Article
Food Science & Technology
Emmanuel W. Bumunang, Rahat Zaheer, Kim Stanford, Chad Laing, Dongyan Niu, Le Luo Guan, Linda Chui, Gillian A. M. Tarr, Tim A. McAllister
Summary: This study characterized the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 in cattle and clinical samples through a comparative genomic analysis. It was found that most isolates carried virulence genes stx1, stx2, eae, and hlyA, with variations in stx-phage insertion sites and antimicrobial resistance genes between cattle and clinical strains.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Napakhwan Imklin, Pattaraporn Sriprasong, Sahathat Phuttapatimok, Tanyanant Kaminsonsakul, Yonlayong Woonwong, Pichai Jirawattanapong, Porntippa Lekcharoensuk, Narut Thanantong, Rujikan Nasanit
Summary: In this study, 6 phages were isolated and tested for their efficacy against E. coli strains isolated from diarrheal pigs. Phage therapy was found to significantly reduce fecal E. coli counts and restore the gut's bacterial composition. Additionally, giving phage cocktails resulted in higher average daily gain in piglets.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mark Eppinger, Sonia Almeria, Anna Allue-Guardia, Lori K. Bagi, Anwar A. Kalalah, Joshua B. Gurtler, Pina M. Fratamico
Summary: This study investigated the origin of a laboratory-acquired E. coli O157:H7 infection and found that mutant strains in the laboratory were the causative agents. Additionally, the study revealed that the use of antibiotics can increase toxin production.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yan D. Niu, Hui Liu, Hechao Du, Ruiqiang Meng, El Sayed Mahmoud, Guihua Wang, Tim A. McAllister, Kim Stanford
Summary: In this study, the efficacy of different bacteriophages against E. coli O157 was evaluated, revealing that the combination of phages did not always follow the individual phage activity. Factors such as temperature, exposure time, and phage strains influenced the interactions among phages, with some combinations showing facilitation while others demonstrated antagonistic effects. The development of phage cocktails should consider confirming lack of antagonism and preferably facilitation or synergistic effects among constituent phages.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Marijana Sokolovic, Borka Simpraga, Tajana Amsel-Zelenika, Marija Berendika, Fani Krstulovi
Summary: A survey conducted in Croatia over a period of nine years investigated the prevalence and number of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in animal feed. The study found that poultry feed contained STEC strains, with 27 strains confirmed as STEC, potentially serving as a source of human illnesses. Further research is needed to evaluate the risks posed by contaminated feed, poultry, and the environment.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Nomonde F. N. Ngoma, Mogaugedi N. Malahlela, Munyaradzi C. Marufu, Beniamino T. Cenci-Goga, Luca Grispoldi, Eric Etter, Alan Kalake, Musafiri Karama
Summary: This study examined the capacity of four antimicrobial growth promoters to induce stx-bacteriophages in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 isolates. The results showed that these growth promoters could induce genetically and morphologically diverse free stx-converting bacteriophages. It raises concerns about the potential public health risks of these antimicrobial growth promoters inducing bacteriophages in animals and human hosts.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hyeonjeong Lee, Hyunsoo Han, Sangmin Jeon
Summary: In this study, a novel method for efficiently capturing waterborne bacteria was developed by creating an autonomous internal reflux of magnetic nanoparticle chains. By placing a glass tube containing positively charged PEI-coated MNCs at the center of a Halbach ring, a strong and uniform magnetic field was generated to capture target bacteria via electrostatic interaction. The capture efficiency of E. coli O157 was found to be over 90% at a flow rate of 15 mL/min, with detection limits of 2 and 3 cfu/mL in deionized water and river water, respectively.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yujie Zhang, Yen-Te Liao, Alexandra Salvador, Vivian C. H. Wu
Summary: This study genetically characterized two Stx-converting phages induced from environmental STEC strains and found high genomic diversity among Stx-converting phages. The findings provide valuable insights into the dissemination of stx genes among E. coli population via the lysogenization of Stx-converting phages.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Akiyo Suga, Marina Kawaguchi, Tetsuro Yonesaki, Yuichi Otsuka
Summary: This study identified key amino acid residues important for the interaction between gp37 protein in the distal tip (DT) region of T4 long tail fibers and OmpC of Escherichia coli, shedding light on the mechanism underlying phage host specificity. The results suggest that the shapes of both proteins at the binding interface play crucial roles in their interactions. Multiple phage mutants capable of adsorbing to various E. coli receptors were successfully isolated using a mutant T4 phage library with artificial modifications in the DT region, providing a basis for altering host specificity in phage therapy development.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Bukola Opeyemi Oluwarinde, Daniel Jesuwenu Ajose, Tesleem Olatunde Abolarinwa, Peter Kotsoana Montso, Ilse Du Preez, Henry Akum Njom, Collins Njie Ateba
