Nationwide quality assurance of high-throughput diagnostic molecular testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: role of the Belgian National Reference Centre.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Belgium, UZ/KU Leuven has played a crucial role as the National Reference Centre (NRC) for respiratory pathogens, to be the first Belgian laboratory to develop and implement laboratory developed diagnostic assays for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and later to assess the quality of commercial kits. To meet the growing demand for decentralised testing, both clinical laboratories and government-supported high-throughput platforms were gradually deployed across Belgium. Consequently, the role of the NRC transitioned from a specialised testing laboratory to strengthening capacity and coordinating quality assurance. Here, we outline the measures taken by the NRC, the national public health institute Sciensano and the executing clinical laboratories to ensure effective quality management of molecular testing throughout the initial two years of the pandemic (March 2020 to March 2022).

Genomic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Extended Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Clinical Samples of a Tertiary Hospital in South Kivu Province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing extra-intestinal K. pneumoniae are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the resistance and virulence profiles of extra-intestinal MDR ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae associated with infections at a tertiary hospital in South-Kivu province, DRC. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out on 37 K. pneumoniae isolates displaying MDR and ESBL-producing phenotype. The assembled genomes were analysed for phylogeny, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) determinants. These isolates were compared to sub-Saharan counterparts. K. pneumoniae isolates displayed a high genetic variability with up to 16 sequence types (ST). AMR was widespread against ß-lactamases (including third and fourth-generation cephalosporins, but not carbapenems), aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, and cotrimoxazole. The blaCTX-M-15 gene was the most common ß-lactamase gene among K. pneumoniae isolates. No carbapenemase gene was found. ARG for aminoglycosides, quinolones, phenicols, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin were widely distributed among the isolates. Nine isolates had the colistin-resistant R256G substitution in the pmrB efflux pump gene without displaying reduced susceptibility to colistin. Despite carrying virulence genes, none had hypervirulence genes. Our results highlight the genetic diversity of MDR ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates and underscore the importance of monitoring simultaneously the evolution of phenotypic and genotypic AMR in Bukavu and DRC, while calling for caution in administering colistin and carbapenem to patients.

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Belgian French-Speaking Primary Schools: An Epidemiological Pilot Study.

Schools have been a point of attention during the pandemic, and their closure one of the mitigating measures taken. A better understanding of the dynamics of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in elementary education is essential to advise decisionmakers. We conducted an uncontrolled non-interventional prospective study in Belgian French-speaking schools to describe the role of attending asymptomatic children and school staff in the spread of COVID-19 and to estimate the transmission to others. Each participant from selected schools was tested for SARS-CoV-2 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis on saliva sample, on a weekly basis, during six consecutive visits. In accordance with recommendations in force at the time, symptomatic individuals were excluded from school, but per the study protocol, being that participants were blinded to PCR results, asymptomatic participants were maintained at school. Among 11 selected schools, 932 pupils and 242 school staff were included between January and May 2021. Overall, 6449 saliva samples were collected, of which 44 came back positive. Most positive samples came from isolated cases. We observed that asymptomatic positive children remaining at school did not lead to increasing numbers of cases or clusters. However, we conducted our study during a period of low prevalence in Belgium. It would be interesting to conduct the same analysis during a high prevalence period.

Two Years of Genomic Surveillance in Belgium during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic to Attain Country-Wide Coverage and Monitor the Introduction and Spread of Emerging Variants.

An adequate SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance strategy has proven to be essential for countries to obtain a thorough understanding of the variants and lineages being imported and successfully established within their borders. During 2020, genomic surveillance in Belgium was not structurally implemented but performed by individual research laboratories that had to acquire the necessary funds themselves to perform this important task. At the start of 2021, a nationwide genomic surveillance consortium was established in Belgium to markedly increase the country's genomic sequencing efforts (both in terms of intensity and representativeness), to perform quality control among participating laboratories, and to enable coordination and collaboration of research projects and publications. We here discuss the genomic surveillance efforts in Belgium before and after the establishment of its genomic sequencing consortium, provide an overview of the specifics of the consortium, and explore more details regarding the scientific studies that have been published as a result of the increased number of Belgian SARS-CoV-2 genomes that have become available.

