Increased Brucella abortus asRNA_0067 expression under intraphagocytic stressors is associated with enhanced virB2 transcription.

Intracellular pathogens like Brucella face challenges during the intraphagocytic adaptation phase, where the modulation of gene expression plays an essential role in taking advantage of stressors to persist inside the host cell. This study aims to explore the expression of antisense virB2 RNA strand and related genes under intracellular simulation media. Sense and antisense virB2 RNA strands increased expression when nutrient deprivation and acidification were higher, being starvation more determinative. Meanwhile, bspB, one of the T4SS effector genes, exhibited the highest expression during the exposition to pH 4.5 and nutrient abundance. Based on RNA-seq analysis and RACE data, we constructed a regional map depicting the 5' and 3' ends of virB2 and the cis-encoded asRNA_0067. Without affecting the CDS or a possible autonomous RBS, we generate the deletion mutant ΔasRNA_0067, significantly reducing virB2 mRNA expression and survival rate. These results suggest that the antisense asRNA_0067 expression is promoted under exposure to the intraphagocytic adaptation phase stressors, and its deletion is associated with a lower transcription of the virB2 gene. Our findings illuminate the significance of these RNA strands in modulating the survival strategy of Brucella within the host and emphasize the role of nutrient deprivation in gene expression.

Effects of vaccination with Brucella melitensis, strains Rev 1 ΔeryCD and Rev 1, on the reproductive system of young male goats.

The present study evaluates the effects of vaccination with Brucella melitensis strains Rev 1 ΔeryCD and Rev 1 on the reproductive system of male goats. Three groups, each of them consisting of 15 six-month-old brucellosis-free male goats, were studied. The first group was vaccinated with the Rev 1 ΔeryCD strain, the second group received Rev 1 and the third group was inoculated with sterile physiological saline solution. The dose of both strains was of 1×109CFU/ml. Over the course of the five months of this study, three males from each group were euthanized every month. Their reproductive tracts, spleens, and lymph nodes were collected to analyze serology, bacteriology PCR, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Results show that vaccination with B. melitensis strains Rev 1 ΔeryCD and Rev 1 does not harm the reproductive system of male goats. Strain B. melitensis Rev 1 ΔeryCD displayed a lower capacity to colonize the reproductive tract than strain Rev 1, which was attributed to its limited catabolic action toward erythritol.

Caveats of chimpanzee ChAdOx1 adenovirus-vectored vaccines to boost anti-SARS-CoV-2 protective immunity in mice.

Several COVID-19 vaccines use adenovirus vectors to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. Immunization with these vaccines promotes immunity against the S protein, but against also the adenovirus itself. This could interfere with the entry of the vaccine into the cell, reducing its efficacy. Herein, we evaluate the efficiency of an adenovirus-vectored vaccine (chimpanzee ChAdOx1 adenovirus, AZD1222) in boosting the specific immunity compared to that induced by a recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based vaccine without viral vector. Mice immunized with the AZD1222 human vaccine were given a booster 6 months later, with either the homologous vaccine or a recombinant vaccine based on RBD of the delta variant, which was prevalent at the start of this study. A significant increase in anti-RBD antibody levels was observed in rRBD-boosted mice (31-61%) compared to those receiving two doses of AZD1222 (0%). Significantly higher rates of PepMix™- or RBD-elicited proliferation were also observed in IFNγ-producing CD4 and CD8 cells from mice boosted with one or two doses of RBD, respectively. The lower efficiency of the ChAdOx1-S vaccine in boosting specific immunity could be the result of a pre-existing anti-vector immunity, induced by increased levels of anti-adenovirus antibodies found both in mice and humans. Taken together, these results point to the importance of avoiding the recurrent use of the same adenovirus vector in individuals with immunity and memory against them. It also illustrates the disadvantages of ChAdOx1 adenovirus-vectored vaccine with respect to recombinant protein vaccines, which can be used without restriction in vaccine-booster programs. KEY POINTS: • ChAdOx1 adenovirus vaccine (AZD1222) may not be effective in boosting anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity • A recombinant RBD protein vaccine is effective in boosting anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity in mice • Antibodies elicited by the rRBD-delta vaccine persisted for up to 3 months in mice.

Towards the development of an epitope-focused vaccine for SARS-CoV-2.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 on all continents and the mortality induced by SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has motivated an unprecedented effort for vaccine development. Inactivated viruses as well as vaccines focused on the partial or total sequence of the Spike protein using different novel platforms such us RNA, DNA, proteins, and non-replicating viral vectors have been developed. The high global need for vaccines, now and in the future, and the emergence of new variants of concern still requires development of accessible vaccines that can be adapted according to the most prevalent variants in the respective regions. Here, we describe the immunogenic properties of a group of theoretically predicted RBD peptides to be used as the first step towards the development of an effective, safe and low-cost epitope-focused vaccine. One of the tested peptides named P5, proved to be safe and immunogenic. Subcutaneous administration of the peptide, formulated with alumina, induced high levels of specific IgG antibodies in mice and hamsters, as well as an increase of IFN-γ expression by CD8+ T cells in C57 and BALB/c mice upon in vitro stimulation with P5. Neutralizing titers of anti-P5 antibodies, however, were disappointingly low, a deficiency that we will attempt to resolve by the inclusion of additional immunogenic epitopes to P5. The safety and immunogenicity data reported in this study support the use of this peptide as a starting point for the design of an epitope restricted vaccine.

An RBD-Based Diagnostic Method Useful for the Surveillance of Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in the Population.

After more than two years, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and evolving all over the world; human herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2 increases either by infection or by unprecedented mass vaccination. A substantial change in population immunity is expected to contribute to the control of transmission. It is essential to monitor the extension and duration of the population's immunity to support the decisions of health authorities in each region and country, directed to chart the progressive return to normality. For this purpose, the availability of simple and cheap methods to monitor the levels of relevant antibodies in the population is a widespread necessity. Here, we describe the development of an RBD-based ELISA for the detection of specific antibodies in large numbers of samples. The recombinant expression of an RBD-poly-His fragment was carried out using either bacterial or eukaryotic cells in in vitro culture. After affinity chromatography purification, the performance of both recombinant products was compared by ELISA in similar trials. Our results showed that eukaryotic RBD increased the sensitivity of the assay. Interestingly, our results also support a correlation of the eukaryotic RBD-based ELISA with other assays aimed to test for neutralizing antibodies, which suggests that it provides an indication of protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

Proteomic Analysis of Membrane Blebs of Brucella abortus 2308 and RB51 and Their Evaluation as an Acellular Vaccine.

Membrane blebs are released from Gram-negative bacteria, however, little is known about Brucella blebs. This work pursued two objectives, the first was to determine and identify the proteins in the membrane blebs by proteomics and in silico analysis. The second aim was to evaluate the use of membrane blebs of Brucella abortus 2308 and B. abortus RB51 as an acellular vaccine in vivo and in vitro. To achieve these aims, membrane blebs from B. abortus 2308 and RB51 were obtained and then analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Brucella membrane blebs were used as a "vaccine" to induce an immune response in BALB/c mice, using the strain B. abortus RB51 as a positive vaccine control. After subsequent challenge with B. abortus 2308, CFUs in spleens were determined; and immunoglobulins IgG1 and IgG2a were measured in murine serum by ELISA. Also, activation and costimulatory molecules induced by membrane blebs were analyzed in splenocytes by flow cytometry. Two hundred and twenty eight proteins were identified in 2308 membrane blebs and 171 in RB51 blebs, some of them are well-known Brucella immunogens such as SodC, Omp2b, Omp2a, Omp10, Omp16, and Omp19. Mice immunized with membrane blebs from rough or smooth B. abortus induced similar protective immune responses as well as the vaccine B. abortus RB51 after the challenge with virulent strain B. abortus 2308 (P < 0.05). The levels of IgG2a in mice vaccinated with 2308 membrane blebs were higher than those vaccinated with RB51 membrane blebs or B. abortus RB51 post-boosting. Moreover, mice immunized with 2308 blebs increased the percentage of activated B cells (CD19+CD69+) in vitro. Therefore, membrane blebs are potential candidates for the development of an acellular vaccine against brucellosis, especially those derived from the rough strains so that serological diagnostic is not affected.

