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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Genomic characterization of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) of avian origin and rabbit ileal loop response; a pet macaw (Ara chloropterus) as a possible zoonotic reservoir

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Author(s):
Saidenberg, Andre Becker Simoes [1] ; van Vliet, Arnoud H. M. [2] ; Brandao, Paulo Eduardo [1] ; de Sa, Lilian Rose Marques [1] ; Cunha, Marcos Paulo Vieira [1] ; La Ragione, Roberto M. [2] ; Knobl, Terezinha [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci, Ave Prof Dr Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Surrey, Sch Vet Med, Fac Hlth & Med Sci, Dept Pathol & Infect Dis, Guildford, Surrey - England
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: VETERINARY QUARTERLY; v. 40, n. 1, p. 331-341, JAN 1 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in children in low- to medium-income countries. Diverse animal species have been linked as reservoirs, including birds. The aim of this study was to describe the genomic and phylogenetic features of an EPEC recovered from a pet macaw and further characterizing the macro and microscopic lesion in a rabbit ileal loop experimental model. The isolate was whole-genome sequenced (WGS) obtaining its genotypic and phenotypic in silico characteristics and inoculated in a rabbit experimental model with subsequently evaluating the strain's pathogenicity by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathology. The isolate was characterized as O109:H21-B1-ST40 typical EPEC, harboring several virulence factors of diarrheagenic E. coli. The macaw EPEC genome was located in a monophyletic clade of human and animal ST40 EPEC sequences. In vivo inoculation demonstrated severe hemorrhage with SEM and histopathological analysis confirming these lesions to be associated with intra-epithelial lymphocytes. Therefore, the isolate not only shared several genotypic and phylogenetic similarities with EPEC that affects humans and animals, but was able to induce severe tissue injury in a mammal model. These findings highlight the underrated role of pet birds as zoonotic reservoirs and the diversity in virulence factors being unraveled by new WGS studies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/18204-6 - Virulence properties and resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from air sac of turkeys
Grantee:Terezinha Knöbl
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants