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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci
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Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 34986

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marcus Fulde

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
Interests: animal-restricted and zoonotic streptococci; host-pathogen interactions; infection immunity; epidemiology of animal-restricted and zoonotic streptococci
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Peter Valentin-Weigand

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
Interests: host-pathogen interactions in streptococcal infections; mono- and co-infections in the porcine respiratory tract
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Streptococci typically colonize the skin and the mucosal surfaces of various warm- and cold-blooded host species. Many streptococcal species represent pathobionts, which expand their pathogenic potential under immune-suppressive or other predisposing conditions, thereby causing local, purulent infections of the skin or even severe and life-threatening diseases such as septicemia, meningitis, and abortion.

Interestingly, despite comprising a rather small genome of only 2 Mb, streptococci are highly adapted to their respective host and only the minority are able to cross the host species barrier and colonize or infect more than one host.

Much literature is available about streptococci that colonize the human host and eventually lead to infections, such as Streptococcus (S.) pyogenes and S. pneumoniae. However, knowledge about streptococcal species that are particularly adapted to animals is mostly scant. Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to provide a collection of articles that cover the current state of knowledge on streptococcal species from animal origin. Manuscripts covering all aspects of research related but not restricted to their epidemiology and pathogenicity, including basic research, review articles and case reports, are highly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Marcus Fulde
Prof. Dr. Peter Valentin-Weigand
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bacteria
  • Streptococcus
  • animal-restricted streptococci
  • zoonotic streptococci
  • zoonosis
  • streptococcosis

