In vitro susceptibilities of field isolates of Mycoplasma agalactiae

In order to determine how widespread antibiotic resistance has become to standard treatments, the in vitro susceptibilities of 28 Mycoplasma agalactiae Spanish field isolates to 16 antimicrobial agents were determined using a broth microdilution method. The most effective antimicrobials based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)₉₀ values were fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and macrolides. Two strains were tetracycline resistant. Streptomycin, erythromycin and nalidixic acid resistance was observed in all strains.     

In vitro susceptibilities of field isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony type to 15 antimicrobials

In vitro susceptibilities of 16 Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony type field isolates to 15 antimicrobial agents were determined using a broth microdilution method. The most effective antimicrobials were fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and macrolides, with MIC values under 2 microg/ml. Resistance to nalidixic acid, gentamicin, streptomycin and spectinomycin was observed.     

Molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC, the aetiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), is considered the most pathogenic of the Mycoplasma species. Its virulence is probably the result of a coordinated action of various components of an antigenically and functionally dynamic surface architecture. The different virulence attributes allow the pathogen to evade the host's immune defence, adhere tightly to the host cell surface, persist and disseminate in the host causing mycoplasmaemia, efficiently import energetically valuable nutrients present in the environment, and release and simultaneously translocate toxic metabolic pathway products to the host cell where they cause cytotoxic effects that are known to induce inflammatory processes and disease. This strategy enables the mycoplasma to exploit the minimal genetic information in its small genome, not only to fulfil the basic functions for its replication but also to damage host cells in intimate proximity thereby acquiring the necessary bio-molecules, such as amino acids and nucleic acid precursors, for its own biosynthesis and survival.     

Differential clustering of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC strains by PCR-REA of the bgl locus

In order to develop a specific tool differentiating the African field strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC from other potentially less virulent strains, including the vaccine strains, we have developed a PCR followed by a restriction enzyme analysis (PCR–REA). This approach also differentiates the African field strains from the Australian strains and the type strain PG1. The genomic marker detected by the PCR–REA is based on a single nucleotide change in the bgl gene that codes for 6-phospho-β-glucosidase (Bgl), an enzyme that is involved in sugar metabolism.     

基于丝状支原体丝状亚种P35反应原性的验证及其间接ELISA方法的建立

为建立检测丝状支原体丝状亚种(Mmm)的间接ELISA方法,本研究利用生物信息学软件对Mmm的全基因组序列进行了分析,选定大小为540bp的0584基因,该基因是编码分子量为35ku的脂蛋白,并对其免疫反应原性进行研究。利用原核表达系统获得了0584基因的重组蛋白rP35,以牛传染性胸膜肺炎(CBPP)阳性血清为一抗进行western blot分析,试验结果为阴性,但Dot-blot试验结果为阳性,证明该蛋白可能是Mmm特有的一种构象依赖性免疫相关蛋白且具有反应原性。以rP35蛋白为包被抗原,通过反应条件优化初步建立了检测CBPP血清抗体的间接ELISA方法,特异性为88.0%,敏感性为89.8%,批内和批间变异系数均小于10%,与商品化试剂盒符合率为84.8%。本研究为研制CBPP血清检测试剂盒提供了一种候选蛋白。     

Kinetics of substrate oxidation and hydrogen peroxide production by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Large Colony (LC) type and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Large Colony (LC) type is a pathogen of goats causing contagious agalactia and respiratory disease, found on all continents where small ruminants are kept. It shares close genetic characteristics with M. mycoides subsp. capri. Substrate oxidation by 22 strains of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC from nine countries was compared with that of eight strains of M. mycoides subsp. capri from five countries. There was considerable similarity in the substrates used, but substrate saturation coefficients (K_s) varied for different substrates. Substrate utilization patterns and K_s values did not (1) significantly differentiate the LC strains from each other, (2) show any correlation with geographical origin, or (3) distinguish the LC strains from the capri strains. These results support previous studies justifying the reclassification of these subspecies as a single species.     

The in vitro effect of six antimicrobials against Mycoplasma putrefaciens, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides LC and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum isolated from sheep and goats in jordan

Respiratory disease in sheep and goats is a major problem in Jordan and is often associated with Mycoplasma species. Without effective vaccines, control is mainly by chemotherapy, but the uncontrolled use of antimicrobials has led to concerns about the potential development of antimicrobial resistance. The in vitro effect of chloramphenicol, florfenicol, enrofloxacin, tylosin, erythromycin and oxytetracycline was determined against 32 isolates of Mycoplasma species-M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC (6), M. capricolum subsp. capricolum (8) and M. putrefaciens (18), all isolated from either nasal swabs or milk, from sheep and goats in different regions of Jordan. The antimicrobial susceptibility showed some Mycoplasma species-specific differences, with M. capricolum subsp. capricolum being more susceptible to tylosin and erythromycin. Chloramphenicol and florfenicol were the least effective for all three Mycoplasma species. No trends or significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibilities were observed between sheep and goat isolates, between milk or nasal swab isolates, or between isolates from different regions of Jordan. Some isolates of M. capricolum subsp. capricolum and M. putrefaciens showed higher MIC levels with oxytetracycline, as did two isolates of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC with tylosin, possibly indicating signs of development of antimicrobial resistance.     

Protein and Antigenic Variability among <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae</Emphasis> Strains by SDS-PAGE and Immunoblot

Porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP), with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae as the primary agent, is a chronic respiratory disease that causes major economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. The aim of this work was to analyse 18 field strains of M. hyopneumoniae isolated in Gran Canaria (Spain) and the reference M. hyopneumoniae strain by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the membrane protein p46 reacted with all the strains in this study. In contrast, a purified polyclonal antibody (PAb) against the cytoplasmic protein p36 reacted with this protein in only 10 strains. A MAb against the adhesin protein p97 stained multiple proteins of different sizes and with different intensities. Different antigenic patterns in the same M. hyopneumoniae strains were also observed after different numbers of passages in culture medium. Furthermore, variability in the staining of the 36 kDa protein was observed, depending on whether the p36 PAb or the antiserum against M. hyopneumoniae reference strain was used. It is concluded that local M. hyopneumoniae field isolates in Gran Canaria are characterized by protein diversity.     

Detection of Mycoplasma mycoides sub-species mycoides small colony by a specific capture/enrichment monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA

The present study describes the development of a specific Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC) monoclonal antibody (MAb), 6E3, and its application in a sandwich ELISA (sELISA) format. Mab 6E3 reacted only to the 12 MmmSC within the 32 M. mycoides cluster strains and 12 representative strains of other bovine, ovine and caprine associated mycoplasmas examined. A capture/enrichment format of the sELISA that combined MAb 6E3 with a previously developed MAb 3H12 that cross reacted with Mmm Large Colony [Rodriguez, F., Ball, H.J., Finlay, D., Campbell, D., Mackie, D.P., 1996. Detection of Mycoplasma mycoides sub-species mycoides by monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA. Veterinary Microbiology 51, 69–76], retained MmmSC specificity and improved the sensitivity from the 1.2 × 10⁷ cfu/ml for a standard 2 h capture stage sELISA down to as low as 2 cfu/ml for a 72 h capture. A low level of false positives (1%) was observed when this assay was applied to 200 bovine respiratory and milk samples submitted for diagnostic investigation. This simple and specific sELISA provides a suitable assay for screening large numbers of samples for CBPP.     

Isolation and immunological detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in sheep with atypical pneumonia, and lack of a role for Mycoplasma arginini

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae NCTC 10151(T) and four new isolates from UK sheep flocks were compared. Only glucose and pyruvate were used as energy sources by the five strains: glucose was the best energy source for the type strain, pyruvate supported better growth of the new strains. Whole cell protein patterns and antigenic profiles showed high similarity between all five strains. The new isolates fell into two groups in ELISA tests. Serum samples from 30 pneumonic sheep were assessed for M. ovipneumoniae infection and Mycoplasma arginini co-infection. Fourteen (out of 30) serum samples were positive for M. ovipneumoniae both by ELISA and immunoblotting. Twelve antigenic proteins of M. ovipneumoniae were detected in infected serum samples: the antigen patterns were unique, with between one and at least seven occurring in any one sample. All serum samples were designated as negative for M. arginini antibodies by both ELISA and immunoblotting.     

由丝状霉形体山羊亚种引起的羊传染性胸膜肺炎诊断方法的研究进展

羊传染性胸膜肺炎对养羊业造成了一定的经济损失,笔者综述了由丝状霉形体山羊亚种引起的羊传染性胸膜肺麦的诊断方法,旨在为控制和预防该病奠定基础.     

Analysis of the immunoproteome of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony type reveals immunogenic homologues to other known virulence traits in related Mycoplasma species

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony type (MmmSC) has been eradicated in the developed world, but it is still present in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. After initially successful control measures in the 1960s it has been spreading due to a lack of money, fragmentation of veterinary services, uncontrolled cattle movement, insufficient vaccine efficacy and sensitivity of current diagnostic tests.In this study we used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblot with sera from MmmSC-infected animals and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry to identify novel immunogenic proteins as candidate molecules for improved diagnostics and vaccines. We identified 24 immunogens recognized by pooled sera from experimentally infected cattle. Furthermore, a serum from an animal with acute clinical disease as well as severe pathomorphological lesions recognized 13 additional immunogens indicating variation in the antibody responses to CBPP amongst cattle. Most immunogens showed compelling similarity to protein/gene sequences in the two ruminant pathogens M. capricolum subsp. capricolum and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony type both belonging to the mycoides cluster. Three of these proteins, namely glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase, adenylosuccinate synthase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, had no compelling homologue in the other distantly related bovine pathogen M. agalactiae. In addition, translation elongation factor Tu, heat shock protein 70, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and FKBP-type peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, which have been found to mediate adhesion to host tissue in other mycoplasmas were shown to be expressed and recognized by sera. These proteins have potential for the development of improved diagnostic tests and possibly vaccines.     

Kinetics of substrate oxidation and hydrogen peroxide production by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Large Colony (LC) type and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Large Colony (LC) type is a pathogen of goats causing contagious agalactia and respiratory disease, found on all continents where small ruminants are kept. It shares close genetic characteristics with M. mycoides subsp. capri. Substrate oxidation by 22 strains of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC from nine countries was compared with that of eight strains of M. mycoides subsp. capri from five countries. There was considerable similarity in the substrates used, but substrate saturation coefficients (K_s) varied for different substrates. Substrate utilization patterns and K_s values did not (1) significantly differentiate the LC strains from each other, (2) show any correlation with geographical origin, or (3) distinguish the LC strains from the capri strains. These results support previous studies justifying the reclassification of these subspecies as a single species.     

丝状支原体山羊亚种LPPA蛋白原核表达及间接ELISA方法的建立

【目的】建立基于丝状支原体山羊亚种(Mmc)膜脂蛋白LPPA的间接ELISA方法。【方法】扩增Mmc LPPA基因并将其克隆至pCold-Ⅰ载体,构建重组质粒pCold-Ⅰ-LPPA,测序鉴定正确后转化大肠杆菌DH5α感受态细胞,经IPTG诱导表达后纯化得到Mmc LPPA重组蛋白,采用SDS-PAGE验证该重组蛋白是否表达,并采用Western blotting和传统经典的琼脂扩散血清学试验分析其与Mmc阳性血清的反应原性。以该重组蛋白为包被抗原,建立Mmc重组LPPA蛋白的间接ELISA抗体检测方法,对该方法进行反应条件优化后开展特异性、重复性试验,并将其初步应用于184份山羊血清样本。【结果】通过PCR扩增得到Mmc LPPA基因,成功构建了重组质粒pCold-Ⅰ-LPPA,经诱导表达后得到Mmc LPPA重组蛋白,SDS-PAGE结果显示,获得了大小约23 ku的LPPA重组融合蛋白;琼脂扩散及Western blotting试验证明该蛋白反应原性良好。ELISA方法反应条件优化结果显示,LPPA抗原蛋白的包被浓度为2.0μg/100μL,血清稀释度为1∶300,3%BSA封闭...     

Mycobacterium porcinum strains isolated from bovine bulk milk: implications for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis detection by PCR and culture

In this study, the isolation of 52 mycobactin-independent fast growing mycobacteria from 631 bulk milk samples (8.2%), is reported. These strains, isolated during a bulk milk survey for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), strongly affected Map detection both by PCR and by culture, as they gave a positive IS900 PCR signal and resulted to totally inhibit the growth of Map when spotted on HEYM slants already inoculated with 200 microl of 10-fold dilutions containing from 5 x 10 to 5 x 10(3)Map cells/ml. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, using the MicroSeq 500 16S rDNA Bacterial Sequencing Kit (Applied Biosystems), was performed on a subset of six strains, identifying Mycobacterium porcinum with 100% homology in all six cases. The 52 strains were characterized by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the hsp65 gene, which confirmed the identification of M. porcinum for all the isolates. Using specific primers designed on the Map-IS900 sequence and on the M. porcinum sequence determined in this study, a 1385bp sequence from the M. porcinum genome was characterized. This IS900-like sequence showed 82% homology with Map IS900. From our findings the following results emerged: (a) any culture showing one or more M. porcinum colonies represents a potential "false negative" result and should therefore be considered as contaminated; (b) IS900-like elements could be more widespread than was previously thought; (c) IS900 PCR positive results should be interpreted cautiously, as confirmed by the evidence that the primer pair used in this study resulted not to be specific.     

Characterization of the in vitro core surface proteome of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is a severe cattle disease, present in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The development of improved diagnostic tests and vaccines for CBPP control remains a research priority. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to characterize the Triton X-114 soluble proteome of nine Mmm strains isolated from Europe or Africa. Of a total of 250 proteins detected, 67 were present in all strains investigated. Of these, 44 were predicted to be lipoproteins or cytoplasmic membrane-associated proteins and are thus likely to be members of the core in vitro surface membrane-associated proteome of Mmm. Moreover, the presence of all identified proteins in other ruminant Mycoplasma pathogens were investigated. Two proteins of the core proteome were identified only in other cattle pathogens of the genus Mycoplasma pointing towards a role in host–pathogen interactions. The data generated will facilitate the identification and prioritization of candidate Mycoplasma antigens for improved control measures, as it is likely that surface-exposed membrane proteins will include those that are involved in host–pathogen interactions.     

Correlating the immune response with the clinical-pathological course of persistent mastitis experimentally induced by Mycoplasma agalactiae in dairy goats

To correlate the clinical course of mycoplasma mastitis with its immune response, right mammary glands of 15 lactating goats were inoculating with 10¹⁰ colony-forming units (cfu) of Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma). Before sacrificing the animals at 5, 15 or 45 days post-inoculation (dpi), blood Ma antibody titres and milk mycoplasma colony and somatic cell counts were monitored. Ma colonised the mammary gland and milk counts increased to over 10¹² cfu/ml within 5 dpi. During this period, an innate immune response involving neutrophils and macrophages was observed, and Ma antigen appeared in the degenerated acinar epithelium. From 7 dpi, a specific antibody response coincided with reduced viable mycoplasmas in milk. The humoral immune response was limited; by 37 dpi, all animals scored negative for anti-Ma antibodies, and around 10⁸ cfu/ml were shed. Results indicate an early immune response to Ma inoculation unable to control mycoplasmal invasion. An ensuing humoral response, despite reducing the mycoplasma burden, leads to chronic, persistent infection.     

Hydrogen Peroxide Production by Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma agalactiae and Effect of In Vitro Passage on a Mycoplasma bovis Strain Producing High Levels of H2O2

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and oxygen uptake during the oxidation of NADH and L-alpha-glycerophosphate (GP) by lysed cells was determined for the type and field strains of Mycoplasma bovis and M. agalactiae. NADH oxidation by all the strains showed variable production of H2O2 ranging from 0 to 1.21 mol/mol O2 taken up. All strains were unable to oxidize GP, showing absence of GP oxidase activity. Some strains were identified that produced relatively high levels of H2O2 (> 1.0 mol/ mol O2 taken up). In vitro passage of M. bovis strain 119B96 showed reduced H2O2 production: 0.52, 0.16, and 0.07 mol/mol O2 taken up after the 50th, 100th and 200th passages, respectively. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the loss of a protein band of 32 kDa after 50 passages. These preliminary studies show that not only does H2O2 production by potentially pathogenic Mycoplasma spp. vary in the field but also that similar alterations can be induced by passage in culture. In the latter case, at least in one M. bovis strain, this alteration has been shown by SDS-PAGE to be associated with a loss of specific protein production. Further study of these phenomena is essential background for the production of more efficient vaccines for mycoplasmas.     

丝状支原体丝状亚种SC型脂蛋白Q的N末端定点突变及表达载体的构建

根据已发表的丝状支原体丝状亚种SC型（MmmSC）LppQ基因序列设计引物，从MmmSC HVRIx株中扩增出了LppQN末端基因，并将其分别克隆到pUC18和pUC19上，利用一步重叠延伸PCR突变方法将其66位的TGA突变为TGG，经克隆与序列测定证实突变成功后，将已突变的LppQN末端基因插入原核表达载体pET32a的多克隆位点，成功地构建了LppQN末端基因原核表达载体pET32a-LppQ，为其下一步体外表达奠定了基础。     

In vitro susceptibility of field isolates of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica recovered in Spain to several antimicrobial agents

Forty-two recent (1997-1999) Spanish isolates of Francisella tularensis subsp.holarctica were tested in a broth microdilution method for their susceptibilities to 29 antimicrobial agents, including penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamicins, monobactams, penems, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, chloramphenicol and fosfomycin. The isolates were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and susceptible to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin.