Contemporary Isolates Research Articles

Taxonomic Reclassification of the Fungal Pathogen Causing Dry Berry Disease of Caneberries into the Division Ascomycota as Monilinia rubi.

As molecular genetic techniques improve and sequence data becomes available for more fungal species, taxonomic classifications historically based upon growth morphology alone are being revisited and occasionally reclassified. Herein, we present such an instance for the fungal pathogen that causes dry berry disease of caneberries. The organism was previously described as the basidiomycete fungus Rhizoctonia rubi based upon the pathogen's production of Rhizoctonia-like angular branching hyphae. Utilizing molecular genetic techniques unavailable when the pathogen was first characterized in 1959, three housekeeping gene regions (ITS, β-tubulin, and G3PDH) were sequenced across 13 contemporary dry berry isolates, as well as the original 1959 R. rubi type strain, CBS382.59. The resulting neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian phylogenies for single and multilocus sequences provide strong evidence that the dry berry pathogen was misclassified. This data, in addition to revisiting invivo macroscopic and microscopic growth morphology, again comparing contemporary dry berry isolates to the CBS382.59 type strain, suggests that the causal organism is a new species within the genus Monilinia that we propose be classified as Monilinia rubi. A transition from designation as a basidiomycete fungus to an ascomycete fungus could have implications on chemical management decisions, as well as the assumptions made about cell structure and the pathogen's putative life cycle.

Genetic Evolution of Avian Influenza A (H9N2) Viruses Isolated from Domestic Poultry in Uganda Reveals Evidence of Mammalian Host Adaptation, Increased Virulence and Reduced Sensitivity to Baloxavir.

A (H9N2) avian influenza A viruses were first detected in Uganda in 2017 and have since established themselves in live bird markets. The aim of this study was to establish the subsequent genetic evolution of H9N2 viruses in Uganda. Cloacal samples collected from live bird market stalls in Kampala from 2017 to 2019 were screened by RT-PCR for influenza A virus and H9N2 viruses were isolated in embryonated eggs. One hundred and fifty H9N2 isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The sequence data analysis and comparison with contemporary isolates revealed that the virus was first introduced into Uganda in 2014 from ancestors in the Middle East. There has since been an increase in nucleotide substitutions and reassortments among the viruses within and between live bird markets, leading to variations in phylogeny of the different segments, although overall diversity remained low. The isolates had several mutations such as HA-Q226L and NS-I106M that enable mammalian host adaptation, NP-M105V, PB1-D3V, and M1-T215A known for increased virulence/pathogenicity and replication, and PA-E199D, NS-P42S, and M2-S31N that promote drug resistance. The PA-E199D substitution in particular confers resistance to the endonuclease inhibitor Baloxavir acid, which is one of the new anti-influenza drugs. Higher EC50 was observed in isolates with a double F105L+E199D substitution that may suggest a possible synergistic effect. These H9N2 viruses have established an endemic situation in live bird markets in Uganda because of poor biosecurity practices and therefore pose a zoonotic threat. Regular surveillance is necessary to further generate the needed evidence for effective control strategies and to minimize the threats.

Antimicrobial activity of cefepime/zidebactam (WCK 5222), a β-lactam/β-lactam enhancer combination, against clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria collected worldwide (2018-19).

Zidebactam, a bicyclo-acyl hydrazide β-lactam 'enhancer' antibiotic, in combination with cefepime (WCK 5222) is under clinical development for the treatment of resistant Gram-negative infections. To evaluate the in vitro activity of cefepime/zidebactam and comparators against 24 220 Gram-negative bacteria. Organisms were consecutively collected in 2018-19 from 137 medical centres located in the USA (n = 9140), Western Europe (W-EU; n = 5929), Eastern Europe (E-EU; n = 3036), the Asia-Pacific region (APAC; n = 3791) and Latin America (LATAM; n = 2324). The isolates were susceptibility tested using the broth microdilution method as part of the SENTRY Program. Cefepime/zidebactam was tested at a 1:1 ratio. Cefepime/zidebactam was highly active against Enterobacterales (MIC50/90 0.03/0.25 mg/L; 99.9% inhibited at ≤8 mg/L) and retained potent activity against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) isolates (97.8% inhibited at ≤8 mg/L). CRE rates varied widely from 1.1% in the USA to 1.9% in W-EU, 3.6% in APAC and 14.6% in E-EU (3.9% overall). The most common carbapenemase genes observed overall were blaKPC (37.6% of CRE), blaOXA-48-like (30.0%) and blaNDM (23.8%). Resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam among CRE was elevated in APAC (64.8%), E-EU (25.5%) and LATAM (20.7%). Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cefepime/zidebactam inhibited 99.2% of isolates at ≤8 mg/L and susceptibility to ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam was lowest in E-EU (83.9% and 82.0%, respectively). Cefepime/zidebactam exhibited good activity against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (80.0% inhibited at ≤8 mg/L) and Burkholderia cepacia (89.4% inhibited at ≤8 mg/L). Cefepime/zidebactam demonstrated potent in vitro activity against a large worldwide collection of contemporary clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Characterization of Senecavirus A Isolates Collected From the Environment of U.S. Sow Slaughter Plants.

Vesicular disease caused by Senecavirus A (SVA) is clinically indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other vesicular diseases of swine. When a vesicle is observed in FMD-free countries, a costly and time-consuming foreign animal disease investigation (FADI) is performed to rule out FMD. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of FADIs and SVA positive samples at slaughter plants in the U.S. The objectives of this investigation were to: (1) describe the environmental burden of SVA in sow slaughter plants; (2) determine whether there was a correlation between PCR diagnostics, virus isolation (VI), and swine bioassay results; and (3) phylogenetically characterize the genetic diversity of contemporary SVA isolates. Environmental swabs were collected from three sow slaughter plants (Plants 1-3) and one market-weight slaughter plant (Plant 4) between June to December 2020. Of the 426 samples taken from Plants 1-3, 304 samples were PCR positive and 107 were VI positive. There was no detection of SVA by PCR or VI at Plant 4. SVA positive samples were most frequently found in the summer (78.3% June-September, vs. 59.4% October-December), with a peak at 85% in August. Eighteen PCR positive environmental samples with a range of Ct values were selected for a swine bioassay: a single sample infected piglets (n = 2). A random subset of the PCR positive samples was sequenced; and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated co-circulation and divergence of two genetically distinct groups of SVA. These data demonstrate that SVA was frequently found in the environment of sow slaughter plants, but environmental persistence and diagnostic detection was not indicative of whether a sampled was infectious to swine. Consequently, a more detailed understanding of the epidemiology of SVA and its environmental persistence in the marketing chain is necessary to reduce the number of FADIs and aide in the development of control measures to reduce the spread of SVA.

Genome sequence and experimental infection of calves with bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4).

Bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is ubiquitous in cattle worldwide, and it has been detected in animals exhibiting broad clinical presentations. The virus has been detected in the United States since the 1970s; however, its clinical relevance remains unknown. Here, we determined the complete genome sequences of two contemporary BoHV-4 isolates obtained from respiratory (SD16-38) or reproductive(SD16-49) tract specimens and assessed clinical, virological, and pathological outcomes upon intranasal (IN) inoculation of calves with the respiratory BoHV-4 isolate SD16-38. A slight and transient increase in body temperature was observed in BoHV-4-inoculated calves. Additionally, transient viremia and virus shedding in nasal secretions were observed in all inoculated calves. BoHV-4 DNA was detected by nested PCR in the tonsil and regional lymph nodes (LNs) of calves euthanized on day 5 post-inoculation (pi) and in the lungs of calves euthanized on day 10 pi. Calves euthanized on day 35 pi harbored BoHV-4 DNA in the respiratory tract (turbinates, trachea, lungs), regional lymphoid tissues, and trigeminal ganglia. Interestingly, in situ hybridization revealed the presence of BoHV-4 DNA in nerve bundles surrounding the trigeminal ganglia and retropharyngeal lymph nodes (day 35 pi). No histological changes were observed in the respiratory tract (turbinate, trachea, and lung), lymphoid tissues (tonsil, LNs, thymus, and spleen), or central nervous tissues (olfactory bulb and trigeminal ganglia) sampled throughout the animal studies (days 5, 10, and 35 pi). This study contributes to the understanding of the infection dynamics and tissue distribution of BoHV-4 following IN infection in calves. These results suggest that BoHV-4 SD16-38 used in our study has low pathogenicity in calves upon intranasal inoculation.

De Novo Assembly of Plasmodium knowlesi Genomes From Clinical Samples Explains the Counterintuitive Intrachromosomal Organization of Variant SICAvar and kir Multiple Gene Family Members.

Plasmodium knowlesi, a malaria parasite of Old World macaque monkeys, is used extensively to model Plasmodium biology. Recently, P. knowlesi was found in the human population of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia. P. knowlesi causes uncomplicated to severe and fatal malaria in the human host with features in common with the more prevalent and virulent malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. As such, P. knowlesi presents a unique opportunity to develop experimental translational model systems for malaria pathophysiology informed by clinical data from same-species human infections. Experimental lines of P. knowlesi represent well-characterized genetically stable parasites, and to maximize their utility as a backdrop for understanding malaria pathophysiology, genetically diverse contemporary clinical isolates, essentially wild-type, require comparable characterization. The Oxford Nanopore PCR-free long-read sequencing platform was used to sequence and de novo assemble P. knowlesi genomes from frozen clinical samples. The sequencing platform and assembly pipelines were designed to facilitate capturing data and describing, for the first time, P. knowlesi schizont-infected cell agglutination (SICA) var and Knowlesi-Interspersed Repeats (kir) multiple gene families in parasites acquired from nature. The SICAvar gene family members code for antigenically variant proteins analogous to the virulence-associated P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein (PfEMP1) multiple var gene family. Evidence presented here suggests that the SICAvar family members have arisen through a process of gene duplication, selection pressure, and variation. Highly evolving genes including PfEMP1family members tend to be restricted to relatively unstable sub-telomeric regions that drive change with core genes protected in genetically stable intrachromosomal locations. The comparable SICAvar and kir gene family members are counter-intuitively located across chromosomes. Here, we demonstrate that, in contrast to conserved core genes, SICAvar and kir genes occupy otherwise gene-sparse chromosomal locations that accommodate rapid evolution and change. The novel methods presented here offer the malaria research community not only new tools to generate comprehensive genome sequence data from small clinical samples but also new insight into the complexity of clinically important real-world parasites.

In vitro activity of ceftobiprole and comparator antibiotics against contemporary European isolates (2016-19).

ObjectivesTo evaluate the susceptibility to ceftobiprole of clinical bacterial isolates obtained from hospitalized patients in Europe.MethodsA total of 20 000 non-duplicate bacterial isolates were collected in 2016–19 from patients with documented infections at medical centres located in 17 countries in Europe. Bacterial identification was confirmed and susceptibility to ceftobiprole and comparator agents was tested using the EUCAST broth microdilution methodology and interpretive criteria by a central microbiology laboratory.ResultsOf the 20 000 isolates, 10 007 (50.0%) were Gram-positive and 9993 (50.0%) were Gram-negative. The most common species was Staphylococcus aureus (35.0%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (15.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.0%), Escherichia coli (9.7%) and Haemophilus influenzae (3.0%). Overall, 99.7% (6981/7000) of S. aureus, including 99.5% (3483/3502) of MRSA, 97.8% (2941/3007) of S. pneumoniae, 100% (605/605) of H. influenzae and 76.3% (5492/7197) of Enterobacterales isolates were susceptible to ceftobiprole. Susceptibility to ceftobiprole was higher for isolates from northern and western Europe as compared with eastern and southern Europe.ConclusionsCeftobiprole continues to exhibit potent and broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical isolates from Europe, and as expected, with a slight north-to-south and west-to-east susceptibility gradient.

Extended characterisation of five archival tick-borne viruses provides insights for virus discovery in Australian ticks

