Parasitas do chupim molothrus bonariensis e do pássaro-preto-austral curaeus curaeus (Passeriformes: icteridae) no Chile

Comparative studies of parasites in sympatric bird species have been generally scarce. Parasitic infection/transmission can be spread in a number of ways that suggests possible direct and indirect, horizontal transmission between avian hosts. In order to determine whether two sympatric icterids from Central and Southern Chile share their parasite fauna (ecto-and endoparasites), we examined parasites of 27 Shiny Cowbirds, Molothrus bonariensis, and 28 Austral Blackbirds, Curaeus curaeus, including individuals captured in the wild and carcasses. We found that Shiny Cowbirds were infected with the chewing lice Brueelia bonariensis, Philopterus sp. 1, the feather mites Amerodectes molothrus, Proctophyllodes spp. (species 1 and 2), and the helminths Mediorhynchus papillosus, Plagiorhynchus sp., Dispharynx nasuta and Tetrameres paucispina, while Austral Blackbirds had the chewing lice Myrsidea sp., Philopterus sp. 2, the feather mites Proctophyllodes sp. 3, Amerodectes sp., and three helminths: Anonchotaenia sp., Capillaria sp. and M. papillosus. The flea Dasypsyllus (Neornipsyllus) cteniopus was found only on the Austral Blackbird. The only parasite species shared by both icterids was the acanthocephalan M. papillosus, possibly due to their feeding on the same intermediate insect hosts. With the exception of B. bonariensis and Philopterus sp. 1 found on the Shiny Cowbird, all species reported in this study represent new parasite-host associations and new records of parasite diversity in Chile.Estudos comparativos de parasitas em espécies de aves simpátricas são escassos. A infecção/transmissão de parasitas pode acontecer de diversas maneiras, incluindo possível transmissão direta, indireta ou horizontal entre as aves hospedeiras. Com o objetivo de determinar se dois icterídeos simpátricos do centro e sul do Chile compartilham a sua fauna parasitária (ecto- e endoparasitas), foram examinados os parasitas de 27 chupins Molothrus bonariensis e 28 pássaros-pretos-austral Curaeus curaeus, incluindo indivíduos capturados com rede de neblina e em carcaças. Nos chupins analisados, foram encontrados os piolhos de penas Brueelia bonariensis, Philopterus sp. 1, os ácaros Amerodectes molothrus, Proctophyllodes spp. (espécie 1 e 2), e os helmintos Mediorhynchus papillosus, Plagiorhynchus sp., Dispharynx nasuta e Tetrameres paucispina. Em contraste, os pássaros-pretos-austral estavam infectados com os piolhos Myrsidea sp., Philopterus sp. 2, os ácaros Proctophyllodes sp. 3, Amerodectes sp., e os helmintos Anonchotaenia sp., Capillaria sp. e M. papillosus. Adicionalmente, um espécime de pássaro-preto-austral estava parasitado pela pulga Dasypsyllus (Neornipsyllus) cteniopus. A única espécie de parasita que foi encontrada nas duas espécies de aves foi o acantocéfalo M. papillosus, possivelmente devido ao fato de que ambas as aves se alimentam dos insetos que são os hospedeiros intermediários deste parasita. Exceto os registros de B. bonariensis e Philopterus sp. 1 encontrados no chupim, todas as espécies reportadas neste estudo correspondem à novas associações de parasita/hospedeiro e novos registros para a diversidade parasitológica do Chile.Fil: Mena, Mabel. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Valdebenito, José Osvaldo. University of Bath; Reino UnidoFil: Moreno, Lucila. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Fuentes Castillo, Danny. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Kinsella, John Mike. Helmwest Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Mironov, Sergey. Zoological Institute Of The Russian Academy Of Sciences; RusiaFil: Barrientos, Carlos. Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago; ChileFil: Cicchino, Armando Conrado. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología. Grupo de Entomología Edáfica Bonaerense Suboriental - GENEBSO; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: González Acuña, Daniel. Universidad de Concepción; Chil

FONA-7, a Novel Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Variant of the FONA Family Identified in Serratia fonticola

Serratia fonticola is a human pathogen widely found in the environment, with birds being reported as possible natural hosts. During an epidemiological and genomic surveillance study conducted to monitor the occurrence of extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in South American wild birds, we identified an ESBL-positive S. fonticola in a fecal sample collected from a Hudsonian Whimbrel, during its non-breeding range on the Pacific Coast of Chile. Whole genome sequencing analysis and in silico modeling revealed a novel variant of the class A ESBLs FONA family, designated FONA-7, which shows 96.28% amino acid identity with FONA-6; with amino acid substitutions occurring in the signal peptide sequence (Thr22/Ser), and in the mature protein (Ser39/Asn and Thr227/Ile). This finding denotes that migratory birds can be potential vectors for the transboundary spread of ESBL-producing bacteria, creating a further theoretical riskfor the origin of novel plasmid-encoded b-lactamases.Fil: Fuentes Castillo, Danny. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Power, Pablo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Cerdeira, Louise. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Cardenas-Arias, Adriana. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Moura, Quézia. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Oliveira, Flavio A.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Levy, Carlos E.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Gutkind, Gabriel Osvaldo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Catão-Dias, José L.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Lincopan, Nilton. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

May Measurement Month 2018: a pragmatic global screening campaign to raise awareness of blood pressure by the International Society of Hypertension

Aims Raised blood pressure (BP) is the biggest contributor to mortality and disease burden worldwide and fewer than half of those with hypertension are aware of it. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign set up in 2017, to raise awareness of high BP and as a pragmatic solution to a lack of formal screening worldwide. The 2018 campaign was expanded, aiming to include more participants and countries. Methods and results Eighty-nine countries participated in MMM 2018. Volunteers (≥18 years) were recruited through opportunistic sampling at a variety of screening sites. Each participant had three BP measurements and completed a questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. In total, 74.9% of screenees provided three BP readings. Multiple imputation using chained equations was used to impute missing readings. 1 504 963 individuals (mean age 45.3 years; 52.4% female) were screened. After multiple imputation, 502 079 (33.4%) individuals had hypertension, of whom 59.5% were aware of their diagnosis and 55.3% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on medication, 60.0% were controlled and of all hypertensives, 33.2% were controlled. We detected 224 285 individuals with untreated hypertension and 111 214 individuals with inadequately treated (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) hypertension. Conclusion May Measurement Month expanded significantly compared with 2017, including more participants in more countries. The campaign identified over 335 000 adults with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. In the absence of systematic screening programmes, MMM was effective at raising awareness at least among these individuals at risk

Aves selvagens do Chile como indicadores biológicos de Enterobacterales portadores de carbapenemases ou beta-lactamases de espectro estendido

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a major threat to human and animal health. Among these organisms, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- or carbapenemase- producing Enterobacterales commonly cause infections both in human and veterinary medicine. Actually, are considered global critical-priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO) with a urgence in research and development of effective drugs and treatments. Recent studies reports that wild animals have been colonized by ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, nevertheless, critical gaps on the knowledge about the real role of wildlife in the evolution and spread of these “superbugs”. In this epidemiological surveillance study, using microbiologic and whole-genome sequencing tools, we analyzed wild bird samples admitted at wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRC) and free- living birds from several eco-regions of Chile, including the Andes Highlands, Atacama Desert, Chiloé Archipelago and Patagonia, besides Antarctica. Our results reveal that wild owls and Andean condors were colonized by international clones of ESBL CTX- M-types-carrying Escherichia coli. An owl (Bubo magellanicus) was also colonized by a Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis belonged to the sequence type (ST) 32 carrying a blaCTX-65M gene. On other hand, in free-living birds, was registered a migratory bird (Numenius phaeopus) colonized by an Serratia fonticola bearing the ESBL chromosomal gene FONA-type; whole-genome sequencing and “ in silico” studies determined that belonged to a novel variant, designed as FONA-7. In samples of five wild Andean condors that fed on landfills at the Andes Highlands, we founded E. coli producers of carbapenemase NDM-5 and BLEE (SHV-12 e CTX-M-177) genes. Finally, in a Chiloé Archipelago’s Island, South Chile, CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-55- producing E. coli were isolated from three migratory gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan) and two resident gulls (Chroicocephalus maculipennis). ESBL- or carbapenemase- producing Enterobacterales cause nosocomial infections and human deaths globally. The wildlife also has been colonized by these bacteria, but the real impact on their populations has not be investigated. Our study, reveal that birds admitted at WRC and free-living birds in natural environments of Chile, were colonized by international clones of multi-resistant E. coli e S. Infantis carrying the ESBL CTX-M and SHV-types; a novel ESBL FONA family variant carried by S. fonticola; and the emergence of multidrug-resistant NDM-5-producing E. coli clones in Chile. These results highlight the role of wild birds as bioindicators of Enterobacterales resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems in the Chilean territory. Due to the impact of the critical-priority pathogen dissemination, and the closely link of human and wildlife population, this issue should be investigated with a “One Health” approach.Bactérias resistentes aos antibióticos são uma das maiores ameaças às saúdes humana e animal. Entre estes organismos, os Enterobacterales produtores de beta- lactamases de espectro estendido (BLEE) ou carbapenemases comumente causam infeções difíceis de tratar, tanto em medicina humana como veterinária. Atualmente, são considerados patógenos de prioridade crítica pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para o desenvolvimento de novos antimicrobianos capazes de controlá-los. Recentes investigações reportam que animais selvagens são colonizados por Enterobacterales produtores de carbapenemases e BLEE, porém ainda existem lacunas críticas de conhecimento sobre o papel da fauna selvagem na evolução e disseminação destas consideradas “super-bactérias”. Neste estudo de vigilância epidemiológica de Enterobacterales produtores de BLEE ou carbapenemases, usando ferramentas microbiológicas e de sequenciamento de nova geração, analisamos amostras de aves silvestres admitidas em centros de reabilitação e aves de vida livre de diferentes ecoregiões do Chile, incluindo a Cordilheira dos Andes, deserto de Atacama, arquipélago de Chiloé e Patagonia, além da Antártica. Nossos resultados revelam que corujas e condores andinos admitidos em centros de reabilitação de fauna silvestre estavam colonizados por clones internacionais de Escherichia coli portadores de genes BLEE do tipo CTX-M. Uma das corujas (Bubo magellanicus) estava também colonizada por Salmonela enterica ser. Infantis da sequência tipo (ST) 32, que carregava o gene blaCTX-M-65. Por outro lado, em aves de vida livre, foi registrada uma ave migratória (Numenius phaeopus) colonizada por Serratia fonticola portando o gene cromossômico BLEE do tipo FONA; estudos de sequenciamento genômico e modelamento “ in silico” determinaram que o mesmo correspondia a uma nova variante da família FONA, denominada como FONA-7. Em amostras de 5 condores de vida livre que se alimentavam em aterros sanitários na Cordilheira dos Andes, registramos E. coli produtoras da carbapenemase NDM-5 e genes BLEE (SHV-12 e CTX-M-177). Finalmente, em uma ilha do Arquipélago de Chiloé, sul do Chile, foram registrados os genes CTX-M-1 e CTX-M-55 em E. coli isoladas de três gaivotas migratórias (Leucophaeus pipixcan) e duas residentes (Chroicocephalus maculipennis). Enterobacterales portadores de BLEE e carbapenemases causam infeções nosocomiais e mortes humanas globalmente. Estas bactérias também têm sido isoladas em fauna selvagem, mas o verdadeiro impacto sobre as suas populações ainda não foi plenamente investigado. Nosso estudo revela que aves silvestres admitidas em centros de reabilitação de fauna silvestre e aves de vida livre em ambientes naturais do Chile estavam colonizadas por clones internacionais multirresistentes de E. coli e S. enterica serovar Infantis portadores de BLEE dos tipos CTX-M e SHV; uma S. fonticola carregando uma nova variante da família BLEE FONA; e a emergência da carbapenemase NDM-5 em E. coli multirresistente no Chile. Estes resultados ressaltam o papel da fauna silvestre como bioindicadores das linhagens de Enterobacterales resistentes às cefalosporinas de espectro estendido e carbapenêmicos no território chileno. Devido ao impacto da disseminação destes patógenos de prioridade crítica e à estreita conexão das populações humanas e fauna selvagem, este problema deve ser investigado com um enfoque de “saúde única”

One Health Spread of 16S Ribosomal RNA Methyltransferase-Harboring Gram-Negative Bacterial Genomes: An Overview of the Americas

Aminoglycoside antimicrobials remain valuable therapeutic options, but their effectiveness has been threatened by the production of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA methyltransferases (16S-RMTases). In this study, we evaluated the genomic epidemiology of 16S-RMTase genes among Gram-negative bacteria circulating in the American continent. A total of 4877 16S-RMTase sequences were identified mainly in Enterobacterales and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli isolated from humans, animals, foods, and the environment during 1931–2023. Most of the sequences identified were found in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, and the prevalence of 16S-RMTase genes have increased in the last five years (2018–2022). The three species most frequently carrying 16S-RMTase genes were Acinetobacter baummannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The armA gene was the most prevalent, but other 16S-RMTase genes (e.g., rmtB, rmtE, and rmtF) could be emerging backstage. More than 90% of 16S-RMTase sequences in the Americas were found in North American countries, and although the 16S-RMTase genes were less prevalent in Central and South American countries, these findings may be underestimations due to limited genomic data. Therefore, whole-genome sequence-based studies focusing on aminoglycoside resistance using a One Health approach in low- and middle-income countries should be encouraged

Genomic data reveals the emergence of an IncQ1 small plasmid carrying blaKPC-2 in Escherichia coli of the pandemic sequence type 648

Objectives: The global success of carbapenem-resistant pathogens has been attributed to large plasmids carrying blaKPC genes circulating among high-risk clones. In this study, we sequenced the genome of a carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli strain (Ec351) isolated from a human infection. Phylogenomic analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as well as the comparative resistome and plasmidome of globally disseminated blaKPC-2-positive E. coli strains with identical sequence type (ST) were further investigated. Methods: Total DNA was sequenced using an Illumina NextSeq 500 platform and was assembled using Unicycler. Genomic data were evaluated through bioinformatics tools available from the Center of Genomic Epidemiology and by in silico analysis. Results: Genomic analysis revealed the convergence of a wide resistome and virulome in E. coli ST648, showing a high-level phylogenetic relationship with a KPC-2-positive ST648 cluster identified in the USA and association with international clade 2. Additionally, the emergence of an IncQ1 small plasmid (pEc351) carrying blaKPC-2 (on an NTEKPC-IId element), aph(3')-VIa, and plasmid regulatory and replication genes in the pandemic clone ST648 is reported. Conclusion: Identification of a blaKPC-2-positive IncQ1 plasmid in a high-risk E. coli clone represents rapid adaptation and expansion of these small plasmids encoding carbapenemases to novel bacterial hosts with global distribution, which deserves continued monitoring

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1-producing Citrobacter portucalensis belonging to the novel ST264 causing fatal sepsis in a vulnerable migratory sea turtle

Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles migrate across tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Worryingly, olive ridley populations have been declining substantially and is now considered a threatened species. In this regard, habitat degradation, anthropogenic pollution, and infectious diseases have been the most notorious threats for this species. We isolated a metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1)-producing Citrobacter portucalensis from the blood sample of an infected migratory olive ridley turtle found stranded sick in the coast of Brazil. Genomic analysis of C. portucalensis confirmed a novel sequence type (ST), named ST264, and a wide resistome to broad-spectrum antibiotics. The production of NDM-1 by the strain contributed to treatment failure and death of the animal. Phylogenomic relationship with environmental and human strains from African, European and Asian countries confirmed that critical priority clones of C. portucalensis are spreading beyond hospital settings, representing an emerging ecological threat to marine ecosystems

Endophytic Lifestyle of Global Clones of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Priority Pathogens in Fresh Vegetables: a Trojan Horse Strategy Favoring Human Colonization?

The global spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes is a critical issue that is no longer restricted to hospital settings, but also represents a growing problem involving environmental and food safety. In this study, we have performed a microbiological and genomic investigation of critical priority pathogens resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and showing endophytic lifestyles in fresh vegetables sold in a country with high endemicity of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). We report the isolation of international high-risk clones of CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli, belonging to clonal complexes CC38 and CC648, and Klebsiella pneumoniae of complex CC307 from macerated tissue of surface-sterilized leaves of spinach, cabbage, arugula, and lettuce. Regardless of species, all ESBL-positive isolates were able to endophytically colonize common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedlings, showed resistance to acid pH, and had a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile to clinically relevant antibiotics (i.e., broad-spectrum cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones). Genomic analysis of CTX-M-producing endophytic Enterobacterales revealed a wide resistome (antibiotics, biocides, disinfectants, and pesticides) and virulome, and genes for endophytic fitness and for withstanding acidic conditions. Transferable IncFIB and IncHI2A plasmids carried bla CTX-M-15 genes and, additionally, an IncFIB plasmid (named pKP301cro) also harbored genes encoding resistance to heavy metals. These data support the hypothesis that fresh vegetables marketed for consumption can act as a figurative Trojan horse for the hidden spread of international clones of critical WHO priority pathogens producing ESBLs, and/or their resistance genes, to humans and other animals, which is a critical issue within a food safety and broader public and environmental health perspective.IMPORTANCE Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales are a leading cause of human and animal infections, being classified as critical priority pathogens by the World Health Organization. Epidemiological studies have shown that spread of ESBL-producing bacteria is not a problem restricted to hospitals, but also represents a growing problem involving environmental and food safety. In this regard, CTX-M-type β-lactamases have become the most widely distributed and clinically relevant ESBLs worldwide. Here, we have investigated the occurrence and genomic features of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in surface-sterilized fresh vegetables. We have uncovered that international high-risk clones of CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring a wide resistome and virulome, carry additional genes for endophytic fitness and resistance to acidic conditions. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that these CTX-M-15-positive isolates are able to endophytically colonize plant tissues. Therefore, we believe that fresh vegetables can act as a figurative Trojan horse for the hidden spread of critical priority pathogens exhibiting endophytic lifestyles

Ectoparasites of the black-chinned siskin Spinus barbatus (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Chile

Abstract Despite being a bird with a broad and extensive distribution in Chile, the black-chinned siskin, Spinus barbatus Molina, 1782 is not well studied in relation to its parasites. This paper aims to describe the ectoparasite fauna of S. barbatus in central and southern Chile. A total of 125 individuals caught with mist nets were examined alive; a total of 22 parasites were found dead and were exposed to parasit autopsy. The extracted parasites were preserved in 70% alcohol for subsequent mounting and identification. Ectoparasites were found in 56 black-chinned siskins (38%); 48 of them (33%) had 870 mites – 680 feather mites (Astigmata: Analgoidea) were identified as Proctophyllodes spini, 167 as Knemidokoptes jamaicensis, 19 as Strelkoviacarus critesi, and one as Analges passerinus. Moreover, three mites were chiggers belonging to the tribe Schoengastiini (Prostigmata: Trombiculidae). In 21 birds (14%), 54 lice were found, 21 of which were identified as Philopterus roehreri, 18 as Myrsidea serini, and 15 as Ricinus carolynae. Endoparasites were not found in the necropsied individuals. All of the parasites that were found represent new records for Chile, and they also serve as new records of host–parasite associations for S. barbatus