Whole genome sequence of mycoplasma mycoides subsp. Mycoides LC : application to the development of new diagnostic tools and heterologous gene expression

Les mycoplasmes sont des bactéries dépourvues de paroi qui dérivent de bactéries Gram plus. Il existe un groupe d'espèces, appelé le «Groupe mycoides» qui rassemble des espèces pathogènes pour les ruminants bien qu'il soit phylogénétiquement proche d'espèces pathogènes de plante. Leur génome est très réduit, environ un million de paires de bases et peu riche en G + C, environ 25 %. Parmi ce groupe, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides LC (MmmLC) est un agent responsable d'agalaxie contagieuse chez les chèvres. Il est très proche de Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (MmmSC) qui est l'agent responsable de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine et dont le génome de la souche de référence était disponible. En raison de cette proximité nous avons décidé de séquencer complètement le génome d'une souche de MmmLC afin de pouvoir réaliser des études de génomique comparative. Préalablement au séquençage et à l'assemblage, nous avons évalué la taille du génome avec la technique d'électrophorèse en champs pulsé. Nous avons pu ensuite contrôler l'assemblage obtenu en comparant les données expérimentales «in-silico» avec les résultats d'électrophorèse. De plus nous avons réalisé des «Southern blots» afin de vérifier si les séquences dupliquées chez MmmSC l'étaient également chez MmmLC. La comparaison avec les génomes complets déjà disponibles pour des souches du «Groupe mycoides» a permis d'identifier un locus intéressant pour développer des PCR spécifiques. Ce locus comprend des gènes ou des fragments de gènes appartenant chez certaines bactéries à un opéron de «voie de déimination de l'arginine». Le nombre ainsi que l'agencement et la séquence de ces gènes varie d'une espèce à l'autre au sein du «Groupe mycoides». Il a ainsi été possible de développer une PCR spécifique pour Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, l'agent de la pleuropneumonie contagieuse caprine en amplifiant un fragment du gène arcD et une PCR spécifique de M. putrefaciens, un agent d'agalaxie contagieuse, en amplifiant un fragment du gène arcB. Pour la détection de l'ensemble des espèces du «Groupe mycoides» nous avons choisi un gène plus conservé, glk, situé en aval de l'opéron. L'annotation du génome de MmmLC a également permis d'identifier des séquences d'insertion. L'une d'entre elles, appartenant à la famille IS3, n'avait pas encore été décrite et a été appelée ISMmy2. Elle est présente chez certaines espèces du «Groupe mycoides» mais pas chez toutes les souches. Un variant de cette IS existe chez des espèces proches du «Groupe mycoides» et il en existe une copie non fonctionnelle chez MmmSC. Enfin nous avons voulu évaluer les capacités de MmmLC à exprimer des antigènes hétérologues dans le but ultime d'en faire un vecteur d'expression vaccinal. C'est pourquoi nous avons choisi un gène d'intérêt vétérinaire majeur, le gène H du virus de la peste des petits ruminants. ABSTRACT : Mycoplasmas are the smallest bacteria without a cell wall derived from Gram positive bacteria. A group of mycoplasma known as the “Mycoplasma mycoides cluster” is composed of five subspecies and an unassigned group of strains known for their pathogenicity in ruminant hosts. Phylogenetically, this cluster is found to be closely related to species of mycoplasma plant pathogens. Mycoplasmas have a reduced genome size of about 1 Mbp, characterized by a low GC content of about 25 %. Among members of the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony biotype (MmmLC) is one of the agents responsible for contagious agalactia in goats. This organism is closely related to Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony biotype, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), for which the whole genome sequence is available. Because of the close relationship of these two species we have decided to sequence the genome of an MmmLC strain for comparative genomics. Before whole genome sequencing and assembly, we have estimated the genome size of MmmLC using pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Data generated from this initial study have permitted us to verify the genome assembly by comparing in-silico profiles. In addition the preliminary analysis included DNA hybridization tests to verify the presence of duplicated genes in MmmLC as that of the genome of MmmSC. Comparative genomics made from the available whole genome sequence data of species within the M. mycoides cluster has permitted the identification of target genes, which were used for the development of specific PCR tests. The target genes chosen included genes of the “arginine deiminase operon”, in most bacteria genes of this operon code for enzymes involved in the degradation of arginine to produce energy. The number of these genes as well as their organization within the operon found to vary between members of the M. mycoides cluster. From this operon arcD has been used to develop a specific PCR for the identification of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, the causative agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), and arcB has been used for the development of specific PCR for the identification of M. putrefaciens, another causative agent of the contagious agalactia syndrome. The glk gene, flanking the operon on the 3' end, was found to be highly conserved among all members of the M. mycoides cluster and was used for the design of specific primers able to detect all members of M. mycoides cluster. Furthermore, annotation of the genome sequence of MmmLC allowed the discovery of two new insertion sequence elements. One of these two insertion sequence elements was found in higher copy in the genome and belongs to the IS3 family. This insertion sequence was not described in any other mycoplasma species or bacteria, was given a new name: ISMmy2. It was also found in some species of the M. mycoides cluster, but not in all the strains under these species. Interestingly, a non-functional vestige of ISMmy2 was also found in the MmmSC genome. Copies of this ISMmy2 were also found in species closely related to the M. mycoides cluster. Finally, we have tried to evaluate the capacity of MmmLC to be transformed and to express a heterologous gene with the ultimate aim to create a multivalent vaccine. For this aim we have chosen the H-gene of peste des petits ruminant virus of veterinary health importanc

