Identification of a Novel Yersinia enterocolitica Strain from Bats in Association with a Bat Die-Off That Occurred in Georgia (Caucasus)

Yersinia entercolitica is a bacterial species within the genus Yersinia, mostly known as a human enteric pathogen, but also recognized as a zoonotic agent widespread in domestic pigs. Findings of this bacterium in wild animals are very limited. The current report presents results of the identification of cultures of Y. entercolitica from dead bats after a massive bat die-off in a cave in western Georgia. The growth of bacterial colonies morphologically suspected as Yersinia was observed from three intestine tissues of 11 bats belonging to the Miniopterus schreibersii species. These three isolates were identified as Y. enterocolitica based on the API29 assay. No growth of Brucella or Francisella bacteria was observed from tissues of dead bats. Full genomes (a size between 4.6–4.7 Mbp) of the Yersinia strains isolated from bats were analyzed. The phylogenetic sequence analyses of the genomes demonstrated that all strains were nearly identical and formed a distinct cluster with the closest similarity to the environmental isolate O:36/1A. The bat isolates represent low-pathogenicity Biotype 1A strains lacking the genes for the Ail, Yst-a, Ysa, and virulence plasmid pYV, while containing the genes for Inv, YstB, and MyfA. Further characterization of the novel strains cultured from bats can provide a clue for the determination of the pathogenic properties of those strains

Genome Sequences of Akhmeta Virus, an Early Divergent Old World Orthopoxvirus

Annotated whole genome sequences of three isolates of the Akhmeta virus (AKMV), a novel species of orthopoxvirus (OPXV), isolated from the Akhmeta and Vani regions of the country Georgia, are presented and discussed. The AKMV genome is similar in genomic content and structure to that of the cowpox virus (CPXV), but a lower sequence identity was found between AKMV and Old World OPXVs than between other known species of Old World OPXVs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AKMV diverged prior to other Old World OPXV. AKMV isolates formed a monophyletic clade in the OPXV phylogeny, yet the sequence variability between AKMV isolates was higher than between the monkeypox virus strains in the Congo basin and West Africa. An AKMV isolate from Vani contained approximately six kb sequence in the left terminal region that shared a higher similarity with CPXV than with other AKMV isolates, whereas the rest of the genome was most similar to AKMV, suggesting recombination between AKMV and CPXV in a region containing several host range and virulence genes

Frameworks for Preventing, Detecting, and Controlling Zoonotic Diseases

Preventing zoonotic diseases requires coordinated actions by government authorities responsible for human and animal health. Constructing the frameworks needed to foster intersectoral collaboration can be approached in many ways. We highlight 3 examples of approaches to implement zoonotic disease prevention and control programs. The first, rabies control in Ethiopia, was implemented using an umbrella approach: a comprehensive program designed for accelerated impact. The second, a monkeypox program in Democratic Republic of the Congo, was implemented in a stepwise manner, whereby incremental improvements and activities were incorporated into the program. The third approach, a pathogen discovery program, applied in the country of Georgia, was designed to characterize and understand the ecology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of a new zoonotic pathogen. No one approach is superior, but various factors should be taken into account during design, planning, and implementation

Phylogeography of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> in the Country of Georgia Shows Evidence of Population Structuring and Is Dissimilar to Other Regional Genotypes

<div><p>Sequence analyses and subtyping of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> strains from Georgia reveal a single distinct lineage (Aust94) that is ecologically established. Phylogeographic analysis and comparisons to a global collection reveals a clade that is mostly restricted to Georgia. Within this clade, many groups are found around the country, however at least one subclade is only found in the eastern part. This pattern suggests that dispersal into and out of Georgia has been rare and despite historical dispersion within the country, for at least for one lineage, current spread is limited.</p></div

<i>Bacillus anthracis</i> phylogenetics in Georgia.

<p>A) Established phylogeny of <i>B. anthracis </i><a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0102651#pone.0102651-Pearson1" target="_blank">[2]</a>, <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0102651#pone.0102651-Price1" target="_blank">[6]</a>–<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0102651#pone.0102651-VanErt1" target="_blank">[8]</a>. Terminal subgroups representing sequenced strains are shown as stars, and intervening nodes representing collapsed branches appear as circles. The highlighted yellow box (part of the Aust94 lineage) indicate the phylogenetic location of Georgian strains. Stars within the highlighted yellow area represent the three Georgian strains sequenced for this study. The number of Georgian strains is indicated in red. B) Expansion of the Aust94 group and canSNP subgroups within the Georgian lineage. The number and origin of isolates are shown for each node and stars or red arrows indicate the locations of the sequenced strains. Shapes of nodes correspond to geographic location. (C) Phylogeography of 272 <i>B. anthracis</i> isolates falling in the Aust94 group are mapped across the country of Georgia at a district level. The heat map legend indicates the number of isolates per subgroup found in a given district.</p