One Health EJP, european joint programming and funding of research on foodborne zoonoses

L’EJP One health est un projet européen de recherche destiné à éclairer la décision publique dans le domaine de la sécurité sanitaire des aliments (One Health EJP). Il a pour objectif de contribuer à renforcer les liens existants entre santé animale, santé humaine et l’environnement selon la démarche “Une seule santé” (Jestin & Davoust, 2015; Parodi, 2018). Co-financé par la Commission Européenne et les états membres de l’Union Européenne, ce projet regroupe 39 partenaires de 19 états membres. Ces centres publics de recherche, soit en santé publique soit en santé animale, mènent des travaux de recherche sur les zoonoses alimentaires, l’antibiorésistance et les maladies émergentes alimentaires tout en assurant les mandats de référence correspondants. La mise en œuvre de la démarche “Une seule santé” se fait par la mobilisation des deux communautés “Med” et “Vet”, dans une approche multidisciplinaire. Les priorités thématiques de recherche sont définies par les instituts de recherche après consultation des agences nationales et européennes d’évaluation des risques. Par cette approche l’EJP One Health est un projet de recherche destinée à générer des informations scientifiques essentielles à l’analyse et à l’évaluation des risques sanitaires, et à ce titre est en appui à la décision publique.The One Health concept recognizes that the human health is tightly connected to the health of animals and to the environment, i.e. that animal feed, human food, animal and human health, and environmental contamination are closely linked. These are the main focus of our European joint programme (EJP). One reference laboratory from the public health / medicine domain and one reference laboratory from the food / veterinary domain are associated within a network of 39 European laboratories and research centers, distributed in 19 participating member states, with the aim to reach significant advances in the fields of foodborne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance and emerging threats within a global One Health approach. Most of these laboratories have reference responsibilities, representing a sustainable framework for an integrated research community. The One Health EJP aims at reinforcing collaboration between institutes by enhancing transdisciplinary cooperation and integration of activities. The One health EJP is a policy driven project, contributing to strengthen the decision of the policy makers

Protection of rabbits against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) using an intimin null mutant

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea and mortality resulting from infections with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are of major economic importance in the rabbit meat industry. There is a growing need for an effective vaccine to cope with these problems and to reduce the use of antibiotics. EPEC are characterized by an attaching and effacing virulence mechanism. This is partly mediated by the intimate binding between an adhesin, called intimin, and a translocated receptor (Tir) of prokaryote origin. We constructed an intimin deletion mutant of the rabbit EPEC (REPEC) wild-type strain 97/241.6 (bio-/serogroup 3-/O15) and examined its protective capacity. RESULTS: After verifying its complete loss of virulence, we used the attenuated strain in vaccination-challenge experiments in which complete protection against a homologous, but virulent, strain was observed. The attenuated strain was able to persist in the intestinal lumen, where it elicited an immune response against EPEC-related virulence proteins, as was shown using an EspB-specific ELISA. Despite the priming of an immune response and the generation of specific antibodies, the intimin mutant was not able to fully protect rabbits against challenges with REPEC strains of other bio-/serogroups. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that protection against REPEC infections is at least partly bio-/serogroup dependent and a multivalent vaccine may be needed for protection against the full range of REPEC types. Such a combination vaccine may be developed using intimin null mutants, as the latter were clearly shown to be safe and effective against homologous infections

Molecular characterization of Salmonella Enteritidis : comparison of an optimized multi-locus variable-number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a genetically homogenous serovar, which makes optimal subtype discrimination crucial for epidemiological research. This study describes the development and evaluation of an optimized multiple-locus variable number tandem-repeat assay (MLVA) for characterization of SE. The typeability and discriminatory power of this MLVA was determined on a selected collection of 60 SE isolates and compared with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using restriction enzymes XbaI, NotI, or SfiI. In addition, the estimated Wallace coefficient (W) was calculated to assess the congruence of the typing methods. Selection of epidemiologically unrelated isolates and more related isolates (originating from layer farms) was also based on the given phage type (PT). When targeting six loci, MLVA generated 16 profiles, while PFGE produced 10, 9, and 16 pulsotypes using XbaI, NotI, and SfiI, respectively, for the entire strain collection. For the epidemiologically unrelated isolates, MLVA had the highest discriminatory power and showed good discrimination between isolates from different layer farms and among isolates from the same layer farm. MLVA performed together with PT showed higher discriminatory power compared to PFGE using one restriction enzyme together with PT. Results showed that combining PT with the optimized MLVA presented here provides a rapid typing tool with good discriminatory power for characterizing SE isolates of various origins and isolates originating from the same layer farm

A multi-country One Health foodborne outbreak simulation exercise: cross-sectoral cooperation, data sharing and communication

IntroductionThe awareness of scientists and policy makers regarding the requirement for an integrated One Health (OH) approach in responding to zoonoses has increased in recent years. However, there remains an overall inertia in relation to the implementation of practical cross-sector collaborations. Foodborne outbreaks of zoonotic diseases continue to affect the European population despite stringent regulations, evidencing the requirement for better ‘prevent, detect and response’ strategies. Response exercises play an essential role in the improvement of crisis management plans, providing the opportunity to test practical intervention methodologies in a controlled environment.MethodsThe One Health European Joint Programme simulation exercise (OHEJP SimEx) aimed at practicing the OH capacity and interoperability across public health, animal health and food safety sectors in a challenging outbreak scenario. The OHEJP SimEx was delivered through a sequence of scripts covering the different stages of a Salmonella outbreak investigation at a national level, involving both the human food chain and the raw pet feed industry.ResultsA total of 255 participants from 11 European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands) took part in national level two-day exercises during 2022. National evaluations identified common recommendations to countries aiming to improve their OH structure to establish formal communication channels between sectors, implement a common data sharing platform, harmonize laboratory procedures, and reinforce inter-laboratory networks within countries. The large proportion of participants (94%) indicated significant interest in pursuing a OH approach and desire to work more closely with other sectors.DiscussionThe OHEJP SimEx outcomes will assist policy makers in implementing a harmonized approach to cross-sector health-related topics, by highlighting the benefits of cooperation, identifying gaps in the current strategies and suggesting actions required to better address foodborne outbreaks. Furthermore, we summarize recommendations for future OH simulation exercises, which are essential to continually test, challenge and improve national OH strategies

Les souches pathogènes d'Escherichia coli chez les chiens et les chats: III) Données bactériologiques et cliniques sur les souches nécrotoxinogènes et sur celles positives pour des adhésines

The purpose of this study was to characterize 25 necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli type 1 (NTEC1), one necrotoxigenic E coli type 2 (NTEC2) and 16 non-necrotoxigenic E coli isolated, between 1979 and 1993, from feces, intestinal content or internal organs of dogs and cats using a uniform and standardized typing scheme, as previously described on NTEC1 and NTEC2 isolates from cattle, humans and pigs (Mainil et al, 1999). The results obtained by colony hybridization and PCR on the NTEC1 isolates were homogeneous: eighteen NTEC1 isolates harboured prs- and sfa/foc-related DNA sequences; five NTEC1 isolates harboured sfa/foc-related DNA sequences; one NTEC1 isolate harboured prs-related DNA sequences; and one was negative. The only NTEC2 isolate was also negative. Only a few NTEC1 isolates were positive for f17-, afa- or cdt-related DNA sequences. All NTEC1 and the NTEC2 isolates were haemolytic on blood agar and were resistant to the bactericidal activity of the serum (one exception). By contrast a very few produced an aerobactin or a colicin. The strains belonged to various serogroups and many could not be identified with the immunsera used. On the other hand all but one NTEC1 isolates belonged to biotype 9. The most typical profile identifed for NTEC1 from dogs and cats was: CNF1+Prs+S+Hly+Bio9+. The results obtained on the non-necrotoxigenic E. coli isolates were more heterogeneous: two of them harboured pap/prs- and sfa/foc-related DNA sequences; ten harboured pap/prs-related DNA sequences; and four, other DNA sequences. The results of the phenotypic assays were more heterogeneous also. NTEC1 strains were isolated from essentially young puppies and kitties (< 3 months for 16 out of 22), with sometimes older animals (up to 12 years). The digestive pathologies were non haemorrhagic diarrhea/enteritis essentially. When haemorrhagic diarrhea/enteritis were observed, other infectious agents were present or strongly suspected (parvovirus, Salmonella). Extraintestinal pathologies were septicaemic or systemic colibacillosis, with one case of necro-haemorrhagic metritis. NTEC1 and non-NTEC were not frequently antibiotic resistant. The most frequent resistant were to ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfonamides and neomycin.The purpose of this study was to characterize 25 necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli type 1 (NTEC1), one necrotoxigenic E coli type 2 (NTEC2) and 16 non-necrotoxigenic E coli isolated, between 1979 and 1993, from feces, intestinal content or internal organs of dogs and cats using a uniform and standardized typing scheme, as previously described on NTEC1 and NTEC2 isolates from cattle, humans and pigs (Mainil et al, 1999). The results obtained by colony hybridization and PCR on the NTEC1 isolates were homogeneous: eighteen NTEC1 isolates harboured prs- and sfa/foc-related DNA sequences; five NTEC1 isolates harboured sfa/foc-related DNA sequences; one NTEC1 isolate harboured prs-related DNA sequences; and one was negative. The only NTEC2 isolate was also negative. Only a few NTEC1 isolates were positive for f17-, afa- or cdt-related DNA sequences. All NTEC1 and the NTEC2 isolates were haemolytic on blood agar and were resistant to the bactericidal activity of the serum (one exception). By contrast a very few produced an aerobactin or a colicin. The strains belonged to various serogroups and many could not be identified with the immunsera used. On the other hand all but one NTEC1 isolates belonged to biotype 9. The most typical profile identifed for NTEC1 from dogs and cats was: CNF1+Prs+S+Hly+Bio9+. The results obtained on the non-necrotoxigenic E. coli isolates were more heterogeneous: two of them harboured pap/prs- and sfa/foc-related DNA sequences; ten harboured pap/prs-related DNA sequences; and four, other DNA sequences. The results of the phenotypic assays were more heterogeneous also. NTEC1 strains were isolated from essentially young puppies and kitties (< 3 months for 16 out of 22), with sometimes older animals (up to 12 years). The digestive pathologies were non haemorrhagic diarrhea/enteritis essentially. When haemorrhagic diarrhea/enteritis were observed, other infectious agents were present or strongly suspected (parvovirus, Salmonella). Extraintestinal pathologies were septicaemic or systemic colibacillosis, with one case of necro-haemorrhagic metritis. NTEC1 and non-NTEC were not frequently antibiotic resistant. The most frequent resistant were to ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfonamides and neomycin

Using a Stakeholder Analysis to Implement the Belgian One Health National Report for Antimicrobial Use and Resistance

(1) Background. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial global health threat with profound economic implications. Acknowledging the imperative for a One Health (OH) strategy to combat this menace, Belgium introduced an annual national OH report, known as the “BELMAP report,” encompassing antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR, with the first edition completed in 2021. The integration of innovations for the healthcare system demands a meticulously planned process. (2) Methods. We introduced a three-step stakeholder analysis (SA) as a prospective framework for navigating this new report process, fostering complementary collaboration, pinpointing obstacles, suggesting approaches to overcome them, and facilitating national policy development. The SA unfolds in three steps: stakeholders identify and list their relevant activities, assess their positions regarding the BELMAP report, and complete “actor mapping” of national AMR and AMU stakeholders. (3) Results. Stakeholder identification reveals a fragmented landscape of AMR and AMU activities across Belgium. Assessment of stakeholder positions uncovers diverse expectations, collaborative challenges, and resource considerations. “Actor mapping” identifies key stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of high-interest and high-power actors. (4) Conclusions. This SA approach not only provides insights into the present stakeholder landscape in Belgium, it can also serve as a blueprint for other countries in the process of developing OH reports.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Comparison of Classical Serotyping and PremiTest Assay for Routine Identification of Common Salmonella enterica Serovars▿ †

The commercial PremiTest Salmonella kit uses a multiplexed DNA typing test aimed at identifying common serovars of Salmonella enterica. It was used in assays over a 9-month period in the Belgian reference laboratory that performs the routine identification of Salmonella strains of animal origin. A blind analysis of 754 strains was conducted in parallel by classical serotyping and the PremiTest assay. Full results were available for 685 strains (90.8%) by serotyping, while the remaining 69 strains were found to be nontypeable due to either a lack of surface antigen expression or autoagglutination properties. When the PremiTest assay (version 4.2) was performed with crude bacterial extracts, it identified 658 strains (87.3%), including most strains found to be nontypeable by serotyping. In contrast, it gave no, wrong, dual, or noninterpretable results for 96 strains, for which 23 were caused by assay failures. When purified DNA instead of crude extracts were tested, the number of strains successfully identified to the serovar level increased to 714 (94.7%), while all assay failures were cleared. Our conclusion is that, in its actual development stage, the application of the investigated kit to purified DNA samples offers a valuable alternative to classical serotyping for laboratories performing the routine identification of Salmonella strains belonging to commonly encountered serovars and isolated from a given geographical area, assuming that the system has been validated beforehand with a significant number of strains originating from that particular area

Identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Related Bacteria by Multiple-Locus Sequence Typing-Derived PCR and Real-Time PCR

Close relatedness and genomic plasticity characterizing the high-threat pathogens Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei render the molecular diagnosis of these species hard to guarantee with a maximal confidence level. This article describes fast molecular assays derived from compiled sequences of housekeeping genes determined in more than 1,000 strains. The assays proved to be robust and appropriate for general detection as well as species identification purposes