A Portable Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Rapid Detection of Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract Here, the rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium by a portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor in which the beam from a diode laser is modulated by a rotating mirror is reported. Using this system, immunoassay based on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-specific monoclonal anti-Salmonella antibody was performed. For the purpose of orientation-controlled immobilization of antibodies on the SPR chip surface, the cysteine-mediated immobilization method, which is based on interaction between a gold surface and a thiol group (-SH) of cysteine, was adopted. As a result, using the portable SPR-based immunoassay, we detected S. typhimurium in the range from 10^7 CFU/mL to 10^9 CFU/mL within 1 hour. The results indicate that the portable SPR system could be potentially applied for general laboratory detection as well as on-site monitoring of foodborne, clinical, and environmental agents of interest

Characterization of Salmonella isolates recovered from stages of the processing lines at four broiler processing plants in Trinidad and Tobago

This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for contamination of chicken with Salmonella at four operating broiler processing plants in Trinidad. Standard methods were used to isolate and characterize the Salmonella isolates. The overall prevalence of Salmonella at the four processing plants was 27.0% (107/396). The whole carcass enrichment (WCE) method yielded a statistically significantly (p = 0.0014) higher frequency of isolation (53.9%; 97/180) than the whole carcass rinse (35.0%; 63/180) and neck skin methods (42.2%; 38/90). S. enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Javiana, and Infantis were the predominant serotypes isolated accounting for 20.8%, 16.7% and 12.5%, respectively, of the serotyped isolates. Risk factors included the use of over 100 contract farmers (OR 4.4), pre-chiller (OR 2.3), addition of chlorine to chiller (OR 3.2), slaughtering sick broilers (OR 4.4), and flocks with >50% mortality. Multi-drug resistance was detected in 12.3% (14/114) of the isolates of Salmonella. Resistance was high to kanamycin (85.7%) and doxycycline (74.6%) but low to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (2.4%) and sulphamethoxazoletrimethoprim (0.8%). The occurrence of resistant Salmonella in chickens processed at commercial broiler processing plants has implications for salmonellosis and therapeutic failure in consumers of improperly cooked contaminated chickens from these plants in the country.SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL : S1: Flow chart of activities that take place at the four processing plants, S2: Broiler processing plant questionnaire.The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus Research and Publication Fund Committee. The Tuskegee University, U.S.A. funded the APC.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganismsam2022Production Animal Studie

Occurrence, risk factors, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains isolated from imported fertile hatching eggs, hatcheries, and broiler farms in Trinidad and Tobago