Safety, Efficacy, and Relapse of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir in Kidney Transplant Recipients Infected With SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: The efficacy of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NR; Paxlovid, Pfizer, New York, NY) to decrease the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in high-risk patients has been demonstrated. However, evidence in infected kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is lacking. Moreover, NR has significant and potentially harmful interactions with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we included all KTRs treated with NR from April 28 to June 3, 2022. A standard management strategy of CNI dose adaptation (discontinuation of tacrolimus 12 hours before the start of NR and administration of 20% of the cyclosporine dose) and laboratory follow-up was applied. Results: A total of 14 patients were included. Compared with day-0 (day before NR initiation), day-7 plasma creatinine concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 viral loads were similar (P = 0.866) and decreased (P = 0.002), respectively. CNI trough concentrations at the end of the treatment were satisfactory, nonetheless, with high individual variability. After a median follow-up time of 34 days, no death or viral pneumonia were observed. Nevertheless, 2 patients experienced early SARS-CoV-2 infection relapses (at day-10 and day-21) associated with an increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral loads. Conclusion: NR can be used in KTRs but requires a strict protocol of drug adaptation. We observed 2 cases of early relapse after NR treatment that need further investigations.

The Di-Symbiotic Systems in the Aphids Sipha maydis and Periphyllus lyropictus Provide a Contrasting Picture of Recent Co-Obligate Nutritional Endosymbiosis in Aphids.

Dependence on multiple nutritional bacterial symbionts forming a metabolic unit has repeatedly evolved in many insect species that feed on nutritionally unbalanced diets such as plant sap. This is the case for aphids of the subfamilies Lachninae and Chaitophorinae, which have evolved di-symbiotic systems in which the ancient obligate nutritional symbiont Buchnera aphidicola is metabolically complemented by an additional nutritional symbiont acquired more recently. Deciphering how different symbionts integrate both metabolically and anatomically in such systems is crucial to understanding how complex nutritional symbiotic systems function and evolve. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes of the symbionts B. aphidicola and Serratia symbiotica associated with the Chaitophorinae aphids Sipha maydis and Periphyllus lyropictus. Our results show that, in these two species, B. aphidicola and S. symbiotica complement each other metabolically (and their hosts) for the biosynthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins, but with distinct metabolic reactions supported by each symbiont depending on the host species. Furthermore, the S. symbiotica symbiont associated with S. maydis appears to be strictly compartmentalized into the specialized host cells housing symbionts in aphids, the bacteriocytes, whereas the S. symbiotica symbiont associated with P. lyropictus exhibits a highly invasive phenotype, presumably because it is capable of expressing a larger set of virulence factors, including a complete flagellum for bacterial motility. Such contrasting levels of metabolic and anatomical integration for two S. symbiotica symbionts that were recently acquired as nutritional co-obligate partners reflect distinct coevolutionary processes specific to each association.

Nationwide Harmonization Effort for Semi-Quantitative Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 PCR Test Results in Belgium.

From early 2020, a high demand for SARS-CoV-2 tests was driven by several testing indications, including asymptomatic cases, resulting in the massive roll-out of PCR assays to combat the pandemic. Considering the dynamic of viral shedding during the course of infection, the demand to report cycle threshold (Ct) values rapidly emerged. As Ct values can be affected by a number of factors, we considered that harmonization of semi-quantitative PCR results across laboratories would avoid potential divergent interpretations, particularly in the absence of clinical or serological information. A proposal to harmonize reporting of test results was drafted by the National Reference Centre (NRC) UZ/KU Leuven, distinguishing four categories of positivity based on RNA copies/mL. Pre-quantified control material was shipped to 124 laboratories with instructions to setup a standard curve to define thresholds per assay. For each assay, the mean Ct value and corresponding standard deviation was calculated per target gene, for the three concentrations (107, 105 and 103 copies/mL) that determine the classification. The results of 17 assays are summarized. This harmonization effort allowed to ensure that all Belgian laboratories would report positive PCR results in the same semi-quantitative manner to clinicians and to the national database which feeds contact tracing interventions.

Sustained Downregulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Acta2 After Transient Angiotensin II Infusion: A New Model of "Vascular Memory".

Background: Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a critical role in the development of hypertension. Published evidence on a putative "memory effect" of AngII on the vascular components is however scarce. Aim: To evaluate the long-term effects of transient exposure to AngII on the mouse heart and the arterial tissue. Methods: Blood pressure, cardiovascular tissue damage and remodeling, and systemic oxidative stress were evaluated in C57/B6/J mice at the end of a 2-week AngII infusion (AngII); 2 and 3 weeks after the interruption of a 2-week AngII treatment (AngII+2W and AngII +3W; so-called "memory" conditions) and control littermate (CTRL). RNAseq profiling of aortic tissues was used to identify potential key regulated genes accounting for legacy effects on the vascular phenotype. RNAseq results were validated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry in a reproduction cohort of mice. Key findings were reproduced in a homotypic cell culture model. Results: The 2 weeks AngII infusion induced cardiac hypertrophy and aortic damage that persisted beyond AngII interruption and despite blood pressure normalization, with a sustained vascular expression of ICAM1, infiltration by CD45+ cells, and cell proliferation associated with systemic oxidative stress. RNAseq profiling in aortic tissue identified robust Acta2 downregulation at transcript and protein levels (α-smooth muscle actin) that was maintained beyond interruption of AngII treatment. Among regulators of Acta2 expression, the transcription factor Myocardin (Myocd), exhibited a similar expression pattern. The sustained downregulation of Acta2 and Myocd was associated with an increase in H3K27me3 in nuclei of aortic sections from mice in the "memory" conditions. A sustained downregulation of ACTA2 and MYOCD was reproduced in the cultured human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells upon transient exposure to Ang II. Conclusion: A transient exposure to Ang II produces prolonged vascular remodeling with robust ACTA2 downregulation, associated with epigenetic imprinting supporting a "memory" effect despite stimulus withdrawal.

Monocytic Ontogeny of Regenerated Macrophages Characterizes the Mesotheliomagenic Responses to Carbon Nanotubes.

Macrophages are not only derived from circulating blood monocytes or embryonic precursors but also expand by proliferation. The origin determines macrophage fate and functions in steady state and pathological conditions. Macrophages predominantly infiltrate fibre-induced mesothelioma tumors and contribute to cancer development. Here, we revealed their ontogeny by comparing the response to needle-like mesotheliomagenic carbon nanotubes (CNT-7) with tangled-like non-mesotheliomagenic CNT-T. In a rat peritoneal cavity model of mesothelioma, both CNT induced a rapid macrophage disappearance reaction (MDR) of MHCIIlow resident macrophages generating an empty niche available for macrophage repopulation. Macrophage depletion after mesotheliomagenic CNT-7 was followed by a substantial inflammatory reaction, and macrophage replenishment completed after 7 days. Thirty days after non-mesotheliomagenic CNT-T, macrophage repopulation was still incomplete and accompanied by a limited inflammatory reaction. Cell depletion experiments, flow cytometry and RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that, after mesotheliomagenic CNT-7 exposure, resident macrophages were mainly replaced by an influx of monocytes, which differentiated locally into MHCIIhigh inflammatory macrophages. In contrast, the low inflammatory response induced by CNT-T was associated by the accumulation of self-renewing MHCIIlow macrophages that initially derive from monocytes. In conclusion, the mesotheliomagenic response to CNT specifically relies on macrophage niche recolonization by monocyte-derived inflammatory macrophages. In contrast, the apparent homeostasis after non-mesotheliomagenic CNT treatment involves a macrophage regeneration by proliferation. Macrophage depletion and repopulation are thus decisive events characterizing the carcinogenic activity of particles and fibres.

At the Gate of Mutualism: Identification of Genomic Traits Predisposing to Insect-Bacterial Symbiosis in Pathogenic Strains of the Aphid Symbiont Serratia symbiotica.