BackgroundA subset of Australians who have been bitten by ticks experience a complex of chronic and debilitating symptoms which cannot be attributed to the known pathogenic species of bacteria present in Australia. As a result, there has been a renewed effort to identify and characterise viruses in Australian terrestrial ticks. Recent transcriptome sequencing of Ixodes and Amblyomma ticks has revealed the presence of multiple virus sequences. However, without virus isolates our ability to understand the host range and pathogenesis of newly identified viruses is limited. We have established a successful method for high-throughput virus discovery and isolation in mosquitoes using antibodies to double-stranded RNA. In this study we sought to characterise five archival tick-borne viruses to adapt our virus discovery protocol for Australian ticks.MethodsWe performed virus characterisation using a combination of bioinformatic sequence analysis and in vitro techniques including replication kinetics, antigenic profiling, virus purification and mass spectrometry.ResultsOur sequence analysis of Nugget virus, Catch-me-Cave virus and Finch Creek virus revealed marked genetic stability in isolates collected from the same location approximately 30 years apart. We demonstrate that the Ixodes scapularis-derived ISE6 cell line supports replication of Australian members of the Flaviviridae, Nairoviridae, Phenuiviridae and Reoviridae families, including Saumarez Reef virus (SREV), a flavivirus isolated from the soft tick Ornithodoros capensis. While antibodies against double-stranded RNA could be used to detect replication of a tick-borne reovirus and mosquito-borne flavivirus, the tick-borne flaviviruses Gadgets Gully virus and SREV could not be detected using this method. Finally, four novel virus-like sequences were identified in transcriptome sequencing of the Australian native tick Ixodes holocyclus.ConclusionsGenetic and antigenic characterisations of archival viruses in this study confirm that three viruses described in 2002 represent contemporary isolates of virus species first identified 30 years prior. Our findings with antibodies to double-stranded RNA highlight an unusual characteristic shared by two Australian tick-borne flaviviruses. Finally, comparative growth kinetics analyses of Australian tick-borne members of the Flaviviridae, Nairoviridae, Phenuiviridae and Reoviridae families in ISE6 and BSR cells will provide a useful resource for isolation of Australian tick-borne viruses using existing cell lines.Graphical

Genomic analysis of the zoonotic ST73 lineage containing avian and human extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC)

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a globally distributed pathogen, with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and sepsis-associated E. coli (SEPEC) pathotypes particularly involved in human and companion animal disease, while avian pathogenic pathotype (APEC) severely impact poultry health and production. Similarities between APEC from poultry/meat and human ExPEC suggest that some APEC lineages may have zoonotic potential. ExPEC sequence type 73 (ST73) and its clonal complex (CC) are increasing causes of urinary tract infections and sepsis, but its role in zoonotic disease is less well understood. Here, we analyzed the genome sequences of 25 E. coli isolates from Brazil (11 APEC and 14 UPEC) from two time periods, from poultry producing areas and hospitals in the same geographical regions. Isolates were compared to 558 publicly available ST73/CC73 global sequences. Brazilian APEC harbored virulence factors associated with UPEC/SEPEC such as sfa, cnf1, vat, usp, hlyA, iron acquisition and protectins/serum resistance systems, while lacking some common APEC markers and widespread multidrug resistance. Analysis of core genome MLST and SNP phylogenetic trees indicated evolutionary relationships between subgroups of the Brazilian APEC to two contemporary Brazilian UPEC isolates from the same region, and one Brazilian UPEC available from another study. Phylogenies showed a non-host, geographical, or pathotype specificity, with APEC isolates clustering closely with international human UPEC, SEPEC. The remaining Brazilian UPEC grouped within human clusters. Collectively, this suggests a zoonotic potential for subgroups of Brazilian APEC from the ST73 lineage that could contaminate poultry products and subsequently cause human infection.

Comparison of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates From Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) and Contemporary Human-Derived Strains: A One Health Perspective.

During winter, a large number of rooks gather and defecate at the park of a university clinic. We investigated the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Escherichia coli in these birds and compared recovered isolates with contemporary human isolates. In 2016, fecal samples were collected from 112 trap-captured rooks and investigated for presence of ESBL producers using eosin methylene blue agar supplemented by 2 mg/L cefotaxime; 2,455 contemporary human fecal samples of patients of the clinics sent for routine culturing were tested similarly. In addition, 42 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates collected during the same period from inpatients were also studied. ESBL genes were sought for by PCR and were characterized by sequencing; E. coli ST131 clones were identified. Epidemiological relatedness was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and confirmed using whole genome sequencing in selected cases. Thirty-seven (33%) of sampled rooks and 42 (1.7%) of human stools yielded ESBL-producing E coli. Dominant genes were blaCTX–M–55 and blaCTX–M–27 in corvid, blaCTX–M–15 and blaCTX–M–27 in human isolates. ST162 was common among rooks. Two rook-derived E. coli belonged to ST131 C1-M27, which was also predominant (10/42) among human fecal and (15/42) human clinical isolates. Another potential link between rooks and humans was a single ST744 rook isolate grouped with one human fecal and three clinical isolates. Despite possible contact, genotypes shared between rooks and humans were rare. Thus, rooks are important as long-distance vectors and reservoirs of ESBL-producing E. coli rather than direct sources of infections to humans in our setting.

Determinants of antimicrobial resistance in a contemporary obstetrical cohort

Intraamniotic infection (IAI) causes significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Antimicrobial resistance is increasing among obstetrical pathogens but studies examining contemporary bacterial isolates and their associated antimicrobial drug resistance patterns are lacking. Guidelines on IAI treatment suggest antibiotic choice should be based on local antimicrobial susceptibility but obstetric bacterial isolates have different antimicrobial resistance patterns compared to medical or surgical patients and it is difficult to ascertain the appropriate antibiotics.

1280. Minocycline Activity Against Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus Species Complex, Burkholderia Cepacia Complex, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from US Hospitals

1280. Minocycline Activity Against <i>Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus</i> Species Complex, Burkholderia Cepacia Complex, and <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> from US Hospitals

1267. Five-Year Trend on the Susceptibility of Enterobacterales to Plazomicin and Other Aminoglycosides in Hospitals in the United States (2016–2020)

1267. Five-Year Trend on the Susceptibility of <i>Enterobacterales</i> to Plazomicin and Other Aminoglycosides in Hospitals in the United States (2016–2020)

1073. Sulbactam-Durlobactam Has Potent Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates From Thai Patients With Chronic Infections

Abstract Background Due to the increase in multi-drug resistance (MDR) of Acinetobacter baumannii chronic infections with accompanying considerable morbidity and mortality, it is imperative to find effective novel treatments. Durlobactam (DUR) is a potent broad-spectrum inhibitor of Ambler classes A, C and D serine β-lactamases that effectively restores sulbactam (SUL) activity against MDR A.baumannii isolates. SUL-DUR is currently in late-stage development for the treatment of infections caused by Acinetobacter spp., including drug resistant isolates. In this study, we sought to evaluate potency of SUL-DUR against MDR A. baumannii isolates collected from Thai patients with chronic infections. Methods Non-duplicative clinical strains were isolated during 2016–2019 from 200 chronically infected patients in different medical wards with a variety of different infections at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Susceptibility testing of SUL-DUR and comparator agents was performed according to CLSI guidelines. SUL-DUR was also tested on a background of imipenem (IPM) therapy (SUL-IPM titrated at a 1:1 ratio plus DUR fixed at 4 mg/L). Data analysis was performed using CLSI and EUCAST breakpoint criteria where available. Results This collection of isolates was 92% sulbactam-resistant (using a breakpoint of 4 mg/L), 91% carbapenem-resistant, 74% amikacin resistant and 8% colistin resistant. In contrast, the SUL-DUR MIC90 was 4 mg/L compared with 64 mg/L for sulbactam alone. SUL-DUR was equally potent across antibiotic-resistant subsets. Only 6 isolates (3%) had SUL-DUR MIC values &amp;gt;4 mg/L. Interestingly, addition of imipenem to SUL-DUR showed similar potency as SUL-DUR alone, with an MIC90 of 2 mg/L. Conclusion SUL-DUR showed potent in vitro activity against contemporary clinical isolates from a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. If successfully developed, SUL-DUR may be an important new therapeutic option for the treatment of MDR Acinetobacter infections. Disclosures Alita Miller, PhD, Entasis Therapeutics (Employee)

1054. Activity of a Anti-staphylococcal Lysin, LSVT-1701: In vitro Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) Global Clinical Isolates (2002 to 2019)

BackgroundLSVT-1701, formerly SAL200, is a novel, recombinantly-produced, bacteriophage-encoded lysin that specifically targets staphylococci via cell wall enzymatic hydrolysis. We reported the in vitro activity of LSVT-1701 against clinical isolates of S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) collected worldwide.MethodsLSVT-1701 and comparators were tested against 415 S. aureus (n=315) and CoNS (n=100) clinical isolates expressing various resistance phenotypes. The isolates were collected in 2002-2019 from medical centers located in the United States (50 medical centers; 174 isolates; 41.9% overall), Europe (37 medical centers; 140 isolates; 33.7% overall), Asia-Pacific region (15 medical centers; 55 isolates; 13.3% overall), and Latin America (12 medical centers; 46 isolates; 11.1% overall). These isolates originated mostly from the year 2019 (n=323).The isolates were susceptibility tested by the CLSI broth microdilution method. MIC interpretations were based on CLSI and EUCAST criteria where available.ResultsLSVT-1701 was highly active against S. aureus and CoNS isolates with MIC90 values of 2 mg/L for all S. aureus, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and CoNS (Table). The highest LSVT-1701 MIC values were 4 and 8 mg/L among S. aureus and CoNS, respectively. LSVT-1701 retained potent activity against S. aureus isolates showing resistance or decreased susceptibility to oxacillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, telavancin, linezolid, daptomycin, ceftaroline, or lefamulin; MIC50 values ranged from 0.5 to 1 mg/L and MIC90 values ranged from 1 to 4 mg/L among S. aureus resistant subsets. Summary of LSVT-1701 activity against S. aureus, CoNS and resistant subsetsConclusionLSVT-1701 demonstrated potent in vitro activity against contemporary clinical isolates of S. aureus and CoNS collected from medical centers worldwide and against resistant S. aureus isolates with uncommon resistance phenotypes. The results of this study support further clinical development of LSVT-1701 to treat staphylococcal infections.Disclosures David Huang, MD, PhD, Lysovant (Consultant) Helio S. Sader, MD, PhD, FIDSA, AbbVie (formerly Allergan) (Research Grant or Support)Basilea Pharmaceutica International, Ltd. (Research Grant or Support)Cipla Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support)Cipla USA Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Department of Health and Human Services (Research Grant or Support, Contract no. HHSO100201600002C)Melinta Therapeutics, LLC (Research Grant or Support)Nabriva Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Shionogi (Research Grant or Support)Spero Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support) Paul R Rhomberg, Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer, Inc. (Research Grant or Support) Katyna Borroto-Esoda, PhD, Lysovant (Consultant) Eric Gaukel, BS, Lysovant (Employee)

Simultaneous Infection With Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Influenza Viruses Abrogates Clinical Protection Induced by Live Attenuated Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Vaccination.

The porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is responsible for significant economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and swine influenza virus are major viral contributors to PRDC. Vaccines are cost-effective measures for controlling PRRS, however, their efficacy in the context of co-infections has been poorly investigated. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of PRRSV-2 and swine influenza H3N2 virus co-infection on the efficacy of PRRSV modified live virus (MLV) vaccination, which is widely used in the field. Following simultaneous challenge with contemporary PRRSV-2 and H3N2 field isolates, we found that the protective effect of PRRS MLV vaccination on clinical disease and pathology was abrogated, although viral load was unaffected and antibody responses were enhanced. In contrast, co-infection in non-immunized animals reduced PRRSV-2 viremia and H3N2 virus load in the upper respiratory tract and potentiated T cell responses against both PRRSV-2 and H3N2 in the lung. Further analysis suggested that an upregulation of inhibitory cytokines gene expression in the lungs of vaccinated pigs may have influenced responses to H3N2 and PRRSV-2. These findings provide important insights into the effect of viral co-infections on PRRS vaccine efficacy that may help identify more effective vaccination strategies against PRDC in the field.

Protective Efficacy of an Orf Virus-Vector Encoding the Hemagglutinin and the Nucleoprotein of Influenza A Virus in Swine.

Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by influenza A viruses (IAV-S). IAV-S causes significant economic losses to the swine industry and poses challenges to public health given its zoonotic potential. Thus effective IAV-S vaccines are needed and highly desirable and would benefit both animal and human health. Here, we developed two recombinant orf viruses, expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) gene (OV-HA) or the HA and the nucleoprotein (NP) genes of IAV-S (OV-HA-NP). The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these two recombinant viruses were evaluated in pigs. Both OV-HA and OV-HA-NP recombinants elicited robust virus neutralizing antibody response in pigs, with higher levels of neutralizing antibodies (NA) being detected in OV-HA-NP-immunized animals pre-challenge infection. Although both recombinant viruses elicited IAV-S-specific T-cell responses, the frequency of IAV-S-specific proliferating CD8+ T cells upon re-stimulation was higher in OV-HA-NP-immunized animals than in the OV-HA group. Importantly, IgG1/IgG2 isotype ELISAs revealed that immunization with OV-HA induced Th2-biased immune responses, whereas immunization with OV-HA-NP virus resulted in a Th1-biased immune response. While pigs immunized with either OV-HA or OV-HA-NP were protected when compared to non-immunized controls, immunization with OV-HA-NP resulted in incremental protection against challenge infection as evidenced by a reduced secondary antibody response (NA and HI antibodies) following IAV-S challenge and reduced virus shedding in nasal secretions (lower viral RNA loads and frequency of animals shedding viral RNA and infectious virus), when compared to animals in the OV-HA group. Interestingly, broader cross neutralization activity was also observed in serum of OV-HA-NP-immunized animals against a panel of contemporary IAV-S isolates representing the major genetic clades circulating in swine. This study demonstrates the potential of ORFV-based vector for control of swine influenza virus in swine.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF DALBAVANCIN AGAINST GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE (2016-2020): RESULTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL DALBAVANCIN EVALUATION OF ACTIVITY (IDEA) PROGRAM

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: The management of infective endocarditis (IE) requires aggressive and prolonged antimicrobial treatment. Dalbavancin (DALBA) has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against gram-positive (GP) organisms commonly responsible for IE and is being evaluated for treatment of complicated bacteremia and IE. METHODS: 16,164 GP organisms were consecutively collected from patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) in the United States (US; 8,807 isolates from 79 hospitals) and Europe (EU; 7,357 isolates from 42 hospitals in 20 countries) from 2016 to 2020 via the IDEA Program. The collection included 323 isolates from patients with a diagnosis of IE. Isolates were tested for susceptibility (S) against DALBA and comparators by the CLSI broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Among IE isolates, the most common organisms were S. aureus (SA; 52.3%), E. faecalis (EF; 18.0%), and viridans group streptococci (VGS; 10.8%). Among BSI isolates, the most common organisms were SA (45.0%), β-hemolytic streptococci (BHS; 11.0%), and EF (10.8%). DALBA and daptomycin (DAPTO) showed complete activity (100.0%S) against SA from IE, but MIC values from DALBA (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.03 mg/L) were 8- to 16-fold lower than DAPTO (MIC50/90, 0.25/0.5 mg/L). Against SA from IE, linezolid (LZD) and teicoplanin (TEI) were active against 100.0% of isolates and ceftaroline was active against 99.0% of isolates. Vancomycin (VAN) inhibited 98.8% of isolates at ≤1 mg/L. Methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) rates were 43.3% (US) and 27.5% (EU) among SA from IE (n=169), and 41.1% (US) and 24.0% (EU) among SA from BSI (n=7,279). All EF isolates from IE were S to ampicillin and LZD, whereas 98.3% were S to DALBA (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), DAPTO (MIC50/90, 0.5/1 mg/L), VAN (MIC50/90, 1/2 mg/L), and TEI (MIC50/90, ≤0.5/≤0.5 mg/L). Against EF, DALBA MIC values were 16- to 32-fold lower than DAPTO and VAN. Among EF from BSI (n=1,748), S to DALBA, DAPTO, and VAN was 98.0%, 99.5%, and 97.7%, respectively. All VGS isolates from IE (n=35) were S to DALBA (at ≤0.12 mg/L), VAN, and LZD; 96.6% of VGS were S to DAPTO. All coagulase-negative staphylococci from IE were S to DALBA (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.12 mg/L; highest MIC, 0.12 mg/L), DAPTO (MIC50/90, 0.25/0.5 mg/L), VAN (MIC50/90, 2/2 mg/L), and LZD (MIC50/90, 1/1 mg/L). E. faecium (EFM) was isolated from 5.6% of IE cases. Among EFM isolates from IE, 66.7% were S to VAN and 72.2% were inhibited at ≤0.12 mg/L of DALBA. BHS was S to DALBA (highest MIC, 0.03 mg/L) and most antimicrobial agents tested. CONCLUSIONS: DALBA exhibited potent in vitro activity against a large collection of contemporary GP isolates recovered from patients with BSI, including IE, in US and EU medical centers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Due to its prolonged half-life and high potency against GP, DALBA may represent a valuable option for treatment of IE. These results support further investigations on the role of DALBA in the treatment of BSI and IE. DISCLOSURES: my employer received research support relationship with AbbVie Please note: 2020-2022 Added 04/20/2021 by Cecilia Carvalhaes, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support No relevant relationships by Mariana Castanheira, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Rodrigo Mendes;Research Contractor relationship with Allergan Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Helio Sader, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support Research Contractor relationship with AbbVIe (formerly Allergan) Please note: Ongoing Added 04/15/2021 by Helio Sader, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support No relevant relationships by Streit Streit, source=Web Response

