Biological characteristics and pathogenicity of avian Escherichia coli strains.

Fifty avian (chicken) pathogenic Escherichia coli strains (APEC) isolated from individuals suffering from omphalitis, septicaemia and swollen head syndrome, and 30 strains isolated from healthy chickens were studied regarding their biological characteristics such as serogroups, haemolysin, colicin, cytotoxin, toxin and siderophore production, adhesion capacity to in vitro cultivated cells, and absorption of Congo red dye. Serotyping demonstrated that most of the omphalitis and normal strains were untypable, whereas most of the septicaemic strains were either untypable or rough. There was no prevalent serogroup among the pathogenic strains studied. The capacity for adhesion and invasion of in vitro cultured cells (HeLa, HEp-2, KPCC), as well as the agglutination of different types of red blood cells and the LD50 of each strain were also evaluated. No correlation was observed between the biological characteristics and pathogenicity, except that colicin was characteristically produced by swollen head syndrome E. coli strains. No correlation was found between adhesion or haemagglutination patterns and pathogenicity. Only six of the 50 strains revealed invasive capacity and the strain that best invaded the cell lines was the one with the lowest LD50.     

Occurrence of the temperature-sensitive hemagglutinin among avian Escherichia coli

In this study, we determined the occurrence of the tsh gene among 305 Escherichia coli isolates from chickens by means of the polymerase chain reaction and agglutination of chicken erythrocytes; 200 of those isolates were obtained from chickens with colisepticemia, 52 isolates were from lesions of cellulitis, and 53 were from feces of normal chickens. The tsh gene was found in 79 (39.5%) isolates from colisepticemia, in 10 (19%) cellulitis-derived E. coli isolates, and in two (3.8%) fecal isolates. Among the tsh+ strains, 68 (86%) isolates from colisepticemia and nine (90%) from cellulitis agglutinated chicken erythrocytes in the presence of mannose, after growing the strains on colonization factor antigen agar plates at 26 C, which confirms a correlation between mannose-resistant hemagglutination and expression of hemagglutinin Tsh. These results show, for the first time, the presence of the gene tsh in cellulitis-derived E. coli isolates; the high frequency of this gene among avian pathogenic E. coli isolates in Brazil indicates that its putative role as a virulence factor should be studied more thoroughly.     

Novel employment of lactate dehydrogenase release from porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) as a quantitative marker of cytotoxic activity in thermophilic Campylobacter spp. from human faecal isolates, poultry and environmental sources

The aim of this study was to employ a novel cytotoxicity assay based on primary porcine aortic endothelial cells in combination with a lactate dehydrogenase release assay to quantitatively determine differences in cytotoxin production between Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters (UPTC), isolated from human faeces, animals and environmental sources. Campylobacter isolates totalling 34 and comprising of C. jejuni (n = 24) C. coli (n = 5) and UPTC (n = 4) and C. lari (n = 1) were analysed. The cytotoxic response ranged from 32.15 to 64.47% and 33.08 to 59.41%, for C. jejuni from chicken and human isolates, respectively and there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in cytotoxic response between C. jejuni isolated from humans and chicken isolates (50.78% versus 50.55% cytotoxicity, respectively). However, there was a difference in response between C. jejuni and C. coli isolated from chickens (50.78% versus 33.22% cytotoxicity, respectively). The greatest cytotoxic response was obtained with the UPTC group of organisms examined (n = 4 isolates) (mean cytotoxic response = 57.11% cytotoxicity. Employment of this cytotoxin assay may help identify virulent strains in poultry that could potentially proceed to cause clinical problems for humans and thus intervention measures targeted at the reduction or elimination of such specific strains, may be sought.     

我国鸡传染性支气管炎病毒地方分离株生物学特性的研究

从我国新疆维吾尔自治区某鸡场发病症状及病理变化疑似鸡传染性支气管炎的病鸡有出血点病变的腺胃组织中分离病毒，在9－11日龄SPF鸡胚上连续传代9次，通过病毒对鸡胚的致病作用、病毒在电镜下的形态观察、病毒在鸡胚中的增殖动态变化、病毒在CEF中的增殖特性、凝集鸡红细胞的特性以及动物回归试验等来研究我国鸡传染性支气管炎病毒地方流行株的生物学特性。结果表明，该毒株的第一代尿囊液对鸡胚无肉眼可见的致病作用，当继代到第5代后，胚体严重病变；电镜观察该病毒为典型的冠状病毒；病毒在鸡胚中随着接种病毒时间的延长，其效价增高，96小时可达到48小时的1倍，该毒株可在CEF上生长，但不能形成明显的蚀斑；并且经1％胰酶处理后可疑集鸡红细胞；鸡胚的第4代尿囊液病毒回归动物体，可致鸡病变病死鸡肾脏病变尤为明显，呈典型的花斑肾，腺胃则未见肉眼可见的病变，接种鸡、同居鸡和对照鸡之间NDV疫苗免疫后其HI抗体水平无明显差异，但从发病症状来看，IBV对ND疫苗具有干扰作用。     