Mutualistic associations between insects and heritable bacterial symbionts are ubiquitous in nature. The aphid symbiont Serratia symbiotica is a valuable candidate for studying the evolution of bacterial symbiosis in insects because it includes a wide diversity of strains that reflect the diverse relationships in which bacteria can be engaged with insects, from pathogenic interactions to obligate intracellular mutualism. The recent discovery of culturable strains, which are hypothesized to resemble the ancestors of intracellular strains, provide an opportunity to study the mechanisms underlying bacterial symbiosis in its early stages. In this study, we analyzed the genomes of three of these culturable strains that are pathogenic to aphid hosts, and performed comparative genomic analyses including mutualistic host-dependent strains. All three genomes are larger than those of the host-restricted S. symbiotica strains described so far, and show significant enrichment in pseudogenes and mobile elements, suggesting that these three pathogenic strains are in the early stages of the adaptation to their host. Compared to their intracellular mutualistic relatives, the three strains harbor a greater diversity of genes coding for virulence factors and metabolic pathways, suggesting that they are likely adapted to infect new hosts and are a potential source of metabolic innovation for insects. The presence in their genomes of secondary metabolism gene clusters associated with the production of antimicrobial compounds and phytotoxins supports the hypothesis that S. symbiotia symbionts evolved from plant-associated strains and that plants may serve as intermediate hosts. Mutualistic associations between insects and bacteria are the result of independent transitions to endosymbiosis initiated by the acquisition of environmental progenitors. In this context, the genomes of free-living S. symbiotica strains provide a rare opportunity to study the inventory of genes held by bacterial associates of insects that are at the gateway to a host-dependent lifestyle.

Genomic characterisation of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in Rabat, Morocco.

OBJECTIVES: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are an increasingly significant cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide. Whereas several reports have highlighted their increased prevalence also in North African countries, genomic data on isolates associated with these infections are still scarce. This study aimed to provide data on ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from patients with extraintestinal infections at the Military Teaching Hospital Mohamed V of Rabat, Morocco. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing was carried out on 18 ESBL-producing extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) isolates for analysis of phylogenomic evolution, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes. Data were compared with ExPEC lineages from several surrounding countries using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism-based phylogenetic approaches. RESULTS: The majority of E. coli isolates were ST131 (n = 15), followed by ST617 (n = 2) and a novel sequence type (ST10703) that is closely related to the pandemic ST405 clone. All ST131 isolates belonged to the O25b-ST131 pandemic clone. They harboured more virulence genes than their non-ST131 counterparts. IncF plasmid replicons and the blaCTX-M-15 ß-lactamase gene were identified in all isolates. No ESBL-producing E. coli isolates carried any known carbapenemase gene. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the pre-eminence of ST131 as the major factor driving the expansion of ExPEC in the Rabat region while highlighting the potential links with isolates circulating in other neighbouring countries.

Dietary nanoparticles alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota in mice at dose levels relevant for human exposure.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnologies provide new opportunities for improving the safety, quality, shelf life, flavor and appearance of foods. The most common nanoparticles (NPs) in human diet are silver metal, mainly present in food packaging and appliances, and silicon and titanium dioxides used as additives. The rapid development and commercialization of consumer products containing these engineered NPs is, however, not well supported by appropriate toxicological studies and risk assessment. Local and systemic toxicity and/or disruption of the gut microbiota (GM) have already been observed after oral administration of NPs in experimental animals, but results are not consistent and doses used were often much higher than the estimated human intakes. In view of the strong evidence linking alterations of the GM to cardiometabolic (CM) diseases, we hypothesized that dietary NPs might disturb this GM-CM axis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We exposed male C57BL/6JRj mice (n = 13 per dose group) to dietary NPs mixed in food pellets at doses relevant for human exposure: Ag (0, 4, 40 or 400 µg/kg pellet), SiO2 (0, 0.8, 8 and 80 mg/kg pellet) or TiO2 (0, 0.4, 4 or 40 mg/kg pellet). After 24 weeks of exposure, we assessed effects on the GM and CM health (n = 8 per dose group). The reversibility of the effects was examined after 8 additional weeks without NPs exposure (recovery period, n ≤ 5 per dose group). RESULTS: No overt toxicity was recorded. The GM ß-diversity was dose-dependently disrupted by the three NPs, and the bacterial short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were dose-dependently reduced after the administration of SiO2 and TiO2 NPs. These effects disappeared completely or partly after the recovery period, strengthening the association with dietary NPs. We did not observe atheromatous disease or glucose intolerance after NP exposure. Instead, dose-dependent decreases in the expression of IL-6 in the liver, circulating triglycerides (TG) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were recorded after administration of the NPs. CONCLUSION: We found that long-term oral exposure to dietary NPs at doses relevant for estimated human intakes disrupts the GM composition and function. These modifications did not appear associated with atheromatous or deleterious metabolic outcomes.

