martina Masaříková ◽  
Adam Valček ◽  
David Šenk ◽  
Darina Čejková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
Beta Lactamase ◽  
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Phylogenetic Groups ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Local Spread ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli

Abstract Background Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) can cause various extraintestinal infections in chicken, resulting in massive economic losses in poultry industry. Apart from that, some avian E. coli strains may have zoonotic potential, making poultry a possible source of infection for humans. Due to its extreme genetic diversity, this pathotype remains poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of colibacillosis-associated E. coli isolates from Central European countries with a focus on the Czech Republic.Results Out of 95 preliminarily characterized clinical isolates 32 isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing. A multiresistant phenotype was detected in a majority of them and the predominant resistance to lactams and quinolones was widely associated with TEM-type beta-lactamase genes and chromosomal gyrA mutations, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed a great diversity of isolates, that were derived from nearly all phylogenetic groups, with predominace of B2, B1 and C phylogroups. Clusters of closely related isolates within ST23 (phylogroup C) and ST429 (phylogroup B2) indicated a long-term local spread of these clones. Besides, the ST429 cluster carried bla CMY-2, -59 genes for AmpC beta-lactamase and isolates of both clusters were generally well-equipped with virulence-associated genes, with considerable differences in distribution of certain virulence-associated genes between phylogenetically distant lineages. Other important and potentially zoonotic APEC STs were detected, incl. ST117, ST354 and ST95, showing several molecular features typical for human ExPEC.Conclusions The results support the concept of local spread of virulent APEC clones, as well as of zoonotic potential of specific poultry-associated lineages, and highlight the need to investigate the possible source of these pathogenic strains.

scholarly journals Comparison of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains from Human and Avian Sources Reveals a Mixed Subset Representing Potential Zoonotic Pathogens

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (22) ◽  
pp. 7043-7050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Johnson ◽  
Yvonne Wannemuehler ◽  
Sara J. Johnson ◽  
Adam L. Stell ◽  
Curt Doetkott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Distinct Group ◽  
Phylogenetic Group ◽  
Neonatal Meningitis ◽  
Widespread Occurrence ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plasmid Replicon ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Tract Infections

ABSTRACT Since extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains from human and avian hosts encounter similar challenges in establishing infection in extraintestinal locations, they may share similar contents of virulence genes and capacities to cause disease. In the present study, 1,074 ExPEC isolates were classified by phylogenetic group and possession of 67 other traits, including virulence-associated genes and plasmid replicon types. These ExPEC isolates included 452 avian pathogenic E. coli strains from avian colibacillosis, 91 neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC) strains causing human neonatal meningitis, and 531 uropathogenic E. coli strains from human urinary tract infections. Cluster analysis of the data revealed that most members of each subpathotype represent a genetically distinct group and have distinguishing characteristics. However, a genotyping cluster containing 108 ExPEC isolates was identified, heavily mixed with regard to subpathotype, in which there was substantial trait overlap. Many of the isolates within this cluster belonged to the O1, O2, or O18 serogroup. Also, 58% belonged to the ST95 multilocus sequence typing group, and over 90% of them were assigned to the B2 phylogenetic group typical of human ExPEC strains. This cluster contained strains with a high number of both chromosome- and plasmid-associated ExPEC genes. Further characterization of this ExPEC subset with zoonotic potential urges future studies exploring the potential for the transmission of certain ExPEC strains between humans and animals. Also, the widespread occurrence of plasmids among NMEC strains and members of the mixed cluster suggests that plasmid-mediated virulence in these pathotypes warrants further attention.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of potentially human‐pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from riding horses

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pouya Reshadi ◽  
Fatemeh Heydari ◽  
Reza Ghanbarpour ◽  
Mahboube Bagheri ◽  
Maziar Jajarmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Amoxicillin Clavulanic Acid

Abstract Background Transmission of antimicrobial resistant and virulent Escherichia coli (E. coli) from animal to human has been considered as a public health concern. This study aimed to determine the phylogenetic background and prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli and antimicrobial resistance in healthy riding-horses in Iran. In this research, the genes related to six main pathotypes of E. coli were screened. Also, genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance against commonly used antibiotics were studied, then phylo-grouping was performed on all the isolates. Results Out of 65 analyzed isolates, 29.23 % (n = 19) were determined as STEC and 6.15 % (n = 4) as potential EPEC. The most prevalent antimicrobial resistance phenotypes were against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (46.2 %) and ceftriaxone (38.5 %). blaTEM was the most detected resistance gene (98.4 %) among the isolates and 26.15 % of the E. coli isolates were determined as multi-drug resistant (MDR). Three phylo-types including B1 (76.92 %), A (13.85 %) and D (3.08 %) were detected among the isolates. Conclusions Due to the close interaction of horses and humans, these findings would place emphasis on the pathogenic and zoonotic potential of the equine strains and may help to design antimicrobial resistance stewardship programs to control the dissemination of virulent and multi-drug resistant E. coli strains in the community.

scholarly journals Resistência antimicrobiana e perfil plasmidial de Escherichia coli isolada de frangos de corte e poedeiras comerciais no Estado de Pernambuco

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 405-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mércia R. Barros ◽  
Wanderley D, da Silveira ◽  
Janete M. de Araújo ◽  
Elizianne P. Costa ◽  
Andrea Alice da F. Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli

Embora existam linhagens de Escherichia coli não patogênicas para aves, muitas outras possuem a capacidade de causar sérios danos à saúde das mesmas, sendo capazes de ocasionar diferentes tipos de processos infecciosos. As linhagens patogênicas são denominadas Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), possuindo genes relacionados ao processo de patogênese em epissomos (plasmídios) ou no cromossomo. A presença de plasmídios, contendo genes de resistência a antibióticos em linhagens aviárias, patogênicas ou não, indicam a possibilidade de transferência gênica lateral entre diferentes tipos de linhagens facilitando também a transferência de genes de patogenicidade ou virulência. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o perfil de sensibilidade a antibióticos (13) de diferentes amostras (35) de E. coli isoladas de aves comerciais do Estado de Pernambuco apresentando, ou não, sinais clínicos de processos infecciosos e correlacionar esta resistência com a presença de plasmídios. Os testes utilizados demonstraram que 94,28% dos isolados foram resistentes a três ou mais antibióticos, com a lincomicina apresentando o maior percentual de resistência (100%). Na Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) observou-se multirresistência a vários antimicrobianos. A presença de plasmídios foi detecada em 80,0% (28/35) dos isolados, com 16 isolados apresentando plasmídios com peso molecular aproximado de 88 MDa. Também foi verificada a presença de linhagens apresentando plasmídios de vários tamanhos. Concluiu-se que isolados de E. coli resistentes a antimicrobianos utilizados na avicultura estão presentes no Estado de Pernambuco, tanto em frangos de corte quanto em poedeiras comerciais. A presença de plasmídios detectados na maioria dos isolados pode estar associada à resistência aos antimicrobianos e sugere a presença de possíveis genes relacionados à patogenicidade. Monitorar a resistência a antibióticos em bactérias isoladas de animais torna-se um fator determinante para eleição e êxito do tratamento, bem como a possibilidade de eliminação daquelas que possuem plasmídios para se evitar a transferência de genes relacionados à patogenicidade.

scholarly journals Specific Roles of the iroBCDEN Genes in Virulence of an Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli O78 Strain and in Production of Salmochelins

2008 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 3539-3549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélissa Caza ◽  
François Lépine ◽  
Sylvain Milot ◽  
Charles M. Dozois
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Negative Mutant

ABSTRACT Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains are a subset of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains associated with respiratory infections and septicemia in poultry. The iroBCDEN genes encode the salmochelin siderophore system present in Salmonella enterica and some ExPEC strains. Roles of the iro genes for virulence in chickens and production of salmochelins were assessed by introducing plasmids carrying different combinations of iro genes into an attenuated salmochelin- and aerobactin-negative mutant of O78 strain χ7122. Complementation with the iroBCDEN genes resulted in a regaining of virulence, whereas the absence of iroC, iroDE, or iroN abrogated restoration of virulence. The iroE gene was not required for virulence, since introduction of iroBCDN restored the capacity to cause lesions and colonize extraintestinal tissues. Prevalence studies indicated that iro sequences were associated with virulent APEC strains. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of supernatants of APEC χ7122 and the complemented mutants indicated that (i) for χ7122, salmochelins comprised 14 to 27% of the siderophores present in iron-limited medium or infected tissues; (ii) complementation of the mutant with the iro locus increased levels of glucosylated dimers (S1 and S5) and monomer (SX) compared to APEC strain χ7122; (iii) the iroDE genes were important for generation of S1, S5, and SX; (iv) iroC was required for export of salmochelin trimers and dimers; and (v) iroB was required for generation of salmochelins. Overall, efficient glucosylation (IroB), transport (IroC and IroN), and processing (IroD and IroE) of salmochelins are required for APEC virulence, although IroE appears to serve an ancillary role.

scholarly journals Complete DNA Sequence of a ColBM Plasmid from Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Suggests that It Evolved from Closely Related ColV Virulence Plasmids

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (16) ◽  
pp. 5975-5983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Johnson ◽  
Sara J. Johnson ◽  
Lisa K. Nolan
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Southern Blotting ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Complete Sequence ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Virulence Plasmids ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli

ABSTRACT Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), an extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli causing colibacillosis in birds, is responsible for significant economic losses for the poultry industry. Recently, we reported that the APEC pathotype was characterized by possession of a set of genes contained within a 94-kb cluster linked to a ColV plasmid, pAPEC-O2-ColV. These included sitABCD, genes of the aerobactin operon, hlyF, iss, genes of the salmochelin operon, and the 5′ end of cvaB of the ColV operon. However, the results of gene prevalence studies performed among APEC isolates revealed that these traits were not always linked to ColV plasmids. Here, we present the complete sequence of a 174-kb plasmid, pAPEC-O1-ColBM, which contains a putative virulence cluster similar to that of pAPEC-O2-ColV. These two F-type plasmids share remarkable similarity, except that they encode the production of different colicins; pAPEC-O2-ColV contains an intact ColV operon, and pAPEC-O1-ColBM encodes the colicins B and M. Interestingly, remnants of the ColV operon exist in pAPEC-O1-ColBM, hinting that ColBM-type plasmids may have evolved from ColV plasmids. Among APEC isolates, the prevalence of ColBM sequences helps account for the previously observed differences in prevalence between genes of the “conserved” portion of the putative virulence cluster of pAPEC-O2-ColV and those genes within its “variable” portion. These results, in conjunction with Southern blotting and probing of representative ColBM-positive strains, indicate that this “conserved” cluster of putative virulence genes is primarily linked to F-type virulence plasmids among the APEC isolates studied.

scholarly journals Virulence gene profiles of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from chickens with colibacillosis in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

2015 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Mbanga ◽  
Yvonne O. Nyararai
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Gene Profiles ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Colibacillosis, a disease caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is one of the main causes of economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. This study was carried out in order to determine the APEC-associated virulence genes contained by E. coli isolates causing colibacillosis in chickens. A total of 45 E. coli isolates were obtained from the diagnostics and research branch of the Central Veterinary Laboratories, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. These isolates were obtained from chickens with confirmed cases of colibacillosis after postmortem examination. The presence of the iutA, hlyF, ompT, frz, sitD, fimH, kpsM, sitA, sopB, uvrY, pstB and vat genes were investigated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Of the 45 isolates, 93% were positive for the presence of at least one virulence gene. The three most prevalent virulence genes were iutA (80%), fimH (33.3%) and hlyF (24.4%). The kpsM, pstB and ompT genes had the lowest prevalence, having been detected in only 2.2% of the isolates. All 12 virulence genes studied were detected in the 45 APEC isolates. Virulence gene profiles were constructed for each APEC isolate from the multiplex data. The APEC isolates were profiled as 62.2% fitting profile A, 31.1% profile B and 6.7% profile C. None of the isolates had more than seven virulence genes. Virulence profiles of Zimbabwean APEC isolates are different from those previously reported. Zimbabwean APEC isolates appear to be less pathogenic and may rely on environmental factors and stress in hosts to establish infection.

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