Type 2 heat-labile enterotoxin (LT-II)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from ostriches with diarrhea

The culture supernatant of Escherichia coli, isolated from ostriches with diarrhea in Brazil, caused elongation in Vero cell, rounding in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and a cytoplasmic vacuolation in ostrich embryo fibroblasts (OEF), but it was not cytotoxic for chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). These effects were not neutralized by antiserum to cholera toxin. Polymerase chain reaction assays showed that the ostrich E. coli contained the gene encoding (eltII-A), but not those for type 1 heat-labile enterotoxin (eltA), heat-stable enterotoxins (estA, estB), verocytotoxins (stx-I, stx-II), or cytotoxic necrotizing factors (cnf 1, cnf 2). All isolates belonged to serotype O15:H8. The enteropathogenic relevance of LT-II in ostrich diarrhea remains undetermined.     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect subgroup-specific antibodies to avian leukosis viruses

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect antibodies against avian leukosis viruses (ALV), using antigens extracted from Rous-associated virus-inoculated chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells by Nonidet P-40 treatments. The antigens reacted strongly to sera of chickens immunized with antigenically homologous viruses, but weakly to those of chickens immunized with heterologous viruses. Antigens extracted from noninoculated CEF cells by the same procedures did not react to either of the immune sera. Normal control sera did not react to any of the antigens. Reactivities of immune sera were decreased markedly by the sera adsorbing with homologous Rous-associated virus-inoculated CEF cells, but not with heterologous CEF cells. The ELISA-specific optimal doses (the differences between the optimal doses with antigens from ALV-inoculated and noninoculated CEF cells) were correlated strongly with the virus-neutralization titers (r = 0.876, P less than 0.01). Examination of the antibody response from ALV-inoculated chickens revealed that ELISA detected antibodies at the same time or several weeks earlier than did the virus-neutralization test.     

重庆一例猪源及鸡源大肠杆菌的分离鉴定和药敏试验

为了解重庆市北碚区龙凤桥镇养殖场中大肠杆菌对抗菌药物的敏感性,笔者在该镇某猪场及某鸡场采集了5份猪粪及10份鸡粪,从中分离出大肠杆菌,随后进行药物敏感性检测。结果显示:在15份粪便中分离到了15株大肠杆菌,包括5株猪源性大肠杆菌和10株鸡源性大肠杆菌;药物敏感性试验表明,这15株大肠杆菌的耐药率很高,2/3的菌株对超过23种抗菌药物有耐药性。     

Serologic and pathogenetic studies on avian reoviruses isolated in Japan

Eighty-nine avian reoviruses isolated from diseased and clinically normal chickens were classified serologically using antisera against five prototype strains. Eighty-three strains were classified into five serotypes; six strains were untypable. Most of the cytopathogenic strains that produced a clear cytopathic effect (CPE) in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) were highly pathogenic for chicken embryos (80% or more mortality via the allantoic sac) and for chicks (severe footpad swellings and tenosynovitis). These strains were classified into a single serotype represented by the TS-142 prototype strain. However, 10 strains that could not produce a clear CPE in CEFs showed very low pathogenicity for embryos and chicks, and these strains were serologically different from the TS-142 prototype strain. There was a strong relationship between pathogenicity and serotype. About 17% of the isolates were considered highly pathogenic.     

实验性鸡大肠杆菌病病理学动态变化

用致病性大肠杆菌O18分离株和／或低致病性禽流感病毒（Mildly pathogenic avian influenza virus ,MPAIV)接种10－12日龄SPF鸡。在接种后1－96h进行临床症状与大体病理变化、组织学观察发现：大肠杆菌接种组、MPAIV接种组和健康接种组除扑杀鸡外未见鸡死亡，MPAIV与大肠杆菌混合接种组除扑杀鸡外死亡率为24％。混合接种组的病变比大肠杆菌接种组出现的时间早，恢复也慢，各脏器的病理变化更严重。MPAIV主要引起各实质器官的坏死，结果表明，大肠杆菌经气管内接种后试验鸡主要表现为呼吸道的炎症反应；MPAVI可使鸡大肠杆菌病严重化。     

