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Schmidt K, Scholz HC, Appelt S, Michel J, Jacob D, Dupke S. Virulence and resistance patterns of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 acquired in Germany and other European countries. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1282135. [PMID: 38075873 PMCID: PMC10703170 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1282135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Global warming has caused an increase in the emergence of Vibrio species in marine and estuarine environments as well as fresh water bodies. Over the past decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has evolved among Vibrio species toward various antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of Vibrio infections. In this study, we assessed virulence and resistance patterns of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strains derived from Germany and other European countries. A total of 63 clinical and 24 environmental Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strains, collected between 2011 and 2021, were analyzed. In silico antibiotic resistances were compared with resistance phenotypes according to EUCAST breakpoints. Additionally, genetic relatedness between isolates was assessed by two cgMLST schemes (SeqSphere +, pubMLST). Both cgMLST schemes yielded similar results, indicating high genetic diversity among V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates. Some isolates were found to be genetically closely related (allelic distance < 20), which suggests an epidemiological link. Thirty-seven virulence genes (VGs) were identified among 87 V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates, which resulted in 38 virulence profiles (VPs). VPs were similar between clinical and environmental isolates, with the exception of one clinical isolate that displayed a higher abundance of VGs. Also, a cluster of 11 environmental isolates was identified to have the lowest number of VGs. Among all strains, the predominant virulence factors were quorum sensing protein (luxS), repeats-in-toxins (rtxC/rtxD), hemolysin (hlyA) and different type VI secretion systems (T6SS) genes. The genotypic profiles revealed antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) associated with resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, macrolides, tetracycline, antifolate, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, phenicols and sulfonamide. Carbapenemase gene VCC-1 was detected in 10 meropenem-resistant V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates derived from surface water in Germany. The proportion of resistance among V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 species isolates against first line treatment (3rd generation cephalosporin, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone) was low. Empirical treatment would likely have been effective for all of the clinical V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolates examined. Nevertheless, carbapenem-resistant isolates have been present in fresh water in Germany and might represent a reservoir for ARGs. Monitoring antimicrobial resistance is crucial for public health authorities to minimize the risks for the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Schmidt
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Public Health Microbiology Path (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Holger C Scholz
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Appelt
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Michel
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Jacob
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susann Dupke
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Nazzaro G, Germiniasi F, Veraldi S. Fish Pedicure: A Risky Aesthetic Treatment for Tourists. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2020; 110:447698. [PMID: 33179070 DOI: 10.7547/19-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fish pedicure is considered to be an aesthetic treatment, first conceived in Turkey, in Kangal Hot Springs. These hot waters are rich in two species of fish of the Cyprinidae family that feed on the stratum corneum layer of patients with psoriasis. This treatment was later adapted to many spa resorts for "fish pedicure." In this article, we performed a review of the skin infections already reported, explaining why this procedure, performed usually during summer holidays by tourists, is not risk free and should be discouraged by health workers.
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Shih T, Khan S, Shih S, Khachemoune A. Fish Pedicure: Review of Its Current Dermatology Applications. Cureus 2020; 12:e8936. [PMID: 32765982 PMCID: PMC7398691 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.8936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ichthyotherapy or fish pedicure is a unique form of biotherapy in which the species Garra rufa or doctor fish is used to exfoliate the skin and potentially aid in healing diseases, such as psoriasis. The practice has gained popularity since its origins in Kangal Fish Spring in Turkey; however, safety concerns, especially among immunocompromised patients, remain. This article reviews the studied dermatological benefits of ichthyotherapy and theorized mechanisms of action. Included are cases examining both infectious and noninfectious complications of this procedure. This review highlights the need to educate susceptible patients about possible adverse effects and the need for more studies assessing this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri Shih
- Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Samiya Khan
- Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Shawn Shih
- Dermatology, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA
| | - Amor Khachemoune
- Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
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Volpe E, Mandrioli L, Errani F, Serratore P, Zavatta E, Rigillo A, Ciulli S. Evidence of fish and human pathogens associated with doctor fish (Garra rufa, Heckel, 1843) used for cosmetic treatment. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2019; 42:1637-1644. [PMID: 31578759 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Doctor fish (Garra rufa, Heckel, 1843) are increasingly used for cosmetic treatment raising particular concerns regarding the potential transmission of infections to clients. Investigations of microbial causes undertaken in two outbreaks of mortality among G. rufa used for cosmetic treatment revealed the presence of multiple bacteria, including both fish and human pathogens such as Aeromonas veronii, A. hydrophila, Vibrio cholerae, Shewanella putrefaciens, Mycobacterium marinum and M. goodii. This range of bacteria indicates an intense microbial proliferation involving multiple pathogens, most likely induced by the poor health condition of the fish. Most of the detected pathogens are well-known agents of zoonosis. Indeed, M. goodii is an emerging nosocomial human pathogen that has never been detected in fish to date, nor in other animals. This first detection of M. goodii associated with fish infection points out a new zoonotic potential for this pathogen. These findings point out that handling, poor environmental conditions and the presence of fish pathogens, that can compromise the immune system of fish, can result in a mixed microbial proliferation and increase the spread of waterborne bacteria, including zoonosis agents. Accordingly, the microbiological surveillance of fish used for cosmetic treatment is extremely important, particularly in association with mortality outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Volpe
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesenatico, Italy
| | - Luciana Mandrioli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Serratore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesenatico, Italy
| | - Emanuele Zavatta
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesenatico, Italy
| | - Antonella Rigillo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Sara Ciulli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Cesenatico, Italy
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Verner-Jeffreys DW, Wallis TJ, Cano Cejas I, Ryder D, Haydon DJ, Domazoro JF, Dontwi J, Field TR, Adjei-Boteng D, Wood G, Bean T, Feist SW. Streptococcus agalactiae Multilocus sequence type 261 is associated with mortalities in the emerging Ghanaian tilapia industry. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2018; 41:175-179. [PMID: 28745405 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - D Ryder
- Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, UK
| | | | - J F Domazoro
- Pill-Brook Aquatics (Volta Fish) Farm, Gyakiti-Akosombo, Ghana
- Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - J Dontwi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Veterinary Services Directorate to the Fisheries Commission, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - D Adjei-Boteng
- Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - G Wood
- Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, UK
| | - T Bean
- Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, UK
| | - S W Feist
- Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth, UK
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Delannoy CMJ, Zadoks RN, Crumlish M, Rodgers D, Lainson FA, Ferguson HW, Turnbull J, Fontaine MC. Genomic comparison of virulent and non-virulent Streptococcus agalactiae in fish. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2016; 39:13-29. [PMID: 25399660 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae infections in fish are predominantly caused by beta-haemolytic strains of clonal complex (CC) 7, notably its namesake sequence type (ST) 7, or by non-haemolytic strains of CC552, including the globally distributed ST260. In contrast, CC23, including its namesake ST23, has been associated with a wide homeothermic and poikilothermic host range, but never with fish. The aim of this study was to determine whether ST23 is virulent in fish and to identify genomic markers of fish adaptation of S. agalactiae. Intraperitoneal challenge of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus), showed that ST260 is lethal at doses down to 10(2) cfu per fish, whereas ST23 does not cause disease at 10(7) cfu per fish. Comparison of the genome sequence of ST260 and ST23 with those of strains derived from fish, cattle and humans revealed the presence of genomic elements that are unique to subpopulations of S. agalactiae that have the ability to infect fish (CC7 and CC552). These loci occurred in clusters exhibiting typical signatures of mobile genetic elements. PCR-based screening of a collection of isolates from multiple host species confirmed the association of selected genes with fish-derived strains. Several fish-associated genes encode proteins that potentially provide fitness in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M J Delannoy
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
| | - R N Zadoks
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Crumlish
