Modified Live Edwardsiella ictaluri Vaccine,AQUAVAC-ESC,Lacks Multidrug Resistance Plasmids

Abstract

Plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance was first discovered in Edwardsiella ictaluri in the early 1990s, and in 2007 an E. ictaluri isolate harboring an IncA/C plasmid was recovered from a moribund channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus infected with the bacterium. Due to the identification of multidrug resistance plasmids in aquaculture and their potential clinical importance, we sought to determine whether the modified live E. ictaluri vaccine strain in AQUAVAC-ESC harbors such plasmids, so that the use of this vaccine will not directly contribute to the pool of bacteria carrying plasmid-borne resistance. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of the E. ictaluri parent isolate and vaccine strain demonstrated that both were sensitive to 15 of the 16 antimicrobials tested. Total DNA from each isolate was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a set of 13 primer pairs specific for conserved regions of the IncA/C plasmid backbone, and no specific products were obtained. PCR-based replicon typing of the parent isolate and vaccine strain demonstrated the absence of the 18 commonly occurring plasmid incompatibility groups. These results demonstrate that the vaccine strain does not carry resistance to commonly used antimicrobials and provide strong support for the absence of IncA/C and other commonly occurring plasmid incompatibility groups. Therefore, its use should not directly contribute to the pool of bacteria carrying plasmid-borne resistance. This work highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating potential vaccine strains for the presence of plasmids or other transmissible elements that may encode resistance to antibiotics.

Received May 6, 2011; accepted July 22, 2011     

Comparison of Cellular and Extracellular Products Expressed by Virulent and Attenuated Strains of Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract

Cellular and extracellular products of three virulent Edwardsiella ictaluri isolates were compared with corresponding attenuated strains to evaluate potential virulence factors. The characteristics compared included growth kinetics, hemolysin activity, surface structures, outer membrane protein profiles, and lipopolysaccharide profiles. To produce the attenuated strains, we passed three isolates through multiple subcultures in liquid media. Attenuated strains were found to have shorter generation times than virulent strains. They also apparently failed to express a 55-kdalton outer membrane protein that the virulent strains possessed. Scanning electron microscopy found no conclusive differences in surface structure expression. Hemolysin activity was significantly greater in virulent strain R4383 than in its corresponding attenuated strain. Lipopolysaccharide profiles showed no apparent differences in the O polysaccharide portion; however, the composition of core oligosaccharide sugars differed between the two.     

Biochemical,Biophysical, and Serological Homogeneity of Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract

Edwardsiella ictaluri is the causative agent of enteric septicemia of catfish, which, during the past 5 years, has become the most serious infectious disease problem of cultured channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. We compared 40 isolates of E. ictaluri from different geographical regions and host fish species. From the biophysical tests, a pH of 7.0–7.5 and a temperature of 25–30°C were optimum growth conditions for all E. ictaluri isolates. All isolates grew well in media with an NaCl concentration of 0.5% or less, but none of the E. ictaluri isolates grew in media with a concentration of 2.0 or 5.0% NaCl. Biochemically, 42 out of 46 tests gave the same reaction for all 40 isolates. The only observed differences were in gas production at 25°C, the o-nitrophenylbeta-D-galactopyranoside test, ornithine decarboxylation, and D-mannose utilization. Serologically, identical agglutinin titers (1:80) to E. ictaluri-specific rabbit antisera were observed, and all isolates cross-agglutinated with four different antisera. Based on the biophysical, biochemical, and serological reactions of 40 isolates of E. ictaluri, identification of distinct strains was not possible, although some were slightly different biotypically.     

Characterization of a Major Outer-Membrane Antigen of Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract

Edwardsiella ictaluri is the cause of enteric septicemia of catfish. A monoclonal antibody (MAb AA224) was used to identify a specific and predominant outer-membrane antigen of E. ictaluri. The MAb AA224 was produced by conventional cell fusion technology with spleen cells from mice immunized with an affinity-purified antigen. The affinity-purified antigen was obtained by immunoaffinity chromatography of an E. ictaluri extract with immunoaffinity purified immunoglobin from sera of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus immune to E. ictaluri as a result of natural infection. The immunoaffinity-purified antigen was used for immunization and identification of the hybridoma producing MAb AA224 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The predominant antigen was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography with MAb AA224 as the immunoadsorbent. Immunoblotting and high-pressure liquid chromatography were used to determine that the relative sizes of the predominant antigens are 60 and 36 kilodaltons. Immunoelectron microscopy with MAb AA224 conjugated with colloidal gold localized the predominant antigen on the surface of the outer membrane of E. ictaluri     

Olfactory Organ of Channel Catfish as a Site of Experimental Edwardsiella ictaluri Infection

Abstract

Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), is one of the most important pathogens to infect channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Although the full pathogenesis of E. ictaluri is unclear, the olfactory organ is thought to be a site of entry. We have examined the effects of applying E. ictaluri directly into the olfactory capsule of channel catfish. Olfactory organs of 30 experimental fish were exposed to E. ictaluri for 1 h (1 mL, 1 × 10⁶ colony-forming units/mL). Live fish were sampled at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h, and days 5 and 14 postinfection, and their olfactory organs were examined by light and electron microscopy. Damage, including loss of sensory cilia and microvilli from the olfactory mucosal surface, was observed at 1 h postinfection. Degeneration of olfactory receptors and supporting cells was evident by 24 h postinfection. The nonsensory region also showed signs of degeneration, such as columnar cells lacking cilia. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of E. ictaluri on the mucosal surface and within the epithelium. Host leukocytes responded to bacteria by migrating through the olfactory epithelium into the interlamellar lumen and phagocytosing organisms, but phagocytosed E. ictaluri did not appear to be destroyed. Our results indicate that during initial stages of infection channel catfish olfactory epithelium is vulnerable, and E. ictaluri can enter the host through the olfactory organ. It is also possible that host phagocytic cells serve as a vehicle for the systemic dissemination of E. ictaluri     

S2株布氏杆菌减毒活疫苗免疫效果观察

2010年初,某规模养殖场奶牛群发生布氏杆菌病流行和蔓延,能繁母牛出现流产、死胎的症状。根据检疫结果对布病阳性牛隔离淘汰处理,对布病阴性牛（假定健康牛）进行免疫接种。奶牛群口服接种S2株活疫苗后15d,即可检出疫苗诱导的布氏杆菌抗体,30d抗体水平达到高峰（36%）,45～90d抗体阳性率呈现缓慢下降的趋势。免疫接种能有效控制布病感染牛群流产、死胎率,减少由此导致的经济损失。本试验还对鲜乳样本中布氏杆菌核酸开展了PCR检测,对疫苗接种奶牛是否存在乳汁排菌风险进行了讨论。     

Edwardsiella ictaluri as the Causative Agent of Mortality in Cultured Nile Tilapia

Abstract

Edwardsiella ictaluri was consistently isolated from the spleens, livers, and head kidneys of diseased Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from a farm experiencing mortality events in several culture ponds. We describe the first published outbreak of E. ictaluri–induced edwardsiellosis in Nile tilapia. Pure cultures of the isolated bacteria were characterized both biochemically and molecularly. Biochemical analysis was performed using the API-20E and RapID One systems, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method. Molecular analysis involved sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, species-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and PCR-mediated genomic fingerprinting (rep-PCR). Pairwise sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene identified the case isolates to be a 100% match to E. ictaluri cultured from channel catfish in the southeastern United States. However, rep-PCR analysis identified the case isolates to be genetically different from representative strains isolated from disease outbreaks in cultured channel catfish in Mississippi. Infectivity challenges (intraperitoneal injection and immersion) demonstrated that a representative E. ictaluri strain isolated from tilapia was pathogenic to naïve tilapia, reproducing clinical signs and mortality, thereby establishing Koch's postulates.

Received August 30, 2011; accepted January 30, 2012     

Edwardsiella ictaluri as the causative agent of mortality in cultured Nile tilapia

Edwardsiella ictaluri was consistently isolated from the spleens, livers, and head kidneys of diseased Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from a farm experiencing mortality events in several culture ponds. We describe the first published outbreak of E. ictaluri-induced edwardsiellosis in Nile tilapia. Pure cultures of the isolated bacteria were characterized both biochemically and molecularly. Biochemical analysis was performed using the API-20E and RapID One systems, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method. Molecular analysis involved sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, species-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and PCR-mediated genomic fingerprinting (rep-PCR). Pairwise sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene identified the case isolates to be a 100% match to E. ictaluri cultured from channel catfish in the southeastern United States. However, rep-PCR analysis identified the case isolates to be genetically different from representative strains isolated from disease outbreaks in cultured channel catfish in Mississippi. Infectivity challenges (intraperitoneal injection and immersion) demonstrated that a representative E. ictaluri strain isolated from tilapia was pathogenic to naive tilapia, reproducing clinical signs and mortality, thereby establishing Koch's postulates.     