Shiga toxin genes in avian Escherichia coli

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of stx genes in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). We examined 97 APEC isolates: 34 from lesions of avian cellulitis, 31 from avian septicemia, 13 from swollen head syndrome (SHS) in chickens, and 19 from diseased turkeys. We also examined five isolates from the feces of healthy chickens. All 102 E. coli isolates were tested for the presence of stx genes by PCR amplification and by colony blots using probes specific for stx1 and stx2. Fifty-three percent (52) of the 97 APEC carried stx gene sequences: one isolate carried stx2 sequences, two carried both stx1 and stx2 sequences, and the remaining 49 isolates carried only stx1 sequences. Twenty-six isolates were positive by both hybridization and PCR amplification, 10 were positive by PCR only, and 16 were positive by hybridization only. All the stx-positive isolates were negative by PCR for the eae and E-hlyA genes. The five isolates from healthy chickens were all negative for stx. All 13 SHS isolates were positive for the stx1 gene and had low titres for cytotoxicity in the Vero cell assay (VCA). Other stx-positive isolates were negative in the VCA. The stx1 gene from one SHS E. coli isolate was cloned and sequenced and shown to be identical to that of the stx gene of Shigella dysenteriae. The observations indicate that stx1 gene sequences are widespread among APEC but that cytotoxicity on Vero cells is uncommon.     

实验性鸡大肠杆菌病的超微动态病理变化

10～ 12日龄 SPF鸡 180只 ,随机分为 4组 ,分别气管内注射致病性大肠杆菌 O18分离株 (大肠杆菌接种组 )、低致病性禽流感病毒 (mildly pathogenic avian influenza virus,MPAIV) H9N2株 (MPAIV接种组 )、先接种 MPAIV再接种大肠杆菌 (混合接种组 ) ,并设健康对照组 ,分别于接种后不同时间 ,取气管、肺、气囊、胸腺、法氏囊、脾、肝和肾组织 ,制作超薄切片 ,电镜观察。结果表明 ,MPAIV与大肠杆菌混合接种组比大肠杆菌接种组出现病变的时间早、恢复慢 ;在大肠杆菌接种组 ,接种后 3h气囊上皮和间质细胞中都可见典型的大肠杆菌 ;在混合接种组 ,接种后 3h,气囊间质细胞的吞噬泡中可见多个 MPAIV粒子。由此认为 ,MPAIV可使鸡大肠杆菌病严重化 ,大肠杆菌对 MPAIV的入侵和在鸡体内的复制可能有促进作用。     

Comparative infectivity for axenic and specific-pathogen-free chickens of O2 Escherichia coli strains with or without virulence factors

Adhesion to epithelial respiratory cells, iron acquisition, and production of K1 polysaccharide capsules have been proposed as potential virulence factors of avian Escherichia coli. These factors were studied by inoculating groups of axenic or specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens intratracheally with O2 E. coli strains after previous challenge with a wild strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). In all experiments, the association between IBV and an E. coli strain endowed with the three virulence factors previously mentioned resulted in the most severe pathological effects, as measured by mortality, weight gains, lesions, and reisolation of E. coli from internal organs. An E. coli strain devoid of virulence factors was able only to induce mild pathological effects restricted to the respiratory tract when combined with IBV. Both E. coli strains were more invasive in axenic chickens than in SPF chickens. These results confirm the probable involvement of the three factors studied in the pathogenic properties of avian E. coli. This model can be used to assess the role of virulence factors, by comparing pairs of positive and negative isogenic strains.     

Comparison of chicken plasma and guinea pig serum in a quantitative microtiter method of determining microbial complement resistance.

A quantitative microtiter method using chicken plasma is described for determining the degree of complement resistance or sensitivity of avian Escherichia coli isolates. Results obtained with the microtiter method using chicken plasma were compred with results obtained using commercially available standardized guinea pig serum as the source of complement. The test organisms consisted of five isolates of E. coli isolated from chickens. Three isolates were from flocks with colisepticemia; one was from a flock with omphalitis; and one isolate was a non-pathogenic control. Data were accumulated from the five avian E. coli isolates incubated at 35 C with either chicken plasma or guinea pig serum and with heat-inactivated chicken plasma or guinea pig serum. The microtiter results of the chicken plasma and guinea pig serum had a statistically positive correlation. The use of commercially available guinea pig serum in the test system will allow for standardization of this method.     

Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from chickens with colisepticemia in Japan

The virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolated in Japan were investigated. Serogroups O, serotypes K1 and K5, and genes cva C, iss, iutA, papA, tsh, and usp, which have been thought to be related to virulence, were examined for their association with E. coli strains isolated from diseased and healthy chickens. The frequently recognized serogroups O1, O2, and O78 were found in 56 of 125 (44.8%) strains of diseased chickens (APEC) versus 13 of 100 (13.0%) strains of healthy chickens (commensal E. coli), a significant difference at risk ratio < 0.01. Although iss, iutA, and tsh were widely distributed in the APEC irrespective of O serogroup, papA, usp, and the K1 serotype were detected in serogroup O2 of APEC. The kfiD gene related to the K5 capsule and VT, LT, and ST genes related to exotoxins were not detected in any strains examined.     

Cytotoxins in non-enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli isolated from feces of diarrheic calves

We have examined the cytotoxic responses produced in HeLa and Vero cell cultures by sonicates from 15 non-enterotoxigenic (STa-, LT-) strains of E. coli, highly lethal for mice parenterally LD50 less than 3 X 10(7) CFU), which had been isolated from feces of diarrheic calves. Three types of cytotoxic responses were observed. Type 1 (five strains) consisted of enlargement, rounding and polynucleation of HeLa cells, an effect previously reported with cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF) in E. coli from infant and piglet enteritis. Type 2 toxicity (three strains and the control Vir strain S5) was also characterized by enlargement and polynucleation of HeLa cells, but in contrast to Type 2 effect, cells were elongated. Sonicates from the latter strains were lethal for chickens, producing the lesions previously described with Vir strains. Type 3 toxicity (two strains and the control VT strain H19), produced an extensive destruction of both Vero and HeLa cell cultures. Cytotoxic effects were completely abolished upon heating for 1 h at 60 degrees C for Type 1 and 2 extracts and at 80 degrees C for Type 3 extracts. Seroneutralization assays showed that cytotoxins of the same type were closely related antigenically. In addition, a slight cross-neutralization was observed between Type 1 (CNF) and Type 2 (Vir) toxins.     

鸡致病性大肠杆菌I型菌毛交叉保护性研究及其结构基因 FimA 的序列分析

从山东省各地分离到107株鸡致病性大肠杆菌，选择了其中2株高致病性大肠杆菌，血清型分别为O78和OM，经增菌培养后提取菌毛制备为单价菌毛油乳苗，分别接种于1日龄和14日龄雏鸡，于4周龄攻毒。结果二者之间有一定的交叉保护作用。根据Genbank收录的人源大肠杆菌I型菌毛FimA基因和P型菌毛papA基因序列，分别设计了2对引物。通过PCR对上述2株大肠杆菌进行扩增，结果只有FimA的一对引物扩增出相应的条带，经测序证明为FimA基因。papA基因的引物未扩出任何条带，证明这2株大肠杆菌表达I型菌毛。通过对2株大肠杆菌结构基因FimA进行分析，发现二者具有高度的同源性。本研究的目的是探讨菌毛亚单位之间的交叉保护性与其菌毛的结构基因之间是否存在相关性。     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against avian reovirus S1133 protein sigmaA synthesized in Escherichia coli

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared against avian reovirus S1133 protein sigmaA (esigmaA) synthesized in Escherichia coli. MAbs were characterized and used to develop a diagnostic test. Ten MAbs were selected for competitive binding assay following coupling with horseradish peroxidase. The results indicated that these MAbs delineated two epitopes I and II of esigmaA. An immuno-dot binding assay was used to detect the effect of denaturation on antibody recognition of the epitopes. All MAbs bound to esigmaA in its native form. After denaturation by boiling in SDS and 2-mercaptoethanol, the binding of MAbs recognizing epitope I was fully abolished. However, the reactivity of MAbs recognizing epitope II was not affected. MAbs 31 and 32, recognizing epitopes I and II, respectively, were selected for the cross-reactivity to heterologous reovirus strains. The results suggest that the two epitopes are highly conserved among these virus strains. A MAb capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure was developed using MAbs 32 and 31 to detect reovirus protein sigmaA in samples from tendon tissues of infected bird and chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell cultures. Avian reovirus sigmaA antigens in tendon specimens were detected from the inoculated birds as early as 2 days post-inoculation (PI), approximated a peak at 7 days PI, and maintained this until 16 days PI, then decreased gradually. A clear difference in absorbance values between the tendon samples of the avian reovirus- and mock-infected birds is obtained. Positive results were also obtained from avian reovirus-infected CEF and from the tendon tissues of naturally infected broilers. These results indicated that the MAb capture ELISA is a useful methods for the detection of avian reovirus from chickens suspected to have avian reovirus infections.