Detection of Bisgaard Taxon 40 in Rhinoceros Auklets ( Cerorhinca monocerata) with Pneumonia and Septicemia from a Mortality Event in Washington, USA.

We isolated Bisgaard taxon 40 from Rhinoceros Auklets ( Cerorhinca monocerata) with pneumonia and septicemia from Washington, US, found dead in 2016. Previously isolated only from the respiratory tract of a gull (Laridae), little is known about its pathogenic potential and whether it acts as a primary or opportunistic pathogen.

Primate vaginal microbiomes exhibit species specificity without universal Lactobacillus dominance.

Bacterial communities colonizing the reproductive tracts of primates (including humans) impact the health, survival and fitness of the host, and thereby the evolution of the host species. Despite their importance, we currently have a poor understanding of primate microbiomes. The composition and structure of microbial communities vary considerably depending on the host and environmental factors. We conducted comparative analyses of the primate vaginal microbiome using pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of a phylogenetically broad range of primates to test for factors affecting the diversity of primate vaginal ecosystems. The nine primate species included: humans (Homo sapiens), yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus), olive baboons (Papio anubis), lemurs (Propithecus diadema), howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), red colobus (Piliocolobus rufomitratus), vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops), mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Our results indicated that all primates exhibited host-specific vaginal microbiota and that humans were distinct from other primates in both microbiome composition and diversity. In contrast to the gut microbiome, the vaginal microbiome showed limited congruence with host phylogeny, and neither captivity nor diet elicited substantial effects on the vaginal microbiomes of primates. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance and Wilcoxon tests revealed correlations among vaginal microbiota and host species-specific socioecological factors, particularly related to sexuality, including: female promiscuity, baculum length, gestation time, mating group size and neonatal birth weight. The proportion of unclassified taxa observed in nonhuman primate samples increased with phylogenetic distance from humans, indicative of the existence of previously unrecognized microbial taxa. These findings contribute to our understanding of host-microbe variation and coevolution, microbial biogeography, and disease risk, and have important implications for the use of animal models in studies of human sexual and reproductive diseases.

Effect on performance of weanling alpacas following treatments against gastro-intestinal parasites.

Nematodes and coccidia are common parasites of alpacas (Vicugna pacos), and important causes of disease in this increasingly popular livestock species. Endoparasitic infestation is thought to increase at times of natural or imposed stress, and antiparasitic treatments are often administered, although to date there is little evidence regarding their effect. Thirty-one alpaca juvenilles (cria) were divided into four groups at weaning, and received either no treatment as a control (C), fenbendazole anthelmintic (FB), toltrazuril coccidiostat (T), or both treatments (FBT). Body weights and faecal egg/oocyst counts were recorded weekly for six weeks following treatment. Although the prophylactic treatments decreased faecal egg/oocyst counts of the target organisms in the short term, there was no significant difference in egg/oocyst output over the course of the trial from animals given wormer, coccidiostat or both treatments. The group receiving anthelmintic only showed a significant reduction in live weight gain (LWG), with no significant difference in LWG between the other groups. At the conclusion of the trial, 'wormed only' alpacas weighed 3.3% less than at weaning, losing an average 1.3 kg over six weeks, whereas average LWG in the control group was 2.5 kg. Antiparasitics transiently reduced egg/oocyst output but results suggest that further investigation is required on the action of anthelmintics administered to alpaca cria at weaning and their effect on animal health and welfare.

Characterization of assembly intermediates containing subunit 1 of yeast cytochrome oxidase.

Mitochondrial-encoded Cox1p, one of the three core subunits of yeast cytochrome oxidase (COX), was previously shown to associate with regulatory proteins and nuclear-encoded subunits into five high molecular weight complexes that were proposed to constitute the pathway for biogenesis of the Cox1p assembly module. One of the intermediates (D5) was inferred, but not directly shown to exist. In the present study mitochondria of strains expressing C-terminal-tagged subunits of COX that had not been looked at previously were pulse-labeled and analyzed for the presence of newly translated Cox1p in the immunoprecipitates. These studies revealed that of the eight nuclear-encoded COX subunits, only Cox5ap, Cox6p, and Cox8p are present in the Cox1p module. Both Cox5ap and Cox8p share interfaces with Cox1p in the holoenzyme, whereas Cox6p interacts indirectly through Cox5ap. These results suggest that the subunit contacts in the holoenzyme are probably established during biogenesis of the Cox1p module. To confirm the existence of the largest Cox1p intermediates (D5), which was only inferred previously, radiolabeled Cox1p with a C-terminal tag was expressed in COX-deficient pet111 and pet494 mutants. Pulldown assays confirmed the presence of newly translated Cox1p in D5, which in wild type cannot be demonstrated directly because of its co-migration with COX in the native electrophoresis system used to separate the intermediates. Jointly, the results of these analyses substantiate our previous proposal that COX is assembled from separate assembly modules, each containing one of the mitochondrial-translated core subunits in association with a unique set of nuclear-encoded subunits.

A multi-omic systems-based approach reveals metabolic markers of bacterial vaginosis and insight into the disease.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder of reproductive-age women. Yet the cause of BV has not been established. To uncover key determinants of BV, we employed a multi-omic, systems-biology approach, including both deep 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and metabolomics of lavage samples from 36 women. These women varied demographically, behaviorally, and in terms of health status and symptoms. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 16S rRNA gene-based community composition profiles reflected Nugent scores, but not Amsel criteria. In contrast, metabolomic profiles were markedly more concordant with Amsel criteria. Metabolomic profiles revealed two distinct symptomatic BV types (SBVI and SBVII) with similar characteristics that indicated disruption of epithelial integrity, but each type was correlated to the presence of different microbial taxa and metabolites, as well as to different host behaviors. The characteristic odor associated with BV was linked to increases in putrescine and cadaverine, which were both linked to Dialister spp. Additional correlations were seen with the presence of discharge, 2-methyl-2-hydroxybutanoic acid, and Mobiluncus spp., and with pain, diethylene glycol and Gardnerella spp. CONCLUSIONS: The results not only provide useful diagnostic biomarkers, but also may ultimately provide much needed insight into the determinants of BV.

Identification of Vibrio natriegens uvrA and uvrB genes and analysis of gene regulation using transcriptional reporter plasmids.

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) rectifies a variety of chemically and structurally distinct DNA lesions. The current model of NER is based upon the enteric bacterium Escherichia coli and there is scarce information about how other bacterial species respond to, and correct, DNA damage. Here we report the isolation and functional analysis of the uvrA and uvrB genes from Vibrio natriegens, a naturally occurring marine bacterium. Genetic studies were completed to assess the repair capabilities of V. natriegens uvrA and uvrB in E. coli uvrA and uvrB mutants. In addition to the genetic studies, transcriptional fusions between the luciferase gene and the 5' regulatory regions of uvrA and uvrB gene of V. natriegens and E. coli were constructed. Luminescent measurements from E. coli transformed with these constructs showed that whilst the response to UV irradiation of either E. coli or V. natriegens uvrA regulatory sequences was similar, both the rate and induction of luminescence detected from the uvrB regulatory regions differed.

Comparative genomics of Gardnerella vaginalis strains reveals substantial differences in metabolic and virulence potential.

BACKGROUND: Gardnerella vaginalis is described as a common vaginal bacterial species whose presence correlates strongly with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Here we report the genome sequencing and comparative analyses of three strains of G. vaginalis. Strains 317 (ATCC 14019) and 594 (ATCC 14018) were isolated from the vaginal tracts of women with symptomatic BV, while Strain 409-05 was isolated from a healthy, asymptomatic individual with a Nugent score of 9. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Substantial genomic rearrangement and heterogeneity were observed that appeared to have resulted from both mobile elements and substantial lateral gene transfer. These genomic differences translated to differences in metabolic potential. All strains are equipped with significant virulence potential, including genes encoding the previously described vaginolysin, pili for cytoadhesion, EPS biosynthetic genes for biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance systems, We also observed systems promoting multi-drug and lantibiotic extrusion. All G. vaginalis strains possess a large number of genes that may enhance their ability to compete with and exclude other vaginal colonists. These include up to six toxin-antitoxin systems and up to nine additional antitoxins lacking cognate toxins, several of which are clustered within each genome. All strains encode bacteriocidal toxins, including two lysozyme-like toxins produced uniquely by strain 409-05. Interestingly, the BV isolates encode numerous proteins not found in strain 409-05 that likely increase their pathogenic potential. These include enzymes enabling mucin degradation, a trait previously described to strongly correlate with BV, although commonly attributed to non-G. vaginalis species. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results indicate that all three strains are able to thrive in vaginal environments, and therein the BV isolates are capable of occupying a niche that is unique from 409-05. Each strain has significant virulence potential, although genomic and metabolic differences, such as the ability to degrade mucin, indicate that the detection of G. vaginalis in the vaginal tract provides only partial information on the physiological potential of the organism.

Heterogeneity of vaginal microbial communities within individuals.

Recent culture-independent studies have revealed that a healthy vaginal ecosystem harbors a surprisingly complex assemblage of microorganisms. However, the spatial distribution and composition of vaginal microbial populations have not been investigated using molecular methods. Here, we evaluated site-specific microbial composition within the vaginal ecosystem and examined the influence of sampling technique in detection of the vaginal microbiota. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were prepared from samples obtained from different locations (cervix, fornix, outer vaginal canal) and by different methods (swabbing, scraping, lavaging) from the vaginal tracts of eight clinically healthy, asymptomatic women. The data reveal that the vaginal microbiota is not homogenous throughout the vaginal tract but differs significantly within an individual with regard to anatomical site and sampling method used. Thus, this study illuminates the complex structure of the vaginal ecosystem and calls for the consideration of microenvironments when sampling vaginal microbiota as a clinical predictor of vaginal health.

CCR5 expression and duration of high risk sexual activity among HIV-seronegative men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that in comparison with those with shorter risk duration, individuals with longer HIV risk duration would have reduced susceptibility to HIV-1 infection as measured by CCR5 expression, and to evaluate whether variation in CCR5 expression could be explained by known genetic polymorphisms. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of HIV-1 exposed but uninfected men who have sex with men. The risk duration was estimated from self-reported years since first receptive anal intercourse. CCR5 expression on peripheral blood CD4+ monocytes and T cells was determined by flow cytometry. The CCR5-Delta32 mutation and polymorphisms in the CCR5 promoter and CCR2 as well as the copy number of CCL3L1 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Plasma levels of MIP-1alpha (CCL3), MIP-1beta (CCL4) and RANTES (CCL5) were also measured. As risk duration varied with age, analyses were restricted to 67 individuals aged 30-49 years. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for age and race, showed a significant negative association between HIV risk duration and CCR5 expression on monocytes (P = 0.01), and in a separate model, a similar negative association with CCR5 expression on T cells (P = 0.03). Low CCR5 expression was attributable mainly to CCR5-Delta32 heterozygosity and the CCR5-59029G allele. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed a role for reduced CCR5 expression in HIV-1 resistance. CCR5-Delta32 heterozygosity and the CCR5-59029G allele were significant predictors of low CCR5 expression. Individuals with high CCR5 expression who resisted infection despite long HIV risk duration form an interesting group within which to search for additional mechanisms of resistance to HIV infection.

In vitro chloroquine susceptibility and PCR analysis of pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Senegal.

Chloroquine resistance has been linked to mutations in the pfcrt and pfmdr1 genes of Plasmodium falciparum. To estimate the prevalence of the pfcrt K76T, pfmdr1 N86Y, and pfmdr1 D1246Y polymorphisms, isolates of P. falciparum from Senegal, West Africa, were analyzed, and the results were compared to in vitro chloroquine susceptibility. By the in vitro DELI test, 31% of these samples were resistant to chloroquine. Polymerase chain reaction-based assays and confirmatory sequencing demonstrated the pfcrt T76, pfmdr1 Y86, and pfmdr1 Y1246 alleles in 79%, 31%, and 2% of the isolates, respectively. All three mutant alleles were present in both in vitro susceptible and resistant isolates. On the basis of these findings, it appears that these molecular markers are not consistently predictive of in vitro chloroquine resistance in Senegal.