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 1 : Hatchery questionnaire.SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 2 : Broiler farm questionnaire.This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the occurrence, risk factors, and characteristics of Salmonella isolates recovered from imported fertile broiler hatching eggs, hatcheries, and broiler farms in Trinidad and Tobago. Standard methods were used to isolate and characterize Salmonella isolates from two broiler hatcheries and 27 broiler farms in the country. The frequency of isolation of Salmonella was 0.0% for imported fertile hatching eggs (0 of 45 pools of 10 eggs each, i.e., 450 eggs), 7.6% for hatcheries (12 of 158 samples), and 2.8% for broiler farms (24 of 866 samples) (P = 0.006). Stillborn chicks at hatcheries had the highest prevalence of Salmonella (7 of 28 samples, 28.0%), whereas on broiler farms the cloacal swabs had the highest prevalence of Salmonella (15 of 675 samples, 2.2%). None of the 15 farm management and production practices investigated were significantly associated (P > 0.05) with the isolation of Salmonella. The predominant Salmonella serotypes were Kentucky (83.3%) and Infantis (62.5%) among hatchery and farm isolates, respectively. The disk diffusion method revealed frequencies of antimicrobial resistance (i.e., resistance to one or more agents) of 44.0% (11 of 25 isolates) and 87.5% (35 of 40 isolates) at hatcheries and broiler farms, respectively (P = 0.0002). Antimicrobial resistance among hatchery isolates was highest (28.0%) to doxycycline and kanamycin and was very high (>65%) among farm isolates to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, kanamycin, and doxycycline. Multidrug resistance (MDR; i.e., resistance to antimicrobial agents from three or more classes) was exhibited by 4.0 and 85.7% of Salmonella isolates recovered from several environmental and animal sources at the hatcheries and farms, respectively (P < 0.0001). The high level of antimicrobial resistance and the presence of MDR among Salmonella isolates from broiler farms highlight the therapeutic implications and the potential for MDR strains to enter the food chain.The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus Research and Publication Fund Committee.https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-food-protectionhj2023Production Animal Studie

Mycoplasma mycoides, from "mycoides Small Colony" to "capri". A microevolutionary perspective

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The <it>Mycoplasma mycoides </it>cluster consists of five species or subspecies that are ruminant pathogens. One subspecies, <it>Mycoplasma mycoides </it>subspecies <it>mycoides </it>Small Colony (MmmSC), is the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. Its very close relative, <it>Mycoplasma mycoides </it>subsp. <it>capri </it>(Mmc), is a more ubiquitous pathogen in small ruminants causing mastitis, arthritis, keratitis, pneumonia and septicaemia and is also found as saprophyte in the ear canal. To understand the genetics underlying these phenotypic differences, we compared the MmmSC PG1 type strain genome, which was already available, with the genome of an Mmc field strain (95010) that was sequenced in this study. We also compared the 95010 genome with the recently published genome of another Mmc strain (GM12) to evaluate Mmc strain diversity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The MmmSC PG1 genome is 1,212 kbp and that of Mmc 95010 is ca. 58 kbp shorter. Most of the sequences present in PG1 but not 95010 are highly repeated Insertion Sequences (three types of IS) and large duplicated DNA fragments. The 95010 genome contains five types of IS, present in fewer copies than in PG1, and two copies of an integrative conjugative element. These mobile genetic elements have played a key role in genome plasticity, leading to inversions of large DNA fragments. Comparison of the two genomes suggested a marked decay of the PG1 genome that seems to be correlated with a greater number of IS. The repertoire of gene families encoding surface proteins is smaller in PG1. Several genes involved in polysaccharide metabolism and protein degradation are also absent from, or degraded in, PG1.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The genome of MmmSC PG1 is larger than that of Mmc 95010, its very close relative, but has less coding capacity. This is the result of large genetic rearrangements due to mobile elements that have also led to marked gene decay. This is consistent with a non-adaptative genomic complexity theory, allowing duplications or pseudogenes to be maintained in the absence of adaptive selection that would lead to purifying selection and genome streamlining over longer evolutionary times. These findings also suggest that MmmSC only recently adapted to its bovine host.</p

Phylogenetic analyses of Salmonella detected along the broiler production chain in Trinidad and Tobago