Summary: Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), especially serotype O157:H7, is a major concern for public health due to its severity and prevalence. Conventional methods of controlling foodborne pathogens are becoming less effective, creating a need for new approaches. Recent studies have shown that bacteriophages could be potential non-antibiotic options for biocontrol of E. coli O157:H7, enhancing food safety.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asim Shahzad, Fahim Ullah, Hamid Irshad, Shehzad Ahmed, Qismat Shakeela, Abrar Hussain Mian
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of E. coli O157 in slaughtered adult sheep, goats, cows, and buffaloes, finding that healthy adult sheep and buffalo could potentially carry STEC O157. Of the positive samples, one buffalo isolate carried multiple STEC virulent genes, highlighting the importance of proper control systems to prevent STEC infections from these animals.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Amany M. Al-Anany, Rabia Fatima, Alexander P. Hynes
Summary: Recent research has shown that combining temperate phages with sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics can effectively eradicate bacteria in vitro. This mechanism of synergy is distinct from the traditional phage-antibiotic synergy, as it involves the antibiotic selectively targeting bacteria in which the phage has integrated. The widespread interactions between temperate phages and stressors like ciprofloxacin suggest that this approach may have broad applications in combating bacterial infections.
Article
Biology
Yamal Al-ramahi, Akos Nyerges, Yago Margolles, Lidia Cerdan, Gyorgyi Ferenc, Csaba Pal, Luis Angel Fernandez, Victor de Lorenzo
Summary: The study utilized ssDNA recombineering and bacterial surface display to evolve a nanobody recognizing the EHEC antigen TirM towards the EPEC antigen TirM by targeting the CDRs of the VHH gene sequence. This method demonstrated the power of combining bacterial evolutionary properties with oligonucleotide synthesis to focus diversification on specific gene segments of interest, bypassing the need for laborious cloning and mutagenesis procedures.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuanjie Suo, Weihong Yin, Wenshuai Wu, Wenjian Cao, Qiangyuan Zhu, Ying Mu
Summary: The thermosetting oil-based droplet array enables real-time monitoring and digital counting of bacterial growth. Single E. coli cells are encapsulated in solidified droplets to form microcolonies, and Resazurin is used to amplify the bacterial growth signals. This rapid and simple method does not require pre-enrichment and has been successfully applied for enumeration of E. coli in milk.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gillian A. M. Tarr, Joshua Rounds, Madhura S. Vachon, Kirk Smith, Carlota Medus, Craig W. Hedberg
Summary: This study examines the incidence and risk factors of different serogroups of STEC infections in Minnesota. The results indicate variations in transmission routes and risk factors among different serogroups, suggesting the need for serogroup-specific disease control strategies.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
B. Spilsberg, C. Sekse, Anne M. Urdahl, Live L. Nesse, Gro S. Johannessen
Summary: This study investigated the survival of a Stx phage in minced beef stored at a suboptimal temperature and optimized DNA extraction methods. The results showed that Stx phages can persist and remain infectious for at least 20 days in food products, posing a potential risk to humans. Although transduction may occur at the storage temperature studied, it is expected to be rare but could potentially occur under more optimal conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Live L. Nesse, Solveig S. Mo, Silje N. Ramstad, Ingun L. Witso, Camilla Sekse, Anna Eline E. Bruvoll, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Lene K. Vestby
Summary: Norwegian monitoring program detected Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (ESCR E. coli) with plasmids carrying the bla(CMY-2) resistance gene in the Norwegian broiler production chain, which displayed relatively low biofilm forming abilities. The study found that these plasmids may cause the observed reduction in biofilm formation through changes in flagellar expression or function.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rodolphe Mader, Peter Damborg, Jean-Philippe Amat, Bjorn Bengtsson, Clemence Bourely, Els M. Broens, Luca Busani, Paloma Crespo-Robledo, Maria-Eleni Filippitzi, William Fitzgerald, Heike Kaspar, Cristina Munoz Madero, Madelaine Norstrom, Suvi Nykasenoja, Karl Pedersen, Lucie Pokludova, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Alkiviadis Vatopoulos, Christos Zafeiridis, Jean-Yves Madec
Summary: Establishing the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) is proposed to fill the gap in current AMR surveillance efforts, provide useful information for policymakers and veterinary practitioners, and support antimicrobial stewardship in animal health. Strong political commitment at national and EU/EEA levels is required for the success of EARS-Vet.
Article
Microbiology
May Linn Buberg, Solveig Solverod Mo, Camilla Sekse, Marianne Sunde, Yngvild Wasteson, Ingun Lund Witso
Summary: This study characterized ESC-resistant E. coli from domestically produced retail chicken meat regarding their genetic structure, virulence-associated geno- and phenotypes, and antimicrobial resistance genes. The research found that these bacteria have a low uropathogenic potential to humans, which is important for future risk assessments of AMR in the food chains.
Correction
Microbiology
Solveig Solverod Mo, Amar Anandrao Telke, Kingsley Oteng Osei, Camilla Sekse, Jannice Schau Slettemeas, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Hanna Karin Ilag, Thongpan Leangapichart, Marianne Sunde
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Correction
Microbiology
Solveig Solverod Mo, Amar Anandrao Telke, Kingsley Oteng Osei, Camilla Sekse, Jannice Schau Slettemeas, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Hanna Karin Ilag, Thongpan Leangapichart, Marianne Sunde
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rodolphe Mader, Clemence Bourely, Jean-Philippe Amat, Els M. Broens, Luca Busani, Benedicte Callens, Paloma Crespo-Robledo, Peter Damborg, Maria-Eleni Filippitzi, William Fitzgerald, Thomas Gronthal, Marisa Haenni, Annet Heuvelink, Jobke van Hout, Heike Kaspar, Cristina Munoz Madero, Madelaine Norstrom, Karl Pedersen, Lucie Pokludova, Fabiana Dal Pozzo, Rosemarie Slowey, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Alkiviadis Vatopoulos, Christos Zafeiridis, Jean-Yves Madec
Summary: The European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) aims to strengthen the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the animal sector in Europe. It plans to monitor AMR in six animal species and 11 bacterial species, aiming to fill important monitoring gaps and complement existing European AMR monitoring systems.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Inger Helene Kravik, Hakon Kaspersen, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Malin Jonsson, Bruce David, Marina Aspholm, Camilla Sekse
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of developing reliable and cost-effective sampling guidelines for investigating colibacillosis in broiler flocks. Through whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, it was found that there was limited diversity between APEC isolates from different organs within individual birds. Furthermore, isolates from the liver consistently represented the major disease-causing APEC, even when multiple sequence types were detected within an individual bird and flock.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Solveig Solverod Mo, Madelaine Norstrom, Jannice Schau Slettemeas, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Amar Anandrao Telke, Marianne Sunde
Summary: This study characterized extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from broiler farms and found various sequence types and resistance gene/plasmid combinations. The research indicated the potential coexistence of different STs and resistance gene/plasmid combinations on the same farm, as well as the persistence of strains and plasmids on farms. Further investigation is needed to understand the dynamics of strains, plasmids, and resistance genes within specific broiler flocks.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hannah Joan Jorgensen, Mette Valheim, Camilla Sekse, Bjarne Asbjorn Bergsjo, Helene Wisloff, Simen Foyn Norstebo, Ellen Skancke, Karin Lagesen, Anita Haug Haaland, Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Merete Hofshagen, Jorun Jarp, Ole-Herman Tronerud, Gro Skoien Johannessen, Monica Heggelund, Sasja Rygg, Ellen Christensen, Mette Boye, Britt Gjerset, Morten Sandvik, Eiril Moen Soltvedt, Cecilia Wolff
Summary: In 2019, Norwegian veterinary authorities conducted an official outbreak investigation to determine the cause of dogs suffering from acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea (AHD). The investigation pointed towards Providencia alcalifaciens as a potential cause, with whole genome sequencing showing the bacterial strains from the affected dogs were almost identical. Further studies are needed to understand the pathogenic potential of P. alcalifaciens in dogs.
Article
Microbiology
Thomas H. A. Haverkamp, Hakon Kaspersen, Oivind Oines, Bjorn Spilsberg, Amar Anandrao Telke, Karin Lagesen, Jannice Schau Slettemeas, Solveig Solverod Mo, Hannah Joan Jorgensen, Camilla Sekse
Summary: Eight Providencia alcalifaciens isolates from different dogs in Norway with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea were sequenced, and all the genomes were complete and closed after hybrid assembly.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Rodolphe Mader, Cristina Munoz Madero, Birgit Aasmae, Clemence Bourely, Els M. Broens, Luca Busani, Benedicte Callens, Lucie Collineau, Paloma Crespo-Robledo, Peter Damborg, Maria-Eleni Filippitzi, William Fitzgerald, Annet Heuvelink, Jobke van Hout, Heike Kaspar, Madelaine Norstrom, Karl Pedersen, Tarja Pohjanvirta, Lucie Pokludova, Fabiana Dal Pozzo, Rosemarie Slowey, Cristiana Teixeira Justo, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Alkiviadis Vatopoulos, Christos Zafeiridis, Jean-Yves Madec, Jean-Philippe Amat
Summary: The monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in animal bacterial pathogens is not coordinated at a European level. Experts have recommended the establishment of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet). This study identified national monitoring systems in 27 EU-JAMRAI-affiliated countries, described their structures and operations, and analyzed their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The findings highlight important gaps in AMR data generation in Europe and provide useful information for countries planning to build or improve their systems.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hakon Kaspersen, Fiona Valerie Franklin-Alming, Marit A. K. Hetland, Eva Bernhoff, Iren H. Lohr, Jatesada Jiwakanon, Anne Margrete Urdahl, Thongpan Leangapichart, Marianne Sunde
Summary: In this study, Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from healthy fattening pigs in Norway were characterized. The results showed a high detection rate of the pathogen in pig caecal samples, and most of the isolates carried acquired virulence determinants, including the siderophore aerobactin. In contrast, only a few pig isolates from Thailand harbored aerobactin. The virulence genes were located on potentially transferable plasmids and were associated with a predicted composite transposon.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Inger Helene Kravik, Hakon Kaspersen, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Katharine Rose Dean, Bruce David, Marina Aspholm, Camilla Sekse
Summary: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major cause of colibacillosis outbreaks in poultry chicks, resulting in high mortality and poor animal welfare. This study performed whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses on 219 APEC isolates from colibacillosis broiler flocks in Norway during 2018-2021. The results revealed the prevalence of specific sequence types (STs) and identified two distinct outbreaks caused by ST429 and ST23. Additionally, combining serotyping and sequence typing was found to be useful in discriminating APEC strains.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hakon Kaspersen, Thomas H. A. Haverkamp, Hanna Karin Ilag, Oivind Oines, Camilla Sekse, Jannice Schau Slettemeas
Summary: Using long-read sequencing on a MinION device and analysis with the MOB-suite pipeline, the genome sequences of 12 quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli strains containing qnrS1 were successfully assembled, with six of them closed after hybrid assembly.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)