Secretome profiling of highly virulent Mycobacterium bovis 04-303 strain reveals higher abundance of virulence-associated proteins.

Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of tuberculosis in farms, wildlife and causes sporadic disease in humans. Despite the high similitude in genome sequence between M. bovis strains, some strains like the wild boar 04-303 isolate show a highly virulent phenotype in animal models. Comparative studies will contribute to link protein expression with the virulence phenotype. In vitro, the 04-303 strain was more phagocytized by J774A.1 macrophages in comparison with 444 strain (a cow isolate with the same genotype) and BCG. The secretome of these strains showed a significant proportion of shared proteins (368 spots). Among the proteins only visualized in the secretome of the 04-303 strain, we identify the nine most abundant proteins by LC-MS/MS. The most relevant were EsxA and EsxB proteins, which are encoded in the RD1 region, deleted in BCG strains. These proteins are the major virulence factor of M. tuberculosis. The other proteins identified belong to functional categories of virulence, detoxification, and adaptation; lipid metabolism; and cell wall and cell processes. The relatively high proportion of proteins involved in the cell wall and cell process is consistent with the previously described variation among M. bovis genomes.

Two outer membrane proteins are bovine lactoferrin-binding proteins in Mannheimia haemolytica A1.

Mannheimia haemolytica is a Gram negative bacterium that is part of the bovine respiratory disease, which causes important economic losses in the livestock industry. In the present work, the interaction between M. haemolytica A1 and bovine lactoferrin (BLf) was studied. This iron-chelating glycoprotein is part of the mammalian innate-immune system and is present in milk and mucosal secretions; Lf is also contained in neutrophils secondary granules, which release this glycoprotein at infection sites. It was evidenced that M. haemolytica was not able to use iron-charged BLf (BholoLf) as a sole iron source; nevertheless, iron-lacked BLf (BapoLf) showed a bactericidal effect against M. haemolytica with MIC of 4.88 ± 1.88 and 7.31 ± 1.62 µM for M. haemolytica strain F (field isolate) and M. haemolytica strain R (reference strain), respectively. Through overlay assays and 2-D electrophoresis, two OMP of 32.9 and 34.2 kDa with estimated IP of 8.18 and 9.35, respectively, were observed to bind both BapoLf and BholoLf; these OMP were identified by Maldi-Tof as OmpA (heat-modifiable OMP) and a membrane protein (porin). These M. haemolytica BLf binding proteins could be interacting in vivo with both forms of BLf depending on the iron state of the bovine.

PATHOGENIC LEPTOSPIRA SEROVARS IN FREE-LIVING SEA LIONS IN THE GULF OF CALIFORNIA AND ALONG THE BAJA CALIFORNIA COAST OF MEXICO.

The California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus ), a permanent inhabitant of the Gulf of California in Mexico, is susceptible to pathogenic Leptospira spp. infection, which can result in hepatic and renal damage and may lead to renal failure and death. During summer 2013, we used the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to investigate the prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in blood of clinically healthy sea lion pups from seven rookery islands on the Pacific Coast of Baja California (Pacific Ocean) and in the Gulf of California. We also used PCR to examine blood for Leptospira DNA. Isolation of Leptospira in liquid media was unsuccessful. We found higher antibody prevalence in sea lions from the rookery islands in the gulf than in those from the Pacific Coast. Antibodies against 11 serovars were identified in the Gulf of California population; the most frequent reactions were against serovars Bataviae (90%), Pyrogenes (86%), Wolffi (86%), Celledoni (71%), and Pomona (65%). In the Pacific Ocean population, MAT was positive against eight serovars, where Wolffi (88%), Pomona (75%), and Bataviae (70%) were the most frequent. Serum samples agglutinated with more than one Leptospira serovar. The maximum titer was 3,200. Each island had a different serology profile, and islands combined showed a distinct profile for each region. We detected pathogenic Leptospira DNA in 63% of blood samples, but we found no saprophytic Leptospira. Positive PCR results were obtained in blood samples with high and low MAT titers. Together, these two methods enhance the diagnosis and interpretation of sea lion leptospirosis. Our results may be related to human activities or the presence of other reservoirs with which sea lions interact, and they may also be related to sea lion stranding.

Infection of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with terrestrial Brucella spp.

Infections with Brucella ceti and pinnipedialis are prevalent in marine mammals worldwide. A total of 22 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were examined to determine their exposure to Brucella spp. at San Esteban Island in the Gulf of California, Mexico, in June and July 2011. Although samples of blood, vaginal mucus and milk cultured negative for these bacteria, the application of rose Bengal, agar gel immunodiffusion, PCR and modified fluorescence polarization assays found that five animals (22.7%) had evidence of exposure to Brucella strains. The data also suggested that in two of these five sea lions the strains involved were of terrestrial origin, a novel finding in marine mammals. Further work will be required to validate and determine the epidemiological significance of this finding.

The invA gene of Brucella melitensis is involved in intracellular invasion and is required to establish infection in a mouse model.

Some of the mechanisms underlying the invasion and intracellular survival of B. melitensis are still unknown, including the role of a subfamily of NUDIX enzymes, which have been described in other bacterial species as invasins and are present in Brucella spp. We have generated a mutation in the coding gene of one of these proteins, the invA gene (BMEI0215) of B. melitensis strain 133, to understand its role in virulence. HeLa cell invasion results showed that mutant strain survival was decreased 5-fold compared with that of the parental strain at 2 h pi (P<0.001). In a goat macrophage infection assay, mutant strain replication was 8-fold less than in the parental strain at 24 h pi (P<0.001); yet, at 48 h pi, no significant differences in intracellular replication were observed. Additionally, colocalization of the invA mutant with calregulin was significantly lower at 24 h pi compared with that of the parental strain. Furthermore, the mutant strain exhibited a low level of colocalization with cathepsin D, which was similar to the parental strain colocalization at 24 h pi. In vivo infection results demonstrated that spleen colonization was significantly lower with the mutant than with the parental strain. The immune response, measured in terms of antibody switching and IFN-γ transcription, was similar for Rev1 and infection with the mutant, although it was lower than the immune response elicited by the parental strain. Consequently, these results indicate that the invA gene is important during invasion but not for intracellular replication. Additionally, mutation of the invA gene results in in vivo attenuation.

Caracterización de los tipos capsulares de Pasteurella multocida en exudado faríngeo de bovinos productores de carne clínicamente sanos en el estado de Querétaro / Characterization of capsular types of Pasteurella multocida isolated from clinically healthy beef cattle pharyngeal exudate in the state of Querétaro

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar y caracterizar los tipos capsulares de P. multocida en exudado faríngeo en bovinos destinados a la producción de carne en el estado de Querétaro. Se obtuvieron, mediante hisopo, 227 muestras de exudado faríngeo de animales clínicamente sanos en una planta de sacrificio ubicada en el municipio de Ezequiel Montes, Querétaro. Las muestras se sembraron en agar sangre y se incubaron a 37°C por 24 h en aerobiosis. Las cepas aisladas fueron identificadas mediante características morfológicas, pruebas bioquímicas convencionales y el microsistema comercial API 20NE. La tipificación de los grupos capsulares A y D se realizó por medio de una PCR múltiple para la amplificación de los genes hyaD-hyaC y dcbF, respectivamente. De acuerdo con los valores establecidos por el software API WEB, se logró la identificación de 14.09% (32/227) de cepas de P. multocida, que mostraron 96% de identidad y una tipicidad de 1 a P. multocida. Por medio de la PCR múltiple se logró la amplificación de los genes hyaD-hyaC correspondientes al grupo capsular A en el 100% (32/32) de las cepas identificadas previamente como P. multocida. No existen datos similares en México sobre la identificación y caracterización de P. multocida en bovinos destinados a la producción de carne. Con los resultados obtenidos se corrobora que, de manera similar a otros países de Europa y América, en México el grupo capsular predominante de P. multocida es el A.

The objective of the present study was to identify and characterize capsular types of P. multocida isolated from beef cattle pharyngeal exudate in the state of Querétaro. Two hundred and twenty seven pharyngeal exudate swab samples from clinically healthy animals in a slaughterhouse in the municipality of Ezequiel Montes, Querétaro were obtained. Samples were seeded in blood agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h under aerobiosis. Strains were identified through morphological characteristics, conventional biochemical tests and commercial API 20NE Micro-System. Capsular typing of groups A and D was performed by a multiplex PCR for amplification of genes hyaD-hyaC and dcbF, respectively. According to the values established by API WEB software, it was possible to identify 14.09% (32/227) of P. multocida strains, which showed an identification percentage of 96% and a typicality of 1 to P. multocida. By multiplex PCR, the amplification of genes hyaD-hyaC, correspondent to capsular group A in 100% (32/32) of the strains previously identified as P. multocida, was achieved. There are no similar data in Mexico on the identification and characterization of P. multocida in beef cattle. With the results obtained it is confirmed that, in a similar way with other countries of Europe and America, capsular type A of P. multocida is predominant in Mexico.

Isolation of a field strain of Brucella abortus from RB51-vaccinated- and brucellosis-seronegative bovine yearlings that calved normally.

A study was carried out in Pichucalco, Chiapas (Mexico) to determine whether recently calved cows or those that aborted shed Brucella. Serological diagnosis of brucellosis was made in all animals (209). Six of the cows that calved normally and two that aborted underwent a bacteriological study of milk and vaginal exudate. Brucella abortus was isolated from vaginal exudate samples in two 3- to 4-year-old seronegative first-birth cows that had calved normally. This was confirmed through bacteriological identification and PCR as a field strain and smooth phenotypes. We conclude that seronegative cows vaccinated with RB51 which calved normally and shed B. abortus in the vaginal exudate after calving could be a serious problem because these cows are overlooked in routine diagnoses and are a source of Brucella infection.

Frecuencia de aislamientos de Mannheimia haemolytica y Pasteurella multocida en becerras con signos clínicos de enfermedad respiratoria, en un complejo lechero del estado de Hidalgo, México / Frequency of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida isolates obtained from calves with clinical signs of respiratory tract disease from a dairy complex in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico

Mannheimia hemolytica (Mh) and Pasteurella multocida (Pm) strains obtained from bovine nasal discharge of clinically affected by respiratory tract disease calves, were isolated and characterized to estimate the isolation frequency in a dairy complex in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, over a period of five months by means of a transsectional descriptive study. Strains were isolated and typified through selective media and biochemical tests. Chi-square or Fisher's statistical tests were applied, as well as odds ratio calculation and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association of some variables on Mh and Pm isolation. Of the 239 calves younger than 1 year of age researched, in 84 (35.14%) Mh or Pm was isolated, 67 (28.03%) of them with Mh and 17 (7.11%) with Pm, in eight calves (3.10%) both microorganisms were isolated. Potential risk factors such as housing, treatment and vaccination were evaluated. The frequency of Mh isolates was higher than the Pm in calf accommodations individual housing or in group housing (P ≤ 0.05); similarly, the frequency of Mh and Pm isolates together were higher in not vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (OR = 2.93, P ≤ 0.05), bovine viral diarrhea (OR = 4.26, P ≤ 0.05), parainfluenza 3 (OR = 2.68, P ≤ 0.05), bovine syncytial virus (OR = 2.36, P ≤ 0.05) and mannheimiosis (OR = 1.97, P ≤ 0.05). Calves housed in the stables and no vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea, were the variables that remained in the logistic regression model. Mh got the highest isolation rate in calf accommodations individual housing or in group housing, as well as in outdoors housing.

Se determinó la frecuencia de Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) y Pasteurella multocida (Pm) obtenidas de exudado nasal de becerras afectadas por enfermedad respiratoria, en un complejo lechero del estado de Hidalgo, México, evaluadas durante 5 meses en un estudio descriptivo transversal. El aislamiento e identificación se hizo mediante procedimientos selectivos y pruebas bioquímicas. Se evaluó la asociación de algunas variables con el aislamiento de Mh y Pm, mediante Ji cuadrada o Fisher, el cálculo de la razón de momios y el análisis de regresión logística. De 239 becerras menores de un año, estudiadas, en 84 (35.14%) se aisló Mh o Pm, de ellas, 67 (28.03%) con Mh y 17 (7.11%) con Pm; en 8 becerras (3.10%) se aislaron ambos microorganismos. Se evaluaron posibles factores de riesgo: alojamiento, tratamiento y vacunación. La frecuencia de aislamientos de Mh fue mayor que la de Pm en becerras alojadas en becerreras o en corrales (P ≤ 0.05), o que estaban en becerreras a la intemperie (P ≤ 0.05), similarmente, la frecuencia de Mh y Pm juntas, fue mayor en becerras no vacunadas contra rinotraqueitis infecciosa bovina (RM = 2.93, P ≤ 0.05), diarrea viral bovina (RM = 4.26, P ≤ 0.05), parainfluenza 3PI3 (RM = 2.68, P ≤ 0.05), virus respiratorio sincitial bovino (RM = 2.36, P ≤ 0.05) y mannheimiosis (RM = 1.97, P ≤ 0.05). Las variables que permanecieron en el modelo de regresión fueron alojar las becerras en los establos y la no vacunación contra diarrea viral bovina. Mh presentó la mayor tasa de aislamientos en becerras alojadas tanto en becerreras individuales como en corrales o a la intemperie.

Caracterización fenotípica y molecular de cepas de Pasteurella multocida aisladas de exudado nasal de bovinos, en dos cuencas lecheras de México / Phenotypic and molecular strain characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolated from cattle nasal exudate from two dairy complexes in Mexico

Two hundred and fifty strains of P. multocida isolated from nasal exudate were obtained, 182 clinically healthy bovine strains and 68 clinically ill with pneumonia bovine strains, from two dairy complexes, one in the Tizayuca region of Hidalgo state (n = 81), and another in the Region Lagunera of the states of Coahuila and Durango (n = 169), Mexico. Strains were identifed by conventional biochemical tests and API 20NE commercial system. Capsular typing was performed by testing hyauloronidase and acrifavine, as well as by a multiplex PCR for amplification of genes hyaC-hyaD and dcbF. The overall results of hyaluronidase by the test showed that 90.4% (226/250) of the strains were capsular type A and through the acrifavine test 9.6% (24/250) was capsular type D. Using the multiplex PCR, 92% (230/250) was capsular type A and 8% (20/250) was capsular type D. The comparison of results between biochemical tests and PCR are consistent in identifying strains of capsular type A but not with the capsular type D. It was possible to confrm that capsular type A of P. multocida is predominat in Mexico.

Se obtuvieron 250 cepas de P. multocida aisladas de exudado nasal, 182 cepas de bovinos clínicamente sanos y 68 cepas de bovinos clínicamente enfermos de neumonía, de dos complejos lecheros, uno en la región de Tizayuca estado de Hidalgo (n = 81), y otro en la Región Lagunera de los estados de Coahuila y Durango (n = 169), México. Las cepas fueron identificadas mediante pruebas bioquímicas convencionales y el sistema comercial API 20NE. La tipificación capsular se realizó por medio de las pruebas de hiauloronidasa y acrifavina, así como por medio de una PCR múltiple para la amplificación de los genes hyaD-hyaC y dcbF. Los resultados globales mediante la prueba de hialuronidasa mostraron que 90.4% (226/250) de las cepas fueron del tipo capsular A y por medio de la prueba de acrifavina, 9.6% (24/250) fue del tipo capsular D. Por medio de la PCR múltiple, 92% (230/250) fue tipo capsular A y 8% (20/250) fue tipo capsular D. La comparación de los resultados entre las pruebas bioquímicas y la técnica de PCR concuerdan en la identificación de las cepas del tipo capsular A, pero no así con las del tipo capsular D. Se corrobora que en México el tipo capsular predominante de P. multocida es el A.

Epidemiological study of Brucellosis in cattle, immunized with Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine in endemic zones.

In this study the behavior of the Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine was evaluated in bovine herds, with different prevalence of Brucellosis. A prospective longitudinal study was made, in two dairies, one of low prevalence (9%) with 538 cows, and the other of high prevalence (15%) with 612 cows. The cattle were vaccinated twice 90 days apart with RB51 at a dose of 1×10(9)cfu/ml. The monthly incidence was determined during 660 days of observation. In the low prevalence dairy, all positive animals were eliminated as soon as they were diagnosed as positive and in this herd the number of new cases decreased to less than 1% between days 120, and day 660. In the dairy with high prevalence, positive cows were not eliminate resulting in the herd increasing its incidence by the end of the first year. Once positive animals were eliminated the incidence diminishes by day 660 to less of 1%. The odds ratio (OR) in the group of cows with abortion history, in the low prevalence dairy, was of 4.5 (1.2; 16.6), in the dairy ranch with high prevalence it presented an OR of 3.6 (1.5; 8.5). The conclusion from this study was that in brucellosis endemic zones, vaccination with RB51 by itself is not enough to control disease. It is mandatory that the initial elimination of all positive cows at the time of vaccination, the continued elimination of all new positive animals be adhered to for long periods of time.

Mannheimiosis bovina: etiología, prevención y control / Bovine mannheimiosis: etiology, prevention and control

Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) is the most pathogenic bacteria associated with bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis (mannheimiosis); furthermore, it is the most important economic loss disease in beef cattle, and the second one after gastrointestinal diseases mainly in less than a year old dairy heifers. It is a common and important opportunistic agent in bovine nasopharynx. Stress immunosuppression or the infection caused by respiratory viruses or Mycoplasma spp, lead to its establishment and multiplication in lung tissue. A1 and A6 are the most frequent serotypes in pneumonic injuries, and A1 and A2 in the nasopharynx of healthy bovine. Among the Mh virulence factors, leukotoxin is the most important one; its primarily toxic effect is primarily against leukocytes in ruminants. A better understanding of the epidemiology and the importance of Mh species requires new identification criteria that include molecular techniques, as well as more sensitive procedures regarding biochemical and immunological isolation and identification. Antimicrobial efficacy, as prophylactic or therapeutical agents, has been very variable due to diagnosis inaccuracies and to the increase of multi-resistant strains. There is a varied range of bacterins that have been used over the last decades; the efficacy of many of them has been questioned as they only protect partially and some of them might even increase the morbility. Vaccines with a supernatant culture containing leukotoxin and other soluble antigens, or isolated bacterial extracts or combined with bacterins, have been recently developed showing satisfactory results. Efficient prevention and control of bovine mannheimiosis should be supported by a reliable diagnosis, use of vaccines and efficient therapeutic measurements, together with good management practices.

Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) es la bacteria más patógena y más comúnmente asociada con la pasteurelosis neumónica (mannheimiosis) bovina, la enfermedad económicamente más importante en bovinos productores de carne, y la segunda, después de las enfermedades grastrointestinales, en becerras lecheras, principalmente menores de un año. Es un habitante normal y un importante agente oportunista de la nasofaringe de bovinos; la inmunosupresión por estrés o la infección por virus respiratorios o por Mycoplasma spp, propician su establecimiento y multiplicación en el tejido pulmonar. El A1 y el A6 son los serotipos más frecuentes en lesiones neumónicas, y el A1 y A2 en nasofaringe de bovinos sanos. Entre los factores de virulencia de Mh, la leucotoxina es el más importante, cuyo efecto tóxico primario es en contra de los leucocitos, particularmente de rumiantes. Para comprender mejor la epidemiología y la importancia de las especies de Mh, se requieren nuevos criterios para su identificación, que incluyan técnicas moleculares y procedimientos más sensibles de aislamiento e identificación bioquímica e inmunológica. La eficacia de los antimicrobianos, como profilácticos o terapéuticos, ha sido muy variable debido a inconsistencias en el diagnóstico y al incremento en la frecuencia de cepas multirresitentes. Existe una amplia gama de bacterinas empleadas durante décadas; sin embargo, la eficacia de muchas de ellas ha sido cuestionada, pues sólo protegen parcialmente, incluso algunas pueden incrementar la morbilidad. Recientemente se han desarrollado vacunas con sobrenadante de cultivo que contienen leucotoxina y otros antígenos solubles, o extractos bacterianos solos o combinados con bacterinas, con resultados muy satisfactorios. La prevención y el control eficaz de la mannheimiosis bovina deben sustentarse en un diagnóstico confiable, vacunas y medidas terapéuticas eficaces, y buenas prácticas de manejo.

Identification of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae biovars 1 and 2 in pigs using a PCR assay.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae causes swine pleuropneumonia worldwide. Previously, we described a gene sequence of approximately 800bp in A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 that encodes a metalloprotease of 24kDa, (Genbank accession no. AY217757). We selected primers carrying the forward and reverse 5'-terminal sequences of this region of the gene for the development of a species-specific PCR assay. The primers amplified an 800bp sequence from isolated DNA and lysed bacteria of the 13 A. pleuropneumoniae biovar 1 serotypes, with the exception of subtype 1b. The primers also amplified the sequence in nasal secretion cultures from pigs with chronic and acute experimental pleuropneumonia. No PCR products were detected when A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes of biovar 2 were used. Internal primers from this gene sequence detected biovar 2 and subtype 1b, leading to the production of a 350bp PCR product. The primers did not amplify DNA from other related species from the Pasteurellaceae family. The 800bp PCR assay was sensitive in vitro, with a detection limit of 5.5pg of extracted DNA, and an average of 120CFU. The specificity and sensitivity of this PCR assay make it a useful method for the rapid identification and diagnosis of A. pleuropneumoniae.

The BMEI0216 gene of Brucella melitensis is required for internalization in HeLa cells.

Brucella is an intracellular facultative bacterium able to survive and multiply in professional and non-professional phagocytes. However, its adhesion and invasion mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. In this work, we assess the interruption of a BMEI0216 gene of Brucella melitensis, by using HeLa epithelial cells and murine macrophages for invasion and replication assays. The mutation did not affect survival or multiplication within macrophages. Likewise, invasion assays with HeLa cells revealed no differences at 30 and 45 min, whereas, at 1 and 2h, the infection ability of the mutant was drastically reduced. These results suggest that the BMEI0216 gene is required for B. melitensis internalization.

Purification of the receptor for the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine specific adhesin of Mannheimia haemolytica from bovine neutrophils.

The GlcNAc-specific adhesin from Mannheimia haemolytica (MhA) has been shown to participate in pathogenicity of mannheimiosis due to its capacity to adhere to tracheal epithelial cells and activate the oxidative burst of bovine neutrophils. In this work, we purified the MhA receptor from bovine neutrophils (MhAr) by affinity chromatography on MhA-Sepharose. The MhAr, which corresponded to approximately 2% of the protein from cell lysate, is a glycoprotein mainly composed of Glu, Ala, Ser, Gly, and Asp, without cysteine. The glycan portion, which corresponds to 20% by weight, is composed of GalNAc, GlcNAc, Man, Gal, and NeuAc. The receptor is a 165-kDa glycoprotein, as determined by molecular sieve chromatography under native conditions; SDS-PAGE analysis shows a heterodimer of 83 and 80 kDa subunits. This work suggests that the GlcNAc-containing receptor plays a relevant role by activating bovine neutrophils through non-opsonic mechanisms.