Evaluation of a high-throughput nucleic acid extraction method for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in bovine fecal samples by PCR

Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) is an economically important disease of cattle worldwide. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), a fastidious gram-positive bacterium. PCR is increasingly used in diagnostic laboratories for the detection of MAP in fecal samples given the rapid test turnaround time and sensitivity and specificity comparable to fecal culture. However, efficient extraction of DNA for sensitive detection of MAP by PCR is affected by the complex lipid-rich cell wall of MAP and the presence of PCR inhibitors in feces. We evaluated a high-throughput nucleic acid extraction method (MagMAX core nucleic acid purification kit with mechanical lysis module) in conjunction with an hspX gene PCR for the detection of MAP from bovine fecal samples, which resulted in correct identification of all negative (13 of 13) and positive (35 of 35) proficiency test samples obtained from the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. In addition, all 6 negative and 50 of 51 positive diagnostic specimens tested were categorized correctly.     

Chronic tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in a domestic donkey in Central Europe

Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious and zoonotic disease of animals and humans. In Europe, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis has decreased. Equidae are relatively rarely infected even in endemic areas. The presented report describes a case of chronic Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis in a 30-year-old female donkey. The donkey initially presented with persistent lymphadenopathy; however, as the disease progressed, weight loss became apparent. To the authors' knowledge, this is the second confirmed case of tuberculosis in a donkey in Europe.     

Transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum in laboratory zebrafish through live feeds

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a popular vertebrate model organism used in a wide range of research fields. Mycobacteriosis, caused by Mycobacterium species, is particularly concerning because it is a common disease associated with chronic infections in these fish. Infections are also a source of uncontrolled experimental variance that may influence research results. Live feeds for zebrafish are common and include paramecia (Paramecium caudatum), brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) and rotifers (Branchionus spp.). Although nutritionally beneficial, live feeds may pose a biosecurity risk. In this study, we investigate transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum through these three live feeds. We show that all three live feeds ingest both M. marinum and M. chelonae and can transmit mycobacterial infections to zebrafish. This observation emphasizes the need for live feeds to be included in the consideration of potential biosecurity risks. This study is of importance to other beyond the zebrafish community, including those of additional aquatic models and those using live feeds for other types of aquaculture.     

Expression,Purification and Activity Evaluation of Mb1230 Gene of Mycobacterium bovis

To explore the value of Mb1230 protein of Mycobacterium bovis in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis,we obtained the Mb1230 gene by PCR and constructed recombinant plasmid pET-22b-Mb1230.Recombinant Mb1230 protein was obtained by IPTG induction and purified by affinity chromatography.The activity of the recombinant protein was evaluated by TST test,IGRA test and indirect ELISA.The size of the recombinant protein matched with the theoretical value proved by SDS-PAGE;Western blotting result showed that the recombinant protein could react with mouse anti-His antibody,and had specific band;The results of TST test,IGRA test and indirect ELISA test also showed the recombinant protein had antigenic activity.The results indicated the recombinant protein Mb1230 had good B cell and T cell activity,so,it had the potential application in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis.     

从许氏平鲉体表分离海分枝杆菌的鉴定及其脂多糖的抗原性分析

从许氏平鲉粘液、背鳍、鳃等部位分离筛选到同一菌株FZ09,经形态学观察、生理生化特性及热激蛋白65(HSP65)基因序列分析,鉴定菌株FZ09为海分枝杆菌。分别用酚-氯仿-甲醇法、乙醇-酚水法和传统热酚水法提取菌株FZ09的脂多糖(LPS),分析了LPS的组成和抗原性差异。SDS-PAGE结果表明,3种方法提取的LPS条带分布基本相同,主要条带分子量分别为14、16和23 ku,其中以乙醇-酚水法提取的LPS含量和纯度最高,热酚水法提取的LPS条带最多,抗原性最好。Western-blotting显示,海分枝杆菌抗血清主要与LPS的14 ku条带发生特异性免疫反应。高碘酸氧化免疫印迹结果表明,仅传统热酚水法提取的LPS在14 ku分子量区域有弱的阳性条带出现,其他方法提取LPS与抗血清的免疫反应呈阴性。高碘酸氧化ELISA反应显示,LPS经高碘酸氧化后与海分枝杆菌FZ09抗血清的反应活性降低,OD₄₀₅明显减弱。     

DNA vaccine encoding avian influenza virus H5 and Esat-6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis improved antibody responses against AIV in chickens

The H5 gene of avian influenza virus (AIV) strain A/chicken/Malaysia/5744/2004(H5N1) was cloned into pcDNA3.1 vector, and Esat-6 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was fused into downstream of the H5 gene as a genetic adjuvant for DNA vaccine candidates. The antibody level against AIV was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Sera obtained from specific-pathogen-free chickens immunized with pcDNA3.1/H5 and pcDNA3.1/H5/Esat-6 demonstrated antibody responses as early as 2 weeks after the first immunization. Furthermore, the overall HI antibody titer in chickens immunized with pcDNA3.1/H5/Esat-6 was higher compared to the chickens immunized with pcDNA3.1/H5 (p < 0.05). The results suggested that Esat-6 gene of M. tuberculosis is a potential genetic adjuvant for the development of effective H5 DNA vaccine in chickens.     

结核分枝杆菌CFP10-ESAT6融合蛋白的真核表达及其牛结核病诊断价值评价

本研究旨在利用毕赤酵母(Pichia pastoris)系统融合表达结核分枝杆菌(Mycobacterium tuberculosis,MTB)的培养滤液蛋白10(culture filter protein 10,CFP10)和早期分泌抗原靶6蛋白(earlier secreted antigen target 6,ESAT6),并评价其作为牛结核病外周血γ-干扰素(interferon gamma,IFN-γ)体外释放实验特异性刺激剂来诊断牛结核病的应用潜能.通过PCR扩增cfp1 0-esat6融合基因,构建pPICZα A-(cfp10-esat6)重组质粒,电转化毕赤酵母GSll5,添加甲醇至终浓度1.0％,诱导3d,取培养上清进行SDS-PAGE分析,镍离子金属螯合亲和层析柱纯化目的蛋白,Western blot分析重组蛋白的免疫反应性;取纯化的融合蛋白CFP10-ESAT6作为刺激剂用于牛结核病外周血IFN-γ体外释放实验,评价其牛结核病诊断价值.结果表明,目的蛋白(33kD)被成功分泌表达,该融合蛋白与抗CFP10、ESAT6、组氨酸标签和c-Myc4种单抗均发生特异性反应,具有较好的免疫反应性.165份奶牛外周血样品的IFN-γ检测结果表明,CFP 10-ESAT6融合蛋白与结核菌素纯蛋白衍生物(purified protein derivative,PPD)作为刺激剂,二者阳性符合率为82.3％,阴性符合率为78.8％.本研究利用酵母表达系统成功表达CFP10-ESAT6融合蛋白,并表现出更高的生物学活性,在牛结核病外周血IFN-γ体外释放实验中可作为候选刺激剂,并能克服混合感染导致的PPD漏检问题,从而进一步提高检测的敏感性和特异性.     

Defining output-based standards to achieve and maintain tuberculosis freedom in farmed deer, with reference to member states of the European Union

Within the European Union (EU), detailed legislation has been developed for cattle, but not deer, to minimise disease risks associated with trade in animals and animal products. This legislation is expressed as input-based standards, providing a detailed outline of the activity required (for example, testing of animals and application of defined control measures), on the expectation that an adequate output (for example, confidence in freedom) will be achieved. Input-based standards are at odds with the increasing shift towards output-based standards, particularly in OIE rules governing international trade. In this paper, we define output-based standards to achieve and maintain freedom from tuberculosis (TB) in farmed deer, with reference to EU member states. After considering the probability of freedom achieved for cattle under existing EU legislation, we defined a ‘free farmed deer holding’ as one with a probability of freedom from infection of at least 99%. We then developed an epidemiological model of TB surveillance systems for deer holdings, incorporating different surveillance strategies, including combinations of diagnostic tests, and a variety of different scenarios relating to the potential for introduction of infection. A range of surveillance strategies were identified to achieve and maintain a free farmed deer holding, and worked examples are presented. The surveillance system sensitivity for varying combinations of screening and confirmatory tests in live animals, animals at slaughter and on-farm deaths is also presented. Using a single test at a single point in time, none of the TB tests routinely used in farmed deer is able to achieve an acceptable probability of TB freedom. If repeat testing were undertaken, an acceptable probability of TB freedom could be achieved, with differing combinations of the surveillance system sensitivity, frequency of testing and risk of introduction. The probability of introduction of infection through the importation of infected deer was influenced by the use of a pre-movement test (assumed 90% test sensitivity and negative test results), the TB prevalence in the source herd and the number of animals imported. A surveillance system sensitivity of at least 81% was achieved with different combinations of annual live animal surveillance and surveillance of animals at slaughter or on-farm deaths. This methodology has broad applicability and could also be extended to other diseases in both deer and other species with relevance to trade in animals and animal products.     

Veterinarian injuries associated with bovine TB testing livestock in Michigan, 2001

Testing all the cattle in an entire state with a uniform procedure for each animal affords an opportunity to relate human injury data to a known number of animals handled while carrying out a standardized procedure. Our objective was to describe the type and incidence density of injuries associated with TB-testing a large number of cattle herds, and to delineate the various factors associated with the risk of injury. A survey was mailed to all veterinarians (N = 259) who had completed at least five official bovine TB (bTB) herd tests in Michigan in 2001. We collected data regarding basic demographics and health status, work experience, veterinary specialty, and practice information. Each veterinarian was also requested to complete a separate injury questionnaire for each injury received while TB testing livestock in 2001. Accurate addresses were found for 247 eligible veterinarians, 175 (71%) of whom returned the survey. Thirty-six veterinarians reported a total of 53 injuries (10 major, 12 minor and 31 self-treated). Hands (29%) and legs (21%) were the anatomic locations most frequently injured, with sprains/strains (30%) and abrasion/contusion (30%) the most common types of injuries sustained. The overall incidence density of injuries was 1.9 per 10,000 animals tested. Female gender (RR = 3.3), being employed by the government (RR = 4.5), and smoking (RR = 6.0) were significantly associated with a higher rate of injury. Significant colliniearities were found between some risk factors associated with an increased rate of injury and participants thought 81% of their injuries could have been prevented. These results are explained by the administrative structure of the bTB testing program in Michigan, and the changing demographics of the veterinary workforce.     

禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种重组蛋白r22-ag85B的表达及纯化

为表达并纯化禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种主要抗原基因的串联重组蛋白r22-ag85B,期望研制出一种新型副结核病疫苗,以禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种参考株P18的基因组DNA为模板,扩增了22KD基因和ag85B基因。采用重叠延伸剪接PCR技术（SOE-PCR）获得了融合基因22-agS5B,将基因连接于表达载体pET32a（＋）,构建了重组质粒pET22-ag85B。将其转化到大肠杆菌感受态细胞BL21（DE3）中,以IPTG（终浓度1mmol／L）诱导后对表达产物进行Western blot检测。检测结果显示,成功表达并纯化了重组蛋白r22-ag85B,其分子质量约为65ku。Western blot检测表明此蛋白具有良好的免疫学活性。禽分枝杆菌副结核亚种22-ag85B重组蛋白的成功表达及纯化为副结核病疫苗的研究工作奠定了基础。