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 1921 KiB  
Article
Role of Maturation of Lipoproteins in the Pathogenesis of the Infection Caused by Streptococcus suis Serotype 2
by Servane Payen, David Roy, Anaïs Boa, Masatoshi Okura, Jean-Philippe Auger, Mariela Segura and Marcelo Gottschalk
Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2386; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112386 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2189
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is an important porcine bacterial pathogen associated with multiple pathologies in piglets. Bacterial lipoproteins (LPPs) have been described as playing important roles in the pathogenesis of the infection of other Gram-positive bacteria as adhesins, pro-inflammatory cell activators and/or virulence [...] Read more.
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is an important porcine bacterial pathogen associated with multiple pathologies in piglets. Bacterial lipoproteins (LPPs) have been described as playing important roles in the pathogenesis of the infection of other Gram-positive bacteria as adhesins, pro-inflammatory cell activators and/or virulence factors. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the role of the prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt) and lipoprotein signal peptidase (Lsp) enzymes, which are responsible for LPP maturation, on the pathogenesis of the infection caused by two different sequence types (STs) of S. suis serotype 2 strains (virulent ST1 and highly virulent ST7). Through the use of isogenic Δlgt, Δlsp and double Δlgt/Δlsp mutants, it was shown that lack of these enzymes did not influence S. suis adhesion/invasion to porcine respiratory epithelial cells. However, in the absence of the Lsp and/or Lgt, a significant reduction in the capacity of S. suis to activate phagocytic cells and induce pro-inflammatory mediators (in vitro and in vivo) was observed. In general, results obtained with the double mutant did not differ in comparison to single mutants, indicating lack of an additive effect. Finally, our data suggest that these enzymes play a differential role in virulence, depending on the genetic background of the strain and being more important for the highly virulent ST7 strain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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16 pages, 4835 KiB  
Article
Streptococcus suis Induces Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Porcine Lung Tissue
by Muriel Dresen, Josephine Schenk, Yenehiwot Berhanu Weldearegay, Désirée Vötsch, Wolfgang Baumgärtner, Peter Valentin-Weigand and Andreas Nerlich
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020366 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5255
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a common pathogen colonising the respiratory tract of pigs. It can cause meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia leading to economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its metabolites play an important regulatory role in different biological processes like [...] Read more.
Streptococcus suis is a common pathogen colonising the respiratory tract of pigs. It can cause meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia leading to economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its metabolites play an important regulatory role in different biological processes like inflammation modulation and immune activation. In this report we analysed the induction of COX-2 and the production of its metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in a porcine precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) model. Using Western blot analysis, we found a time-dependent induction of COX-2 in the infected tissue resulting in increased PGE2 levels. Immunohistological analysis revealed a strong COX-2 expression in the proximity of the bronchioles between the ciliated epithelial cells and the adjacent alveolar tissue. The morphology, location and vimentin staining suggested that these cells are subepithelial bronchial fibroblasts. Furthermore, we showed that COX-2 expression as well as PGE2 production was detected following infection with two prevalent S. suis serotypes and that the pore-forming toxin suilysin played an important role in this process. Therefore, this study provides new insights in the response of porcine lung cells to S. suis infections and serves as a basis for further studies to define the role of COX-2 and its metabolites in the inflammatory response in porcine lung tissue during infections with S. suis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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16 pages, 1899 KiB  
Article
Novel Models of Streptococcus canis Colonization and Disease Reveal Modest Contributions of M-Like (SCM) Protein
by Ingrid Cornax, Jacob Zulk, Joshua Olson, Marcus Fulde, Victor Nizet and Kathryn A Patras
Microorganisms 2021, 9(1), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9010183 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3455
Abstract
Streptococcus canis is a common colonizing bacterium of the urogenital tract of cats and dogs that can also cause invasive disease in these animal populations and in humans. Although the virulence mechanisms of S. canis are not well-characterized, an M-like protein, SCM, has [...] Read more.
Streptococcus canis is a common colonizing bacterium of the urogenital tract of cats and dogs that can also cause invasive disease in these animal populations and in humans. Although the virulence mechanisms of S. canis are not well-characterized, an M-like protein, SCM, has recently identified been as a potential virulence factor. SCM is a surface-associated protein that binds to host plasminogen and IgGs suggesting its possible importance in host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we developed in vitro and ex vivo blood component models and murine models of S. canis vaginal colonization, systemic infection, and dermal infection to compare the virulence potential of the zoonotic S. canis vaginal isolate G361 and its isogenic SCM-deficient mutant (G361∆scm). We found that while S. canis establishes vaginal colonization and causes invasive disease in vivo, the contribution of the SCM protein to virulence phenotypes in these models is modest. We conclude that SCM is dispensable for invasive disease in murine models and for resistance to human blood components ex vivo, but may contribute to mucosal persistence, highlighting a potential contribution to the recently appreciated genetic diversity of SCM across strains and hosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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18 pages, 1488 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus Complex (SBSEC) Isolated from Korean Domestic Ruminants
by Seon Young Park, Mingyung Lee, Se Ra Lim, Hyemin Kwon, Ye Seul Lee, Ji Hyung Kim and Seongwon Seo
Microorganisms 2021, 9(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9010098 - 4 Jan 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3356
Abstract
S. bovis/S. equinus complex (SBSEC) includes lactic acid-producing bacteria considered as the causative agent associated with acute rumen lactic acidosis in intensive ruminants. Considering the limited information on the detailed characteristics and diversity of SBSEC in Korea and the emergence of [...] Read more.
S. bovis/S. equinus complex (SBSEC) includes lactic acid-producing bacteria considered as the causative agent associated with acute rumen lactic acidosis in intensive ruminants. Considering the limited information on the detailed characteristics and diversity of SBSEC in Korea and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we investigated the diversity of SBSEC from domestic ruminants and verified the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) against several antimicrobials with their phenotypic resistance. Among 51 SBSEC isolates collected, two SBSEC members (S. equinus and S. lutetiensis) were identified; sodA-based phylogenetic analyses and comparisons of overall genome relatedness revealed potential plasticity and diversity. The AMR rates of these SBSEC against erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline were relatively lower than those of other SBSEC isolates of a clinical origin. An investigation of the ARGs against those antimicrobials indicated that tetracycline resistance of SBSECs generally correlated with the presence of tet(M)-possessing Tn916-like transposon. However, no correlation between the presence of ARGs and phenotypic resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was observed. Although a limited number of animals and their SBSEC isolates were examined, this study provides insights into the potential intraspecies biodiversity of ruminant-origin SBSEC and the current status on antimicrobial resistance of the bacteria in the Korean livestock industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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Review