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - D Rodgers
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
| | - F A Lainson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
| | - H W Ferguson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada, West Indies
| | - J Turnbull
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - M C Fontaine
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, UK
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7
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Mahajan VK. Psoriasis treatment: Unconventional and non-standard modalities in the era of biologics. World J Dermatol 2016; 5:17. [DOI: 10.5314/wjd.v5.i1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Schets FM, van den Berg HH, de Zwaan R, van Soolingen D, de Roda Husman AM. The microbiological quality of water in fish spas with Garra rufa fish, the Netherlands, October to November 2012. Euro Surveill 2015. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.19.21124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In fish spas, clients may submerge their hands, feet or whole body in basins with Garra rufa fish, for dead skin removal. Skin infections may result from using these spas, transmitted from fish to clients, through either fish or water, or from client to client. The microbiological water quality was determined in 24 fish spas in 16 companies in the Netherlands through analysis of a single water sample per fish spa. Water samples were tested for the presence of Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, nontuberculous mycobacteria, and faecal indicator bacteria by using standard culture methods. The majority of the examined fish spas contained Aeromonas spp. (n?=?24), P. aeruginosa (n?=?18), Vibrio spp. (n?=?16) including V. cholerae non-O1/O139 and V. vulnificus, and several rapid growing Mycobacterium spp. (n?=?23) including M. fortuitum, M. conceptionense, M. abscessus and M. chelonae. Faecal contamination of the fish spa water was low. Based on the detected concentrations of Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., and P. aeruginosa, the detected Mycobacterium spp., and the health implications of these bacteria, the health risk from using fish spas is considered limited for healthy people with an intact skin and no underlying disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Schets
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - H H van den Berg
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - R de Zwaan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - D van Soolingen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - A M de Roda Husman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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9
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Skin, soft tissue and systemic bacterial infections following aquatic injuries and exposures. Am J Med Sci 2015; 349:269-75. [PMID: 25374398 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0000000000000366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
: Bacterial infections following aquatic injuries occur commonly in fishermen and vacationers after freshwater and saltwater exposures. Internet search engines were queried with the key words to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and treatment strategies and outcomes of both the superficial and the deeper invasive infections caused by more common, newly emerging and unusual aquatic bacterial pathogens. Main findings included the following: (1) aquatic injuries often result in gram-negative polymicrobial infections with marine bacteria; (2) most marine bacteria are resistant to 1st- and 2nd-generation penicillins and cephalosporins; (3) nontuberculous, mycobacterial infections should be considered in late-onset, culture-negative and antibiotic-resistant marine infections; (4) superficial marine infections and pre-existing wounds exposed to seawater may result in deeply invasive infections and sepsis in immunocompromised patients. With the exception of minor marine wounds demonstrating localized cellulitis, most other marine infections and all gram-negative and mycobacterial marine infections will require therapy with antibiotic combinations.
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10
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Ruane NM, Collins EM, Geary M, Swords D, Hickey C, Geoghegan F. Isolation of Streptococcus agalactiae and an aquatic birnavirus from doctor fish Garra rufa L. Ir Vet J 2013; 66:16. [PMID: 24028334 PMCID: PMC3847237 DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-66-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The doctor fish, Garra rufa, has become increasingly popular as a treatment for skin disorders and for pedicures in recent years. Despite this there is very little information available regarding the welfare of these fish and the range of potential pathogens they may carry. In this study, a group of fish suffering from post-transport mortalities were examined and the isolated pathogens identified. Findings Group B Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated from kidney swabs of the fish and found to be resistant to a number of antibiotics. In addition to this, a fish virus belonging to the aquabirnavirus group, serogroup C was isolated for the first time in Ireland. However, no clinical signs of disease typical of bacterial or viral infections were observed in any fish examined. Conclusions As no clinical signs of disease attributable to either of the pathogens identified were found it was concluded that the mortalities were most likely due to transport related stress exacerbated by the presence of the pathogens. Further work is required to assess the suitability of current transport strategies and to examine the potential risk associated with the transport of live ornamental fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Ruane
- Fish Health Unit, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co, Galway, Ireland.
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus foot infection after fish pedicure. Infection 2013; 41:1013-5. [PMID: 23460407 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-013-0437-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fish pedicure has become a popular cosmetic procedure involving immersion of the feet in a tank with freshwater fish (Garra rufa) that nibble off dead skin. There are concerns about the potential transmission of pathogens, but no cases of infections after this procedure have been published so far. We present a patient who developed foot infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after fish pedicure.
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Delannoy CMJ, Crumlish M, Fontaine MC, Pollock J, Foster G, Dagleish MP, Turnbull JF, Zadoks RN. Human Streptococcus agalactiae strains in aquatic mammals and fish. BMC Microbiol 2013. [PMID: 23419028 DOI: 10.1186/1471–2180–13–41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS) is a frequent coloniser of the rectovaginal tract, a major cause of neonatal infectious disease and an emerging cause of disease in non-pregnant adults. In addition, Streptococcus agalactiae causes invasive disease in fish, compromising food security and posing a zoonotic hazard. We studied the molecular epidemiology of S. agalactiae in fish and other aquatic species to assess potential for pathogen transmission between aquatic species and humans. METHODS Isolates from fish (n = 26), seals (n = 6), a dolphin and a frog were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing and standardized 3-set genotyping, i.e. molecular serotyping and profiling of surface protein genes and mobile genetic elements. RESULTS Four subpopulations of S. agalactiae were identified among aquatic isolates. Sequence type (ST) 283 serotype III-4 and its novel single locus variant ST491 were detected in fish from Southeast Asia and shared a 3-set genotype identical to that of an emerging ST283 clone associated with invasive disease of adult humans in Asia. The human pathogenic strain ST7 serotype Ia was also detected in fish from Asia. ST23 serotype Ia, a subpopulation that is normally associated with human carriage, was found in all grey seals, suggesting that human effluent may contribute to microbial pollution of surface water and exposure of sea mammals to human pathogens. The final subpopulation consisted of non-haemolytic ST260 and ST261 serotype Ib isolates, which belong to a fish-associated clonal complex that has never been reported from humans. CONCLUSIONS The apparent association of the four subpopulations of S. agalactiae with specific groups of host species suggests that some strains of aquatic S. agalactiae may present a zoonotic or anthroponotic hazard. Furthermore, it provides a rational framework for exploration of pathogenesis and host-associated genome content of S. agalactiae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M J Delannoy
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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13
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Delannoy CMJ, Crumlish M, Fontaine MC, Pollock J, Foster G, Dagleish MP, Turnbull JF, Zadoks RN. Human Streptococcus agalactiae strains in aquatic mammals and fish. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:41. [PMID: 23419028 PMCID: PMC3585737 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In humans, Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS) is a frequent coloniser of the rectovaginal tract, a major cause of neonatal infectious disease and an emerging cause of disease in non-pregnant adults. In addition, Streptococcus agalactiae causes invasive disease in fish, compromising food security and posing a zoonotic hazard. We studied the molecular epidemiology of S. agalactiae in fish and other aquatic species to assess potential for pathogen transmission between aquatic species and humans. Methods Isolates from fish (n = 26), seals (n = 6), a dolphin and a frog were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing and standardized 3-set genotyping, i.e. molecular serotyping and profiling of surface protein genes and mobile genetic elements. Results Four subpopulations of S. agalactiae were identified among aquatic isolates. Sequence type (ST) 283 serotype III-4 and its novel single locus variant ST491 were detected in fish from Southeast Asia and shared a 3-set genotype identical to that of an emerging ST283 clone associated with invasive disease of adult humans in Asia. The human pathogenic strain ST7 serotype Ia was also detected in fish from Asia. ST23 serotype Ia, a subpopulation that is normally associated with human carriage, was found in all grey seals, suggesting that human effluent may contribute to microbial pollution of surface water and exposure of sea mammals to human pathogens. The final subpopulation consisted of non-haemolytic ST260 and ST261 serotype Ib isolates, which belong to a fish-associated clonal complex that has never been reported from humans. Conclusions The apparent association of the four subpopulations of S. agalactiae with specific groups of host species suggests that some strains of aquatic S. agalactiae may present a zoonotic or anthroponotic hazard. Furthermore, it provides a rational framework for exploration of pathogenesis and host-associated genome content of S. agalactiae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M J Delannoy
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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