A case of zoonosis associated with Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus

A sexagenarian couple operating a dairy farm, where there were also many horses, suffered a severe respiratory infection associated with the bacterium Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. The investigation revealed that the source of infection was due to contacts with a horse having an infected wound from which we isolated this zoonotic agent.     

马链球菌兽疫亚种的保护性抗原SzP蛋白的鉴定与评价

马链球菌兽疫亚种是引起猪链球菌病的主要病原之一。该菌的致病机理尚不清楚,且缺乏合适的疫苗,使猪链球菌病很难得到有效的控制。本实验通过构建SzP重组表达载体,纯化重组蛋白,对其的免疫效力进行了评价。结果表明该蛋白可以诱导高滴度的血清IgG抗体,并且可提供一定的免疫保护效力。进一步研究表明该蛋白是一个重要的体内诱导抗原,可诱导高水平的Thl和Th2型免疫应答。揭示了SzP蛋白在致病过程中起到重要作用,为新型疫苗的研制及致病机制的研究奠定了基础。     

马链球菌兽疫亚种PGK蛋白的免疫保护试验

为了阐明马链球菌兽疫亚种(SEZ)PGK蛋白的免疫保护作用,使该菌引起猪、马、牛等多种动物的链球菌病得到有效控制,本试验构建PGK重组表达载体,纯化重组蛋白,对其免疫效力进行系统评价。结果表明:PGK蛋白可以诱导高滴度的血清Ig G抗体,并且可提供一定的免疫保护效力;Real-time PCR技术分析表明,PGK是一个重要的体内诱导抗原;并且可诱导高水平的Th1和Th2型免疫应答,揭示PGK在SEZ治病过程中起到重要作用,为新型疫苗的研制奠定了基础。     

马链球菌兽疫亚种ATCC35246酮基转移酶的原核表达及其免疫保护试验

根据已发表的马链球菌兽疫亚种MGCS10565酮基转移酶(transketolase)的基因序列,设计并合成引物。以ATCC35246株基因组DNA为模板,通过PCR技术,扩增出目的基因并定向克隆至表达载体pET-28a(+)中,然后将重组质粒转化入大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中,分析并纯化表达产物。选用ICR小鼠作为实验动物模型,以纯化的重组融合蛋白通过皮下注射途径免疫小鼠,并用间接ELISA法监测小鼠血清中的抗体效价。结果表明重组蛋白免疫小鼠后能产生有效的免疫应答,血清中抗体水平有明显的升高。加强免疫2周后,以5LD50的ATCC35246强毒株攻击免疫组及对照组,结果免疫组小鼠的保护率可达37.5%。表明原核表达产物免疫ICR小鼠,可使其对同源菌株攻击产生一定的保护作用,在亚单位疫苗研制中具有潜在的应用价值。     

Real-time PCR for detection and differentiation of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

Strangles is a contagious equine disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. In this study, clinical strains of S. equi (n=24) and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (n=24) were genetically characterized by sequencing of the 16S rRNA and sodA genes in order to devise a real-time PCR system that can detect S. equi and S. zooepidemicus and distinguish between them. Sequencing demonstrated that all S. equi strains had the same 16S rRNA sequence, whereas S. zooepidemicus strains could be divided into subgroups. One of these (n=12 strains) had 16S rRNA sequences almost identical with the S. equi strains. Interestingly, four of the strains biochemically identified as S. zooepidemicus were found by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to have a sequence homologous with Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum. However, they did not have the colony appearance or the biochemical characteristics of the type strain of S. ruminatorum. Classification of S. ruminatorum may thus not be determined solely by 16S rRNA sequencing. Sequencing of the sodA gene demonstrated that all S. equi strains had an identical sequence. For the S. zooepidemicus strains minor differences were found between the sodA sequences. The developed real-time PCR, based on the sodA and seeI genes was compared with conventional culturing on 103 cultured samples from horses with suspected strangles or other upper respiratory disease. The real-time PCR system was found to be more sensitive than conventional cultivation as two additional field isolates of S. equi and four of S. zooepidemicus were detected.     