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25 pages, 1846 KiB  
Review
Neutrophils in Streptococcus suis Infection: From Host Defense to Pathology
by Marêva Bleuzé, Marcelo Gottschalk and Mariela Segura
Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2392; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112392 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3372
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a swine pathogen and zoonotic agent responsible for economic losses to the porcine industry. Infected animals may develop meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis, sepsis and/or sudden death. The pathogenesis of the infection implies that bacteria breach mucosal host barriers and reach the [...] Read more.
Streptococcus suis is a swine pathogen and zoonotic agent responsible for economic losses to the porcine industry. Infected animals may develop meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis, sepsis and/or sudden death. The pathogenesis of the infection implies that bacteria breach mucosal host barriers and reach the bloodstream, where they escape immune-surveillance mechanisms and spread throughout the organism. The clinical manifestations are mainly the consequence of an exacerbated inflammation, defined by an exaggerated production of cytokines and recruitment of immune cells. Among them, neutrophils arrive first in contact with the pathogens to combat the infection. Neutrophils initiate and maintain inflammation, by producing cytokines and deploying their arsenal of antimicrobial mechanisms. Furthermore, neutrophilic leukocytosis characterizes S. suis infection, and lesions of infected subjects contain a large number of neutrophils. Therefore, this cell type may play a role in host defense and/or in the exacerbated inflammation. Nevertheless, a limited number of studies addressed the role or functions of neutrophils in the context of S. suis infection. In this review, we will explore the literature about S. suis and neutrophils, from their interaction at a cellular level, to the roles and behaviors of neutrophils in the infected host in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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21 pages, 11112 KiB  
Review
The Role of Streptococcus spp. in Bovine Mastitis
by Tina Kabelitz, Etienne Aubry, Kira van Vorst, Thomas Amon and Marcus Fulde
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071497 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 10113
Abstract
The Streptococcus genus belongs to one of the major pathogen groups inducing bovine mastitis. In the dairy industry, mastitis is the most common and costly disease. It not only negatively impacts economic profit due to milk losses and therapy costs, but it is [...] Read more.
The Streptococcus genus belongs to one of the major pathogen groups inducing bovine mastitis. In the dairy industry, mastitis is the most common and costly disease. It not only negatively impacts economic profit due to milk losses and therapy costs, but it is an important animal health and welfare issue as well. This review describes a classification, reservoirs, and frequencies of the most relevant Streptococcus species inducing bovine mastitis (S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae and S. uberis). Host and environmental factors influencing mastitis susceptibility and infection rates will be discussed, because it has been indicated that Streptococcus herd prevalence is much higher than mastitis rates. After infection, we report the sequence of cow immune reactions and differences in virulence factors of the main Streptococcus species. Different mastitis detection techniques together with possible conventional and alternative therapies are described. The standard approach treating streptococcal mastitis is the application of ß-lactam antibiotics. In streptococci, increased antimicrobial resistance rates were identified against enrofloxacin, tetracycline, and erythromycin. At the end, control and prevention measures will be considered, including vaccination, hygiene plan, and further interventions. It is the aim of this review to estimate the contribution and to provide detailed knowledge about the role of the Streptococcus genus in bovine mastitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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25 pages, 3416 KiB  
Review
Streptococcal Infections in Marine Mammals
by Daniela Numberger, Ursula Siebert, Marcus Fulde and Peter Valentin-Weigand
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020350 - 10 Feb 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5615
Abstract
Marine mammals are sentinels for the marine ecosystem and threatened by numerous factors including infectious diseases. One of the most frequently isolated bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. However, knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of streptococcal species in marine mammals is very limited. This review [...] Read more.
Marine mammals are sentinels for the marine ecosystem and threatened by numerous factors including infectious diseases. One of the most frequently isolated bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. However, knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of streptococcal species in marine mammals is very limited. This review summarizes published reports on streptococcal species, which have been detected in marine mammals. Furthermore, we discuss streptococcal transmission between and adaptation to their marine mammalian hosts. We conclude that streptococci colonize and/or infect marine mammals very frequently, but in many cases, streptococci isolated from marine mammals have not been further identified. How these bacteria disseminate and adapt to their specific niches can only be speculated due to the lack of respective research. Considering the relevance of pathogenic streptococci for marine mammals as part of the marine ecosystem, it seems that they have been neglected and should receive scientific interest in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Pathogenicity of Animal-Adapted Streptococci)
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