牛病毒性腹泻病毒弱毒活疫苗免疫持续期的研究

为检测牛病毒性腹泻病毒(BVDV)弱毒活疫苗在免疫牛体内抗体产生及其消长规律,评价弱毒疫苗的保护效力,并确定免疫持续期,本试验对免疫试验牛每头颈部肌肉接种BVDV SM株弱毒疫苗104.5TCID50,监测血清抗体效价,进行免疫持续期的确定。在疫苗免疫后的6个月、9个月和12个月,分别抽取5头免疫组和5头对照组牛,采用BVDV-JL强毒株进行攻毒试验,每头牛攻毒剂量为6×107.0TCID50/mL。结果显示疫苗免疫后12个月时血清中和抗体效价仍维持在1∶1048以上。攻毒结果显示,在3个不同时间点进行强毒攻击后,免疫组所有动物白细胞数量都没有下降也没有分离到病毒,而对照组动物白细胞数下降均超过30%,6个月和9个月时动物血清中均能分离到病毒,而12个月对照组动物由于年龄大,没有分离到病毒,因此暂定此疫苗的免疫持续期为9个月。     

李氏杆菌活载体疫苗研究进展

李氏杆菌活载体疫苗是指把弱毒化李氏杆菌改造为外源性抗原载体,活的李氏杆菌携带外源性抗原进入机体细胞内,通过MHCⅠ和MHCⅡ系统递呈外源性抗原,使机体产生针对外源性抗原的免疫保护,这是一种新型的疫苗系统.李氏杆菌的细胞内寄生和黏膜感染的特性,使得李氏杆菌活载体疫苗系统具有很多优势,该疫苗具有同时使机体产生细胞免疫和黏膜免疫的特性.近年来,通过毒力基因的重组对李氏杆菌进行的弱毒化改造,已经获得了一些有价值的安全载体菌株,如ACTA和plcB毒力基因双重删除毒株等,使李氏杆菌活载体疫苗在安全性方面更有保障.在艾滋病疫苗研制中,携带gag基因的李氏杆菌活栽体疫苗可以使小鼠抵抗重组表达的HIV-1 gag的痘病毒对系统和黏膜的攻击,李氏杆菌活载体癌症疫苗已经可以使小鼠产生对肾肿瘤和直肠肿瘤的抗性.李氏杆菌活栽体疫苗的发展和应用有可能为一些较难免疫疾病的免疫预防带来曙光.     

Isolation, characterization, and molecular cloning of cryptic plasmids isolated from Edwardsiella ictaluri

Fifty-five isolates of Edwardsiella ictaluri were examined for the presence of plasmid DNA by a rapid alkaline extraction procedure. All 49 isolates from channel catfish and a single isolate from Bengal danio carried 2 plasmids with molecular masses of approximately 3.2 and 3.7 megadaltons (Mdal). Five E ictaluri isolates from other fish contained 1 to 3 plasmids, which had molecular masses ranging from 2.5 to 45 Mdal. The 2 plasmids (3.2 and 3.7 Mdal) from the type strain of E ictaluri (ATCC 33202) were ligated into pUC19 cloning vectors, and restriction endonuclease maps of each insert were prepared.     

鸡霍乱口服弱毒疫苗的研究

用经过选择的禽多杀巴氏杆菌自然弱毒菌株Ｒ１－２３菌株制成的鸡霍乱固体培养口服弱毒疫苗，其安全剂量接近于２００个免疫剂量。该口服苗两次饮水免疫的最适总剂量为每羽５０亿个活菌，最佳间隔时间为４８小时。免疫鸡第二次饮苗后第３天即可产生较好的免疫保护率（７／８）。免疫鸡对异型强毒株Ｐ１０５９（８∶Ａ）、Ｐ２７２３（９∶Ａ）和同型强毒株Ｃ４８－１（５∶Ａ）滴鼻攻击的近期保护率平均为５／１０、６／１０和９／１０。６个月免疫期的平均保护率为７６．７０％（４６／６０），一万多羽鸡田间试验结果表明，免疫后２个月的平均保护率为９３．１０％（２７／２９），６个月的平均保护率为７３．５０％（２５／３４），除对产蛋率有轻度影响（下降１．２７％）外，无其它不良反应。野外大面积使用结果表明，该口服苗不但性能稳定，免疫原性优良，而且安全可靠，适用于鸡口服免疫。     