In vitro activity of a novel aminomethylcycline antibacterial (KBP-7072), a third-generation tetracycline, against clinical isolates with molecularly characterized tetracycline resistance mechanisms

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the in vitro activity of KBP-7072 against 413 contemporary surveillance isolates, including subsets with known tetracycline resistance genes.MaterialsIn total, 105 Klebsiella pneumoniae (51 tetracycline resistant), 103 Escherichia coli (52 tetracycline resistant), 103 Staphylococcus aureus (51 tetracycline resistant) and 102 Streptococcus pneumoniae (51 tetracycline resistant) isolates were included. These isolates were tested by broth microdilution using fresh media. CLSI/EUCAST breakpoints were applied, except for tigecycline and omadacycline, which used FDA criteria.ResultsKBP-7072 (MIC50, 0.06 mg/L), tigecycline (MIC50, 0.12 and 0.25 mg/L) and omadacycline (MIC50, 0.12 and 0.5 mg/L) showed similar MIC50s for tetracycline-susceptible and -resistant S. aureus. Other tetracycline comparators had their MIC50 increased 64- to 256-fold by tet. For S. pneumoniae, KBP-7072 (MIC50/90, ≤0.015/0.03 mg/L) showed the lowest MICs, which remained unchanged for tetracycline-susceptible or -resistant isolates [mostly tet(M)]. Similar MICs were observed for omadacycline (MIC50/90, 0.03–0.06/0.06 mg/L) and tigecycline (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.03 mg/L) in the S. pneumoniae population. Tetracycline-susceptible and -resistant E. coli [94.2% tet(A)/tet(B)], KBP-7072 (MIC90, 0.25 and 1 mg/L, respectively) and tigecycline (MIC90, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L) showed similar MIC90s. KBP-7072 (MIC50/90, 0.25/0.5 mg/L) and tigecycline (MIC50/90, 0.5/0.5 mg/L) had the lowest MIC for tetracycline-susceptible K. pneumoniae. The MIC for KBP-7072 (MIC50/90, 1/4 mg/L) and tigecycline (MIC50/90, 1/2 mg/L) increased 2- to 8-fold for tetracycline-resistant K. pneumoniae, which mostly produced Tet(A).ConclusionsKBP-7072 activity was minimally affected by the presence of acquired tetracycline genes.

The fall and rise of group B Streptococcus in dairy cattle: reintroduction due to human-to-cattle host jumps?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS; Streptococcus agalactiae ) is a major neonatal and opportunistic bacterial pathogen of humans and an important cause of mastitis in dairy cattle with significant impacts on food security. Following the introduction of mastitis control programmes in the 1950s, GBS was nearly eradicated from the dairy industry in northern Europe, followed by re-emergence in the 21st century. Here, we sought to explain this re-emergence based on short and long read sequencing of historical (1953–1978; n=44) and contemporary (1997–2012; n=76) bovine GBS isolates. Our data show that a globally distributed bovine-associated lineage of GBS was commonly detected among historical isolates but never among contemporary isolates. By contrast, tetracycline resistance, which is present in all major GBS clones adapted to humans, was commonly and uniquely detected in contemporary bovine isolates. These observations provide evidence for strain replacement and suggest a human origin of newly emerged strains. Three novel GBS plasmids were identified, including two showing >98 % sequence similarity with plasmids from Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis , which co-exist with GBS in the human oropharynx. Our findings support introduction of GBS into the dairy population due to human-to-cattle jumps on multiple occasions and demonstrate that reverse zoonotic transmission can erase successes of animal disease control campaigns.