Effects of Enolase of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus on Phagocytic Functions of Alveolar Macrophages in Mice

To investigate the effect of enolase (Eno) of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) on phagocytosis of mouse alveolar macrophages (RAW264.7). Recombinant enolase (rEno) was obtained by constructing prokaryotic expression plasmid, and the cytotoxicity of rEno protein on RAW264.7 cell proliferation was determined by trypan-blue living cell count method. After the rEno protein was incubated with RAW264.7 cells, SEZ was applied to the cells and the quantity of bacteria being phagocytosed was detected to determine the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. Further, candidate proteins that might interact with SEZ Eno in RAW264.7 cells were screened by live cell stable isotope labeling (SILAC) and protein spectrum analysis (LC-MS/MS). It was found that protein treatment (rEno,10 μg·mL^-1) had significant cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells. Treatment of RAW264.7 cells with 10.0 μg·mL^-1 rEno protein for 2 and 4 hours could significantly inhibit the phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells (P<0.01, P<0.05). In RAW264.7 cells, dynactin subunit protein 2 (Dctn), integrin alpha-M and about 17 proteins that might interact with Eno were preliminarily identified as rEno interaction proteins. The rEno recombinant expression protein was obtained in this study, and it could reduce the phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells to SEZ. Preliminary screening of interacting proteins also laid a foundation for further revealing the mechanism of Eno in the anti-phagocytosis of SEZ.     

Peritonitis in a llama caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus.

A 7-month-old, male llama was diagnosed with peritonitis caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Clinical findings, medical treatment, and case outcome are described. Hematogenous dissemination from suspected pneumonia is proposed as the route of infection in this case. Possible transmission of the organism through contact with horses is discussed.     

马链球菌兽疫亚种烯醇化酶对小鼠肺泡巨噬细胞吞噬功能的影响

旨在研究马链球菌兽疫亚种（Streptococcus equi ssp.zooepidemicus,SEZ）烯醇化酶（enolase,Eno）对小鼠肺泡巨噬细胞（RAW264.7）吞噬能力的影响。通过构建原核表达质粒获得重组烯醇化酶（rEno）,采用台盼蓝活细胞计数法,判定在不同处理浓度和时间下rEno蛋白对RAW264.7细胞的细胞毒性。将rEno蛋白与RAW264.7细胞共孵育后,用SEZ作用于细胞并检测细胞吞菌数量,判断RAW264.7细胞对SEZ的吞噬活性。进一步通过活细胞稳定同位素标记技术（SILAC）和蛋白质谱分析技术（LC-MS/MS）,筛选到RAW264.7细胞中可能与SEZ Eno存在相互作用的候选蛋白。结果发现,10 μg·mL^-1 rEno蛋白处理对RAW264.7细胞有明显的细胞毒性,且10 μg·mL^-1 rEno蛋白处理RAW264.7细胞2和4 h可显著抑制其对SEZ的吞噬作用（P<0.01、P<0.05）。初步筛选到RAW264.7细胞中动力蛋白激活蛋白亚单位蛋白（dynactin subunit protein 2,Dctn）、整合素α-M蛋白（integrin alpha-M）等17种可能与Eno发生互作的蛋白。本研究获得了rEno重组表达蛋白,发现rEno可减少RAW264.7细胞对SEZ的吞噬,互作蛋白的初步筛选也为进一步揭示Eno在SEZ抗吞噬中的作用机制奠定了基础。     

Molecular typing and anti-microbial susceptibility of clinical isolates of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus from equine bacterial endometritis

The anti-microbial susceptibility and genetic diversity of 65 strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (Sez) isolated from mares presenting clinical signs of endometritis was determined by disk agar diffusion and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods, respectively. Overall, Sez isolates were susceptible to beta-lactams, enrofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin. These anti-microbials could be recommended as empiric anti-microbial therapy in cases of endometritis caused by Sez. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis typing revealed a great genetic diversity (56 different PFGE macrorestriction profiles) and a low level of genetic relatedness amongst the isolates.     

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for identification and differentiation of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and Streptococcus equi subsp. equi

The closely related streptococcal species Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and S. equi subsp. equi were identified by polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers designed according to species-specific parts of the superoxide dismutase A encoding gene sodA. A further differentiation of both subspecies could be performed by amplification of the genes seeH and seeI encoding the exotoxins SeeH and SeeI, respectively, which could be detected for S. equi subsp. equi but not for S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus. A further simplification of the identification and differentiation of both subspecies was conducted by sodA-seeI multiplex polymerase chain reaction.     