This study was conducted to determine the phylogenies of Salmonella strains isolated from cross-sectional studies conducted at hatcheries, broiler farms, processing plants, and retail outlets (broiler production chain) in Trinidad and Tobago over 4 yr (2016–2019). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize Salmonella isolates. Core genome phylogenies of 8 serovars of public health significance were analyzed for similarities in origin and relatedness. In addition, Salmonella strains isolated from human salmonellosis cases in Trinidad were analyzed for their relatedness to the isolates detected along the broiler production chain. The common source of these isolates of diverse serovars within farms, within processing plants, between processing plants and retail outlets, and among farm-processing plant-retail outlet continuum was well-supported (bootstrap value >70%) by the core genome phylogenies for the respective serovars. Also, genome analyses revealed clustering of Salmonella serovars of regional (intra-Caribbean) and international (extra-Caribbean) origin. Similarly, strains of S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis isolated from human clinical salmonellosis in 2019 from Trinidad and Tobago clustered with our processing plant isolates recovered in 2018. This study is the first phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella isolates using WGS from the broiler industry in the Caribbean region. The use of WGS confirmed the genetic relatedness and transmission of Salmonella serovars contaminating chickens in broiler processing, and retailing in the country, with zoonotic and food safety implications for humans.The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus Research and Publication Funds Committee.https://www.journals.elsevier.com/poultry-sciencehj2023Production Animal Studie

Report of the global online survey to identify key knowledge and capacity gaps on diagnostics and surveillance of pests & diseases in targeted countries.

An online survey was co-designed in collaboration with CGIAR Germplasm Health Units (GHUs) leaders and social scientists of the Plant Health Initiative (PHI), with the objective to identify and map the key knowledge and capacity gaps on lab/field detection, characterization, and surveillance of P&D of local and regional NPPOs in targeted countries. The questionnaire consisted of 43 open-ended, single and multiple-choice questions. It was divided into three parts: the first includes questions to collect general information (Institution, country, gender, age group, position, scientific level and role). The second part was aimed to learn and identify current capacities, major challenges, capacity building needs of National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) for pest diagnostics and surveillance. The third part was related to specific questions for early- and mid-career scientists (below 45 years old) to inquire into challenges faced by young and women scientists to identify gender-based constraints. The questionnaire was translated into five different languages (English, Arabic, Spanish, French and Vietnamese), and distributed to NPPOs and national institutions across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Africa, Asia and Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA). The report summarizes responses from 52 respondents from 35 institutions across 26 countries

The economic and welfare impact of increasing transmission capacity in the electricity market: the case of skagerrak iv

In this paper we present an empirical analysis of the economic and welfare impact of increasing the transmission capacity by taking Skagerrak 4 with 700 MW between South Norway (NO1) and West Denmark (DK1) as a case study. We examine the impact of increasing the transmission capacity on electricity prices, trade and overall welfare gains using simulation modeling. Moreover, we explore the potential for further expansions. To address these issues, we first developed an empirical model for both market using hourly data set from 2004 to 2010. For the simulation part, we took different years and initial reservoir levels. Our findings show that the transmission capacity upgrade amplifies the power flows from low cost generation area (NO1 in wet year and DK1in dry year) to high cost generation area (NO1 in dry year and DK1 in wet year). With regards to prices, following the path of export, NO1’s price increases for high inflow and reservoir level as well as peak hours and it decreases for low inflow and reservoir level. In contrast, price in Dk1 decreases when NO1 has more water and during peak hours. During off-peak load hours, price increases as DK1 increases its exports during these hours leading to price convergence. However, we still have price spikes during wet year. From net welfare point of view, the results show that upgrading the interconnection improves social welfare when NO1 has high inflows. For a dry year, transmission capacity upgrade leads to a net welfare loss even if DK1’s welfare improves when NO1 has high initial reservoir level. Further upgrading the transmission capacity by 1400MW has still a room for welfare improvement in wet year. However, upgrading the capacity by 2100MW has no significant impact on net welfare

Utilisation d'une séquence complète du génome d'une souche de mycoplasma mycoides subp. mycoides LC pour la mise au point de tests de diagnostic, application à l'expression de gènes hétérologues.

Diplôme : Dr. d'Universit