Electrophoretic and Immunochemical Characterization of Lipopolysaccharide of Edwardsiella ictaluri from Channel Catfish

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was purified from 40 isolates of Edwardsiella ictaluri by two methods: (1) enzyme digestion and hot aqueous phenol extraction and (2) enzyme digestion and gel exclusion chromatography. Purified LPS was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and by immunoblot analysis. Both methods of purification yielded smooth LPS as evidenced by a ladderlike pattern of more than 40 LPS bands. With silver staining, both low- and high-molecular-mass LPS bands were seen. Lower-molecularmass LPS stained more intensely than higher-molecular-mass LPS bands, indicating a preponderance of lower-molecular-mass LPSs. Lipopolysaccharide bands from the 40 isolates migrated similarly within SDS-PAGE gels, indicating a high degree of structural similarity among the isolates examined. The ladderlike array was more easily seen with immunoblot analysis than with silver staining of SDS-PAGE gels. Additionally, immunoblot analysis revealed a high degree of antigenic similarity among the 40 isolates.     

Early interactions of Edwardsiella ictaluri, with Pangasianodon catfish and its invasive ability in cell lines

Commercial Pangasianodon catfish production is heavily impacted by Bacillary Necrosis of Pangasius (BNP) caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri. This study aimed to investigate the early bacterium-host interactions following immersion challenge and to compare the retrieved data with the invasion ability of the used isolates in fish cell lines. Firstly, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings were challenged via immersion using E. ictaluri isolate HO2 or 223. At different times post inoculation, fish were sacrificed and gill and internal organ samples were taken for bacteriological, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. The bacterial load was higher for fish inoculated with isolate HO2 compared with 223. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed multifocal necrotic areas in kidney, spleen and liver of HO2 inoculated fish at 72 h post inoculation with short rod-shaped immunoperoxidase positive bacteria clustered inside cells respectively. Bacteria especially were present in the gills and intestinal tract of HO2 inoculated fish, suggesting the gastrointestinal tract and gills act as portals of entry. Following, the ability of HO2, 223 and four additional isolates to invade a Chinook salmon embryo cell line, a fat head minnow cell line and a rainbow trout liver cell line was tested. All E. ictaluri isolates were invasive in all cell lines albeit at different degrees. Isolate HO2 was highly invasive in all cell lines with a significantly higher invasion capacity than isolate 223 in the Chinook salmon embryo cell line. A correlation between in vivo virulence and in vitro invasiveness hence is suggested although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.     

Chemotactic and Chemokinetic Responses of Channel Catfish Macrophages to Exoantigen from Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract

The ability of Edwardsiella ictaluri to attract macrophages of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus was investigated. Exoantigen from E. ictaluri was tested for macrophage chemotactic activities both in vitro and in vivo. The exoantigen was chemotactic and chemokinetic for macrophages in vitro. Peritoneal injection of 750 μg of exoantigen protein into normal (E. ictaluri-free) channel catfish induced a marked increase in macrophage accumulations at 24 and 48 h. Neutrophil accumulation did not occur at the injection sites. Edwardsiella ictaluri exoantigen attracts macrophages, and this attraction may play an important role in macrophage responses during E. ictaluri infections.     

Effect of common aquaculture chemicals against Edwardsiella ictaluri and E. tarda

Edwardsiellosis is an important bacterial infection of freshwater and marine fishes. Edwardsiella ictaluri causes enteric septicemia of catfish, and E. tarda causes emphysematous putrefactive disease of catfish and fish gangrene in various species; these diseases have considerable economic effects on the aquaculture industry. In addition, E. tarda is an important zoonotic pathogen. Thus, the reduction or elimination of these pathogens from an aquarium or aquaculture facility is imperative. This study examined a variety of commercially available chemicals for their ability to reduce or eliminate E. ictaluri and E. tarda from the aquatic environment. The various concentrations of chemicals were tested in vitro in microcentrifuge tubes with a known concentration of bacteria at room temperature. In this study, ethyl alcohol (30, 50, or 70%), benzyl-4-chlorophenol/phenylphenol (1%), sodium hypochlorite (50, 100, 200, or 50,000 mg/L), n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (1:256), povidone iodine (50 or 100 mg/L), glutaraldehyde (2%), and potassium peroxymonosulfate/sodium chloride (1%) were effective disinfectants, as each reduced or eliminated the number of detectable organisms within 1 min of contact time. However, neither Chloramine-T (15 mg/L) nor formalin (250 mg/L) substantially reduced bacterial counts even after 60 min of contact time.     

高致病性猪蓝耳病弱毒疫苗与灭活疫苗的免疫效果评估试验

在相同饲养条件下,对35日龄仔猪分别使用高致病性猪蓝耳病弱毒疫苗与灭活疫苗进行免疫接种。在接种当天、接种后28d、58d分别检测高致病性猪蓝耳病免疫抗体水平。结果显示,使用弱毒疫苗免疫的试验猪,其高致病性猪蓝耳病抗体上升速度和抗体水平均优于使用灭活疫苗的试验猪。弱毒疫苗可在接种后21～28d产生免疫力,免疫期为4个月。猪繁殖与呼吸综合征流行地区应该首先考虑使用弱毒疫苗。     

Effect of Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Concentration on Edwardsiella ictaluri in Experimentally Infected Channel Catfish

Abstract

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were experimentally infected with Edwardsiella ictaluri by immersion exposure. After clinical disease ran its course for 52 d, the surviving fish were exposed to one of the following environmental regimes in troughs: 25°C with aeration, 25°C with no aeration, or variable temperature (18–23°C) with no aeration. After 29 d of exposure to the environmental regimes, various organs and tissues of the fish were assayed to determine the effects of these conditions on E. ictaluri concentrations (colony-forming units/mL of tissue sample). The concentrations of this pathogen were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all tissues (trunk kidney, liver, head kidney, blood, spleen, gallbladder, muscle, brain, and gonad) 52 d postinfection than 29 d after exposure to any of the environmental regimes (81 d postinfection). Fish exposed to a near-normal concentration of dissolved oxygen (6.4 mg/L) and a constant temperature of 25°C had E. ictaluri concentrations that were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than those offish exposed to a low oxygen concentration (2.6 or 1.8 mg/L) and either a constant or a variable temperature.     

减毒沙门氏菌为载体传递鸡球虫DNA疫苗的安全性、稳定性与免疫原性

将携带鸡柔嫩艾芙耳球虫5401基因的真核表达质粒pcDNA3—5401的减毒沙门氏菌ZJ111菌株（ZJ111／pcDNA3—5401）口服接种于3日龄非免疫鸡，2周后进行第2次接种。结果表明．利用该减毒沙门氏菌作为戴体具有相对安全性，用限制性酶切分析和PCR鉴定证实，体内试验和体外培养的重组质粒在受体菌ZJ111菌株内比较稳定。用ZJ111／pcDNA3—5401（10^4cfu）口服接种非免疫鸡．2周后用相同剂量加强免疫1次，二免后2周用柔嫩艾笑耳球虫孢子化卵囊攻击，观察其免疫效果。结果表明，重组ZJ111／pcDNA3—5401菌既能诱导产生抗鸡柔嫩艾芙耳球虫抗体，也能显著增强淋巴细胞增殖水平（P〈0．05）；其抗球虫指数为164．98。试验结果显示，利用减毒沙门氏菌为戴体传递DNA疫苗具有良好的安全性、稳定性和免疫原性。     

Antibodies against Affinity-Purified,Surface-Exposed Outer Membrane Proteins of Edwardsiella ictaluri Block Invasion into Fathead Minnow Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Surface-exposed outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Edwardsiella ictaluri were isolated by selective solubilization of inner membrane proteins from total membrane preparations. Purification of biotin-labeled, insoluble, surface-exposed proteins using streptavidin columns was performed, and single-dimension sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) showed four major OMPs, with apparent molecular weights of 22, 31, 59, and 72 kilodaltons (kDa). Purified surface-exposed proteins corresponded to proteins isolated from total outer membrane preparations resolved by SDS–PAGE, showing that surface-exposed proteins are within the outer membrane fraction and can be successfully isolated using affinity purification. Polyclonal antiserum against these surface-exposed OMPs was produced in New Zealand white rabbits, and protein recognition was determined using in-gel Western analysis. Rabbit antisera recognized three of the four protein bands (22, 31, and 59 kDa). The produced antisera blocked invasion of cells from fathead minnow Pimephales promelas by virulent E. ictaluri, showing that at least one of these proteins is involved in initial bacterial–host cell interactions.