Article
Food Science & Technology
Martin B. Koeppel, Jana Glaser, Tobias Baumgartner, Stefanie Spriewald, Roman G. Gerlach, Benedikt von Armansperg, John M. Leong, Baerbel Stecher
Summary: This study established a set of chromosomal stx2 reporter assays to investigate the expression and regulation of Stx2 in the gut, utilizing two systems based on sfGFP and gluc for detection at single-cell level or in culture supernatant. This new reporter tools are envisioned to be highly useful in analyzing the impact of environmental and host factors on Stx2 release and identifying risk factors and new therapies in Stx-mediated pathologies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Johanna Detzner, Gottfried Pohlentz, Johannes Muthing
Summary: This review discusses the clinical impact of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infections, focusing on the vesicular packaging of Shiga toxin (Stx) in the intestine and blood stream, as well as the extraintestinal complications and therapeutic options. The role of epithelial cells of the colon and kidneys in the infection process is also addressed. The review highlights the importance of Stx-binding glycosphingolipids (Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer) and their distribution in primary human kidney and colon epithelial cells. The susceptibility of primary renal and colonic epithelial cells to Stx is discussed, suggesting a resilience of the intestinal epithelium against the human-pathogenic Stx subtypes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Hatim Thaker, Chunyan Wang, Zhonggao Xu, Min Dong
Summary: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is a clinical syndrome involving hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Early diagnosis is crucial for improving prognosis and reducing mortality and sequelae. The review provides an overview of diagnostic methods and preventive and therapeutic strategies for treating STEC-HUS.
Article
Immunology
Claudia E. Coipan, Ingrid H. Friesema, Maaike J. C. van den Beld, Thijs Bosch, Sabine Schlager, Menno van der Voort, Christina Frank, Christina Lang, Angelika Fruth, Eelco Franz
Summary: This study describes the recent detection of 3 Shiga toxin-producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4 isolates from patients and 1 from pork in the Netherlands that were genetically highly similar to isolates from the 2011 large-scale outbreak in Europe. Our findings highlight the importance of safeguarding food supply production chains to prevent future outbreaks.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Claudia Carolina Carbonari, Elizabeth Sandra Miliwebsky, Gisela Zolezzi, Natalia Lorena Deza, Nahuel Fittipaldi, Eduardo Manfredi, Ariela Baschkier, Beatriz Alejandra D'Astek, Roberto Gustavo Melano, Carla Schesi, Marta Rivas, Isabel Chinen
Summary: This study describes the epidemiology and genetic diversity of STEC O145 strains isolated in Argentina between 1998 and 2020. These strains are associated with severe food-borne diseases and the high incidence of hemolytic uremic syndrome. The study highlights the importance of monitoring STEC O145 to prevent disease outbreaks.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wouter J. C. Feitz, Samuel Suntharalingham, Meraj Khan, Carolina G. Ortiz-Sandoval, Nades Palaniyar, Lambert P. van den Heuvel, Nicole C. A. J. van de Kar, Christoph Licht
Summary: Stx2a induces NET formation in neutrophils through the NOX-dependent pathway, with neutrophils from acute STEC-HUS patients showing lower ROS and NET formation compared to the recovery phase and healthy controls.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Songhai Tian, Hatim Thaker, Min Dong
Summary: Shiga toxins are classic bacterial toxins associated with Shigella dysenteriae and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, leading to life-threatening complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome. The lack of toxin inhibitors and effective treatments exacerbates the threat posed by Stxs.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jeongtae Kim, Jun Bong Lee, Jaewon Park, Chiwan Koo, Moo-Seung Lee
Summary: Shiga toxin (Stxs)-producing enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 are major causative agents of severe bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with extraintestinal complications. Detecting low levels of Stxs in environmental or food samples is crucial. Conventional detection methods such as PCR or immunoassays are laborious and time-consuming. Recent studies have described novel, sensitive, and portable methods for detecting Stxs from EHEC, including lateral flow assays, optical detection, and electrical detection.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Sebastian Loos, Jun Oh, Laura van de Loo, Markus J. Kemper, Martin Blohm, Raphael Schild
Summary: Hemoconcentration may serve as a risk factor for severe complications in children with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli-hemolytic uremic syndrome. The product of hemoglobin and LDH on admission can predict the severity of HUS, while the combined score of hemoglobin and creatinine shows good predictive value for the development of complications.
PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alyson R. Warr, Carole J. Kuehl, Matthew K. Waldor
Summary: The study demonstrates that the Shiga toxin (Stx) released by Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) markedly remodels how epithelial cells respond to infection, particularly in terms of the intestinal innate immune response.
Article
Immunology
Nicolas Garimano, Maria Lujan Scalise, Fernando Gomez, Maria Marta Amaral, Cristina Ibarra
Summary: This study investigates the effects of sugars derived from colonic mucus on the growth, adhesion, and production of the virulence factor Stx2 in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The results show that different sugars have varying impacts on EHEC growth, adhesion, and Stx2 production and translocation. These findings provide insights into the role of commensal microbiota in E. coli pathogenicity and the development of severe disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Megin C. Nichols, Paul Gacek, Quyen Phan, Kelly J. Gambino-Shirley, Lauren M. Gollarza, Morgan N. Schroeder, Alexandra Mercante, Jocelyn Mullins, Anna Blackstock, Mark E. Laughlin, Samantha M. Olson, Eugene Pizzo, Tu Ngoc Nguyen, Laurn Mank, Kimberly Holmes-Talbot, Alycia McNutt, Diane Noel, Anthony Muyombwe, Jafar H. Razeq, Mary Jane Lis, Bruce Sherman, Wayne Kasacek, Laura Whitlock, Nancy Strockbine, Haley Martin, Eshaw Vidyaprakash, Patrick McCormack, Matthew Cartter
Summary: The study aimed to identify sources of STEC O157 infection at Farm X and recommend public health measures. A case-control study found that patients were more likely to have sat on hay bales at the doe barn, and environmental samples from Farm X showed extensive contamination with STEC O157. Handwashing stations with soap, running water, and disposable towels should be provided at farms, and access to animal areas should be limited for children at risk. National recommendations are needed to reduce disease transmission.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sabine Delannoy, Mai-Lan Tran, Patrick Fach
Summary: Current methods for screening EHEC in raw milk products often produce false positive results. This study tested new EHEC markers and found that they improved the accuracy of screening and reduced the need for further confirmation. The analysis also revealed differences in the STEC flora among different animal species and suggested the possible presence of a new EHEC serogroup in cow's raw milk cheeses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tae Yeul Kim, Tae-Min La, Taesoo Kim, Sun Ae Yun, Sang-Won Lee, Hee Jae Huh, Nam Yong Lee
Summary: This study conducted whole-genome sequencing of a stx-negative, eae-positive E. coli isolate and found that it was genetically closely related to EHEC strains but distant from EPEC strains in cgMLST analysis. Comparative genomic analysis using WGS can help differentiate stx-negative and eae-positive isolates as EHEC-LST or EPEC, addressing the challenge of misdiagnosis in routine laboratories.
Article
Microbiology
Shiqin Zhang, Zhiye Bai, Zichen Wang, Xiang Wang, Wen Wang, Hongmei Li, Qingli Dong
Summary: This study collected 12 STEC isolates from beef and feces of commercial animals in China and identified them using serotyping and Shiga toxin subtyping. Whole-genome sequencing was used to determine their antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes, and sequence types. The results showed that the STEC isolates carried multiple antimicrobial resistance genes and formed clusters based on cgMLST. Comparison with STEC reference isolates worldwide revealed that the Chinese isolates represented diverse collections and shared a common ancestor regardless of serotype. Further investigation on the pathogenic potential of rare serotypes of STEC is needed.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Leonard Schuele, Erley Lizarazo-Forero, Katrin Strutzberg-Minder, Sabine Schuetze, Sandra Loebert, Claudia Lambrecht, Jurgen Harlizius, Alex W. Friedrich, Silke Peter, John W. A. Rossen, Natacha Couto
Summary: The emergence of porcine viruses poses a threat to animal and human health, as well as the economic stability of pig farmers worldwide. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can detect and characterize known and unknown viruses, but new methods like targeted sequence capture (TSC) panels can improve sensitivity. By analyzing samples from both sides of the Dutch-German border, researchers were able to detect more viral species using TSC compared to traditional methods, and identified a close similarity between influenza strains from Germany and the Netherlands through phylogenetic analysis.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
B. Ditz, J. Boekhoudt, N. Couto, C. A. Brandsma, P. S. Hiemstra, G. W. Tew, M. Neighbors, M. A. Grimbaldeston, W. Timens, H. A. M. Kerstjens, J. W. A. Rossen, V Guryev, M. van den Berge, A. Faiz
Summary: Current knowledge about the respiratory microbiome is mainly based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. New sequencing approaches, such as metatranscriptomics, offer the ability to measure the viable microbiome response to environmental conditions and investigate host-microbiome interactions. This study used RNA sequencing of bronchial biopsies to analyze the respiratory microbiome in COPD patients, and found ultra-low levels of microbial mass. The study also identified host-microbiome interactions and their regulation in the airways.
COPD-JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Paola Lisotto, Natacha Couto, Sigrid Rosema, Mariette Lokate, Xuewei Zhou, Erik Bathoorn, Hermie J. M. Harmsen, Alexander W. Friedrich, John W. A. Rossen, Monika A. Chlebowicz-Fliss
Summary: Genomic analysis of VREfm and VSEfm isolates revealed close relationships, with detailed analysis of MGEs and plasmid content enhancing discriminatory power and enabling identification of epidemiological links.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Maaike J. C. van den Beld, John W. A. Rossen, Noah Evers, Mirjam A. M. D. Kooistra-Smid, Frans A. G. Reubsaet
Summary: Three alternative approaches using MALDI-TOF MS were explored to identify and distinguish Shigella spp., E. coli, and EIEC, but none of them were suitable for clinical diagnostics. Other tests should be used for the identification of this complex.
Article
Microbiology
Soe Yu Naing, Joost Hordijk, Birgitta Duim, Els M. Broens, Linda Van der Graaf-van Bloois, John W. Rossen, Joris H. Robben, Masja Leendertse, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Aldert L. Zomer
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii, a nosocomial pathogen, poses a significant public health threat due to the global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Two MDR A. baumannii outbreaks occurred in a companion animal intensive care unit in the Netherlands. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolates of the two outbreaks were not related. Comparative genome analysis showed that the outbreak isolates contained different gene contents, including mobile genetic elements associated with antimicrobial resistance genes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Babak Pakbin, Wolfram Manuel Bruck, Samaneh Allahyari, John W. A. Rossen, Razzagh Mahmoudi
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance profile, and clonal relatedness of C. sakazakii strains isolated from powdered infant formula milk (PIFM) samples collected in Tehran, Iran. The results showed a high prevalence rate of C. sakazakii in PIFM samples, with high resistance to multiple antibiotics and a diverse genetic profile. The study highlights the need for novel microbial surveillance systems to control the contamination of this foodborne pathogen in infant foods.
Article
Virology
Kahren van Eer, Ihsane J. Laabi, Birgit H. B. van Benthem, Renske D. M. Steenbergen, Audrey King
Summary: This study found that concurrent genital-anal HPV infections often have high genital viral load, which can be effectively reduced by vaccination.
TUMOUR VIRUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nienke A. A. Kok, Nilay Peker, Leonard Schuele, Jessica L. L. de Beer, John W. A. Rossen, Bhanu Sinha, Natacha Couto
Summary: This study developed a method for NGS-based diagnosis of mycobacteria, and demonstrated that pre-treatment with saponin and DNAse I can increase the sensitivity of detection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Hege Vangstein Aamot, Eric C. J. Claas, Natacha Couto, Henrik Westh, Gilbert Greub, John W. A. Rossen
NEW MICROBES AND NEW INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
K. E. Boiten, E. J. Kuijper, L. Schuele, J. van Prehn, L. G. M. Bode, I. Maat, S. A. V. van Asten, D. W. Notermans, J. W. A. Rossen, A. C. M. Veloo
Summary: Five clinical multidrug-resistant Bacteroides fragilis isolates, with resistance to meropenem and metronidazole, were recovered in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2020. Through sequencing and assembly, various mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were identified. This study discovered novel CTns, Tns, and plasmids in these MDR B. fragilis isolates, expanding our understanding of multidrug resistance and horizontal gene transfer in anaerobic bacteria.
Article
Microbiology
Mathijs J. P. Theelen, Roosmarijn E. C. Luiken, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Marianne Sloet M. van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, John W. A. Rossen, Femke J. W. C. Schaafstra, David A. van Doorn, Aldert L. Zomer
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of transportation, hospitalisation, and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (TMS) administration on the faecal microbiota and resistome of healthy horses. The results showed that TMS treatment had a rapid and long-lasting effect on faecal microbiota composition and resistome, making the equine hindgut a reservoir and potential source of resistant bacteria, posing a risk to animal and human health.
Article
Pediatrics
Stephanie C. de Crom, M. Ted van Hinsbergh, Inge A. van Beijsterveldt, A. Marceline van Furth, John W. Rossen, Charlie C. Obihara
Summary: This study examined the motor development of children after HPeV or EV infections and found no significant differences in motor development between infected and uninfected children after 24 months of follow-up.
MINERVA PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Babak Pakbin, John W. A. Rossen, Wolfram Manuel Bruck, Naim Montazeri, Samaneh Allahyari, Shaghayegh Pishkhan Dibazar, Razieh Abdolvahabi, Razzagh Mahmoudi, Amir Peymani, Rasoul Samimi
Summary: The study found a prevalence of different foodborne and zoonotic viruses in raw cow milk samples, with astrovirus and its combination with norovirus GI being the most prevalent virus profiles. The highest correlations were observed among the presence of rotavirus and hepatitis A viruses, and TBEV and norovirus GII.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jacky Flipse, John W. A. Rossen, Gertjan H. J. Wagenvoort
Summary: The study compares self-collected gargle fluids and nasopharyngeal swabs as a strategy for diagnosing respiratory viruses and finds that both methods are acceptable and can enhance willingness for participating in screenings or diagnostics for respiratory viruses.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Hayley Cassidy, Leonard Schuele, Erley Lizarazo-Forero, Natacha Couto, John W. A. Rossen, Alex W. Friedrich, Coretta van Leer-Buter, Hubert G. M. Niesters
Summary: This study describes a fatal case associated with a chronic untypeable enterovirus infection in an immunocompromised patient. Long-read sequencing was used to identify the enterovirus genotype and track evolutionary changes. The study highlights the importance of next-generation sequencing in detecting and characterizing challenging viral infections.
