Genomic Analysis and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Peru

Campylobacter is the leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and has a major impact on global public health. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool applied in the study of foodborne pathogens. The objective of the present study was to apply WGS to determine the genetic diversity, virulence factors and determinants of antimicrobial resistance of the populations of C. jejuni and C. coli in Peru. A total of 129 Campylobacter strains (108 C. jejuni and 21 C. coli) were sequenced using Illumina Miseq platform. In silico MLST analysis identified a high genetic diversity among those strains with 30 sequence types (STs), several of them within 11 clonal complexes (CC) for C. jejuni, while the strains of C. coli belonged to a single CC with 8 different STs. Phylogeny analysis showed that Peruvian C. jejuni strains were divided into 2 clades with 5 populations, while C. coli formed a single clade with 4 populations. Furthermore, in silico analyses showed the presence of several genes associated with adherence, colonization and invasion among both species: cadF (83.7%), jlpA (81.4%), racR (100%), dnaJ (83.7%), pebA (83.7%), pldA (82.1%), porA (84.5%), ceuE (82.9%), ciaB (78.3%), iamB (86.8%), and flaC (100%). The majority (82.9%) of the Campylobacter strains carried the cdtABC operon which code for cytolethal distending toxin (CDT). Half of them (50.4%) carried genes associated with the presence of T6SS, while the frequency of genes associated with T4SS were relatively low (11.6%). Genetic markers associated with resistance to quinolones, tetracycline (tetO, tetW/N/W), beta-lactamases (blaoxa–61), macrolides (A2075G in 23S rRNA) were found in 94.5, 21.7, 66.7, 6.2, 69.8, and 18.6% of strains, respectively. The cmeABC multidrug efflux operon was present in 78.3% of strains. This study highlights the importance of using WGS in the surveillance of emerging pathogens associated with foodborne diseases, providing genomic information on genetic diversity, virulence mechanisms and determinants of antimicrobial resistance. The description of several Campylobacter genotypes having many virulence factors and resistance to quinolones and tetracyclines circulating in Peru provides important information which helps in the monitoring, control and prevention strategies of this emerging pathogen in our country.

Campylobacter coli infection causes spinal epidural abscess with Guillain–Barré syndrome: a case report

Background Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and spinal epidural abscess (SEA) are known as mimics of each other because they present with flaccid paralysis following an infection; however, they differ in the main causative bacteria. Nevertheless, the two diseases can occur simultaneously if there is a preceding Campylobacter infection. Here, we report the first case of SEA with GBS following Campylobacter coli infection. Case presentation A 71-year-old Japanese man presented with progressive back pain and paralysis of the lower limbs following enteritis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lumbar epidural abscess that required surgical decompression; therefore, surgical drainage was performed. Blood cultures revealed the presence of C. coli. Despite surgery, the paralysis progressed to the extremities. Nerve conduction studies led to the diagnosis of GBS. Anti-ganglioside antibodies in the patient suggested that GBS was preceded by Campylobacter infection. Intravascular immunoglobulin therapy attenuated the progression of the paralysis. Conclusions We report a case of SEA and GBS following Campylobacter infection. A combination of the two diseases is rare; however, it could occur if the preceding infection is caused by Campylobacter spp. If a cause is known but the patient does not respond to the corresponding treatment, it is important to reconsider the diagnosis based on the medical history.

Campylobacter coli Myocarditis: a case report

We report the case of a 14-year-old male presented with raised myocardial injury biomarkers, on the workout, Campylobacter coli was identified on stool culture, treated with antibiotics with total resolution. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed interventricular septum and lateral wall hypokinesia and subepicardial delayed enhancement, with preserved ventricular systolic function. To our knowledge, this is the first report linking Campylobacter coli to myopericarditis in children.

EFECTO INHIBITORIO DE Lactobacillus plantarum AISLADOS DESDE LAS DISTINTAS ETAPAS DE LA CADENA PRODUCTIVA DE CARNE PORCINA FRENTE A Campylobacter coli

Lactobacillus plantarum has a great capacity to adapt to environmental and have antibacterial capacity against different pathogen. This is a potential alternative for the control of pathogen in food coming slaughter animal. The objective of this work was to determine the antibacterial effect of L. plantarum strains against C. coli strains. L. plantarum LP1, LP3, LP5 and LP7 of porcine origin and a reference strain of Campylobacter coli NCTC 11366 were used. C. coli and L. plantarum was reactivated. Lyophilized ELC and ELCn were obtained. C. coli was distributed on the surface of mCCDA by swab and the ELC and the ELCn were inoculated in wells previously made on the agar. After 48 h, the diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured. The inhibition halos produced were 23.2 mm. The ELCn showed less antagonistic activity. The LP5 ELC generated higher inhibition halos and ELCn showed no differences between the four strains studied. L. plantarum strains, isolated from the pig production chain, could potentially be applied to control C. coli. This data is added to the scarce scientific evidence of the inhibitory effect of L. plantarum before this zoonotic pathogen of importance in public health.

740 A case of acute Campylobacter COLI myocarditis post-mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Was vaccination an innocent bystander or a determining factor?