Pneumonia in horses induced by intrapulmonary inoculation of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

To evaluate the possibility that Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S.z) the causative bacterial agent of equine shipping fever pneumonia (ESFP), as well as to investigate its pathogenesis, 10 horses (seven Thoroughbreds and three Anglo-Arab species, ranging from 2-4 years in age) were experimentally inoculated, via an endoscope, into bronchus of the lung lobe with a dose of 30 ml of 1-7 x 10(8) CFU/ml of S.z. After inoculation, autopsy and pathological examinations were sequentially conducted 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 17, 20 hr and 2 weeks later. Pneumonia induced by the intrapulmonary inoculation of S.z was characterized by small purulent pneumonic foci in the inoculated areas. With the lapse of time, these foci developed into serous hemorrhagic pneumonia, hemorrhagic purulent pneumonia, and then purulent, coagulation necrotic pneumonia. These pathomorphological characteristics of experimental pneumonia closely resemble those naturally occurring ESFP. There is strong evidence that S.z. is implicated as a causal factor in ESFP. S.z. grew in the mucus, exudate, and pulmonary effusions. Further, the bacteria showed resistance against phagocytosis by pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) and neutrophils. Inhibition of PAM and neutrophil function is considered to be important in the development of pneumonia. With the progression of the disease, the neutrophils often adhered to the endothelial surface of the alveolar capillary lumen and played a role in generating coagulation necrosis of lung tissues.     

Genetic diversity of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolated from horses

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is an opportunistic and zoonotic pathogen of horses. In this study, genetic intraspecies variability of SEZ obtained mainly from respiratory and genital samples of horses was investigated by analysis of the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) and of the 16S rRNA gene. 16S–23S ISR rRNA type A1 was predominant, although a high rate of multiple products (30.5%) was obtained. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene detected three genogroups (I, II and III). 16S rRNA variable regions V1 and V2 are the most important regions for evaluating SEZ intraspecies variability, but at least V1-V5 regions should be considered to avoid mistakes. Analysis of all 16S rRNA sequences available in databases assigned human SEZ to groups I and III but not to group II. These results show a high genetic variability in SEZ collected from different specimens of horses from various regions of Italy.     

Identification of a novel protective antigen, 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase II of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus which confers protective effects

Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is an important swine pathogen and responsible for a wide variety of infections in many animal species. FabF was a novel protein identified in the previous study. However, its protective efficacy remained to be evaluated. In this study, recombinant fabF of SEZ was expressed and showed a strong immunoreactivity with mini-pig convalescent sera. Study in mice revealed that the recombinant protein induced a marked antibody response and protected 80% of mice against SEZ infection. The hyperimmune sera against fabF could efficiently kill the bacteria in the phagocytosis test. In addition, it was also found that anti- fabF antibodies can significantly inhibit the formation of SEZ biofilm. These study suggest that fabF may represent immunogens of interest for vaccine development against SEZ infection.     

Lineages of Streptococcus equi ssp. equi in the Irish equine industry

Background

Streptococcus equi ssp. equi is the causative agent of ‘Strangles’ in horses. This is a debilitating condition leading to economic loss, yard closures and cancellation of equestrian events. There are multiple genotypes of S. equi ssp. equi which can cause disease, but to date there has been no systematic study of strains which are prevalent in Ireland. This study identified and classified Streptococcus equi ssp. equi strains isolated from within the Irish equine industry.

Results

Two hundred veterinary isolates were subjected to SLST (single locus sequence typing) based on an internal sequence from the seM gene of Streptococcus equi ssp equi. Of the 171 samples which successfully gave an amplicon, 162 samples (137 Irish and 24 UK strains) gave robust DNA sequence information. Analysis of the sequences allowed division of the isolates into 19 groups, 13 of which contain at least 2 isolates and 6 groups containing single isolates. There were 19 positions where a DNA SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) occurs, and one 3 bp insertion. All groups had multiple (2–8) SNPs. Of the SNPs 17 would result in an amino acid change in the encoded protein. Interestingly, the single isolate EI8, which has 6 SNPs, has the three base pair insertion which is not seen in any other isolate, this would result in the insertion of an Ile residue at position 62 in that protein sequence. Comparison of the relevant region in the determined sequences with the UK Streptococcus equi seM MLST database showed that Group B (15 isolates) and Group I (2 isolates), as well as the individual isolates EI3 and EI8, are unique to Ireland, and some groups are most likely of UK origin (Groups F and M), but many more probably passed back and forth between the two countries.

Conclusions

The strains occurring in Ireland are not clonal and there is a considerable degree of sequence variation seen in the seM gene. There are two major clades causing infection in Ireland and these strains are also common in the UK.     

黑豚C群兽疫链球菌病的诊断

湖南省长沙市某黑豚养殖场发生疫情,通过对发病黑豚临床和病理学检查,从病料中分离到成链状的革兰氏阳性细菌,通过鲜血琼脂平板培养菌落具β溶血,PCR扩增和测序结果显示与C群兽疫链球菌有很高同源性,在小鼠致病性试验中,发病致死的小鼠组织内可再次分离到该菌。临床与实验室检测结果表明:该黑豚确系C群兽疫链球菌感染。     

Molecular Typing and Anti‐microbial Susceptibility of Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus from Equine Bacterial Endometritis

The anti‐microbial susceptibility and genetic diversity of 65 strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (Sez) isolated from mares presenting clinical signs of endometritis was determined by disk agar diffusion and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods, respectively. Overall, Sez isolates were susceptible to β‐lactams, enrofloxacin, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin. These anti‐microbials could be recommended as empiric anti‐microbial therapy in cases of endometritis caused by Sez. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis typing revealed a great genetic diversity (56 different PFGE macrorestriction profiles) and a low level of genetic relatedness amongst the isolates.     

马源马链球菌兽疫亚种新疆株的分离鉴定及遗传特性分析

为了解马源马链球菌兽疫亚种（S.zooepidemicus）新疆分离株马链球菌兽疫亚种类M蛋白（SzM）基因的分子进化与变异情况,为该菌引起的感染性疾病的防控提供依据,本试验对新疆地区某马场采集的病马淋巴结样品进行病原菌的分离培养和生化鉴定,并对分离菌株进行药物敏感性试验。根据已发表的马源SzM基因序列设计引物,对其SzM基因进行PCR扩增及序列测定。将获得的SzM序列与GenBank中不同动物源马链球菌兽疫亚种分离株序列进行同源性比对和遗传进化分析。结果显示,分离得到了一株革兰氏阳性链球菌,将其命名为马链球菌兽疫亚种ZMSY15-1。药物敏感性试验结果表明,分离菌株对青霉素、磺胺嘧啶钠耐药,对其他14种药物均敏感。序列分析结果显示,马链球菌兽疫亚种ZMSY15-1与国内外不同动物源分离株SzM基因氨基酸同源性为56.0%~70.0%。遗传进化分析结果显示,这些菌株可分为4个群。马链球菌兽疫亚种ZMSY15-1与猪源分离株SzM蛋白的氨基酸同源性为59.9%,分别属于2个不同的群,其与美国马源分离株NH55426亲缘关系最近。本试验结果可丰富国内马源马链球菌兽疫亚种SzM基因的信息数据,为马链球菌兽疫亚种的致病机制研究和预防控制提供参考依据。     

Dissemination of the superantigen encoding genes seeL, seeM, szeL and szeM in Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

Bacterial superantigens are one of the major virulence factors produced by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The two novel superantigen encoding genes seeM and seeL were described for S. equi subsp. equi which is known as the causative agent of strangles in equids. In the present study previously characterized S. equi subsp. equi strains and strains of various other animal pathogenic streptococcal species and subspecies were investigated for the presence of the superantigen encoding genes seeM and seeL by polymerase chain reaction. According to these studies seeL and seeM appeared to be a constant characteristic of all investigated S. equi subsp. equi strains. Surprisingly, one S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain (S.z. 122) was also positive for both genes. The species identity of this S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain could additionally be confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region. The superantigen encoding genes could not be found among additionally investigated S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains or among strains of seven other streptococcal species. The seeL and seeM genes of the S. equi subsp. equi strain S.e. CF32 and the genes szeL and szeM of the S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain S.z. 122 were cloned and sequenced. A sequence comparison revealed a high degree of sequence homology between seeL, szeL, speL and seeM, szeM and speM, respectively. The superantigenic toxins L and M seemed to be widely distributed virulence factors of S. equi subsp. equi, rare among S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus but did not occur among a number of other animal pathogenic streptococcal species.