A 24-year-old healthy man, smoker (2 pack-years), was admitted to the Cardiology Unit for chest pain and fever occurred 2 days after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. There were no pathological findings at physical examination. The electrocardiogram showed diffuse ST elevation. Laboratory tests showed a significant increment of Troponin I levels (4697 ng/l → 6236 ng/l after 3 h), White Blood Cells (17 610/mmc) and C-Reactive Protein (8.36 mg/dl). Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular systolic function with no evidence of pericarditis. These findings were consistent with a probable case of acute myocarditis. Cardiac magnetic imaging demonstrated myocardial oedema of the posterior wall of the left ventricle at T2-weighted images, with patchy areas of subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention myocarditis diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of acute myocarditis was made and treatment with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs was started. Regarding etiology agent determination, in the COVID19 era, the first suspect was anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccine-induced myocarditis. Several case series and analyses of a large national health care organization database helped to identify features linked to these types of myocarditis. The highest incidence was observed among male juvenile subjects, usually 48–72 h after the second dose of vaccination, with elevated levels of spike antibody for SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, in the presented clinical case, the patient had received the first dose of BNT162b2 vaccination two days before hospital admission and showed negative serology tests for SARS-CoV-2. In recent medical history, two days before the onset of fever and chest pain, the patient had episodes of diarrhea which persisted during the first week of hospitalization. All immunological and microbiological tests result negative, except for a stool culture positive for Campylobacter coli. Interestingly a revision of literature showed several cases of myocarditis linked to Campylobacter species. In particular, of 13 reported cases, 12 (92%) were male with a mean age of 26 ± 8.8 years, and cardiac symptoms present generally 2–4 days after diarrhea. In this particular setting, the first and more obvious hypothesis was strongly questioned because of an unexpected finding in the stool culture. In fact, Campylobacter spp. related myocarditis is an extremely rare condition, even if this pathogen is associated with important immunological interferences, as shown by its relationship with the Guillain-Barre syndrome. Further, myocarditis related to mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is considered a rare complication. We hypothesized that the association of the two components could have acted synergistically to produce an immune system activation against cardiac muscle. Additional investigations are required to clarify the link between vaccination and possible improper immune response. In conclusion, this case represents a typical example in which the cause of the disease should be well investigated because the initial etiological theory is not definitive, especially in the SARS-CoV-2 era.

Principais desafios que afetam a saúde intestinal das aves

O trato gastrointestinal das aves é colonizado por microrganismos benéficos e maléficos, vivendo de maneira comensal. As bactérias benéficas influenciam positivamente a integridade intestinal, funcionalidade da barreira de proteção, resposta imunológica, digestão e absorção dos nutrientes. As bactérias maléficas causadoras de enterites nas aves são: Clostridium colinum (enterite ulcerativa), Clostridium perfringens (enterite necrótica), Campylobacter jejuni e Campylobacter coli (enterite hemorrágica), Escherichia coli, Salmonella entérica (Salmonella pullorum - pulorose e Salmonella gallinarum - tifo aviário). Os protozoários causadores de enterites são: Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella (causam a coccidiose), Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium baileyi e Cryptosporidium galli. Os vírus que acometem aves são: Paramoxivírus aviário tipo I (doença de Newcastle), rotavírus, astrovírus e reovírus. Porém, as lesões intestinais provocadas pelo microbioma maléfico podem ser amenizadas com o uso de prebióticos e probióticos na dieta das aves. Os prebióticos e probióticos fortalecem o sistema imunológico da ave, previne contra doenças entéricas infecciosas e melhora a digestão e absorção intestinal. Algumas bactérias que pertencem a microbiota intestinal das aves são utilizadas como probióticos, as espécies mais utilizadas pertencem ao gênero Lactobacillus e Bifidobacterium. Esta revisão analisa as informações científicas disponíveis sobre os principais microrganismos que afetam a saúde intestinal das aves e o uso de prebióticos e probióticos como aditivos preventivos na literatura vigente.

Prevalence and Characterization of Quinolone Resistance in Campylobacter spp. Isolates in Chicken Livers from Retail Stores in Georgia, USA

Campylobacter is the leading bacterial pathogen that causes human foodborne illnesses worldwide and outbreaks have been associated with consumption of under-cooked chicken livers. The objectives of this study were to compare two PCR assays for speciation of 250 Campylobacter isolates, to assess antibiotic resistance of the isolates, and to analyze genetic diversity of the quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDR) of the isolates. Speciation was performed in a double-blind manner, and results showed that 181 (72%) isolates were identified as Campylobacter jejuni and 69 (28%) isolates were identified as Campylobacter coli by both PCR assays. A total of 93 (37.2%) isolates were determined to be resistant to at least one antibiotic. Among 88 C. jejuni isolates, 33 isolates (18%) were resistant to nalidixic acid (NAL) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), followed by 25 (14%) isolates resistant to tetracycline (TET) and 18 (10%) isolates resistant to NAL and TET. Two isolates were resistant to four antibiotics tested. One isolate was resistant to five antibiotics tested. For C. coli, two isolates were resistant to TET, and two were resistant to NAL, CIP and TET. The amino acid sequences of the QRDR regions among the isolates revealed eight point mutations and could be classified into 12 groups. Thirty-eight C. jejuni isolates resistant to NAL and CIP had a point mutation at residue 86 (Thr to Ile substitution). However, six isolates without the substitution at the same position were resistant to NAL and/or CIP. In addition, 10 isolates with a point mutation at residue 86 were susceptible to NAL and CIP. This observation suggests that besides the substitution at 86, other mechanisms may confer resistance to quinolones. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms for quinolone resistance in Campylobacter. Based on our results, the Campylobacter spp. isolated from chicken livers were found to be resistant to the quinolones and other classes of antibiotics.