Diagnostic Value of IgM and IgG Detection in COVID-19 Diagnosis by the Mobile Laboratory B-LiFE: A Massive Testing Strategy in the Piedmont Region.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) identified in 2019. The COVID-19 outbreak continues to have devastating consequences for human lives and the global economy. The B-LiFe mobile laboratory in Piedmont, Italy, was deployed for the surveillance of COVID-19 cases by large-scale testing of first responders. The objective was to assess the seroconversion among the regional civil protection (CP), police, health care professionals, and volunteers. The secondary objective was to detect asymptomatic individuals within this cohort in the light of age, sex, and residence. In this paper, we report the results of serological testing performed by the B-LiFe mobile laboratory deployed from 10 June to 23 July 2020. The tests included whole blood finger-prick and serum sampling for detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) antibodies. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was approximately 5% (294/6013). The results of the finger-prick tests and serum sample analyses showed moderate agreement (kappa = 0.77). Furthermore, the detection rates of serum antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) and S-RBD among the seroconverted individuals were positively correlated (kappa = 0.60), at least at the IgG level. Seroprevalence studies based on serological testing for the S-RBD protein or SARS-CoV-2 NP antibodies are not sufficient for diagnosis but might help in screening the population to be vaccinated and in determining the duration of seroconversion.

AMPKα1 deletion in myofibroblasts exacerbates post-myocardial infarction fibrosis by a connexin 43 mechanism.

We have previously demonstrated that systemic AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) invalidation enhanced adverse LV remodelling by increasing fibroblast proliferation, while myodifferentiation and scar maturation were impaired. We thus hypothesised that fibroblastic AMPKα1 was a key signalling element in regulating fibrosis in the infarcted myocardium and an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. The present study investigates the effects of myofibroblast (MF)-specific deletion of AMPKα1 on left ventricular (LV) adaptation following myocardial infarction (MI), and the underlying molecular mechanisms. MF-restricted AMPKα1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice were subjected to permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. cKO hearts exhibit exacerbated post-MI adverse LV remodelling and are characterised by exaggerated fibrotic response, compared to wild-type (WT) hearts. Cardiac fibroblast proliferation and MF content significantly increase in cKO infarcted hearts, coincident with a significant reduction of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in MFs. Mechanistically, AMPKα1 influences Cx43 expression by both a transcriptional and a post-transcriptional mechanism involving miR-125b-5p. Collectively, our data demonstrate that MF-AMPKα1 functions as a master regulator of cardiac fibrosis and remodelling and might constitute a novel potential target for pharmacological anti-fibrotic applications.

Complete Genome Sequence of an Environmental Bacillus cereus Isolate Belonging to the Bacillus anthracis Clade.

We report here the complete genome sequence of a Bacillus cereus isolate identified in a soil sample from Namibia. This isolate is closely related to the B. anthracis clade. While the plasmids (500 and 12 kb) carry no detectable B. anthracis virulence gene, the large plasmid shares a 50-kb continuous region similar to plasmid pXO1.

Canonical WNT pathway is activated in the airway epithelium in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating lung disease, mainly due to cigarette smoking, which represents the third cause of mortality worldwide. The mechanisms driving its epithelial salient features remain largely elusive. We aimed to evaluate the activation and the role of the canonical, ß-catenin-dependant WNT pathway in the airway epithelium from COPD patients. METHODS: The WNT/ß-catenin pathway was first assessed by WNT-targeted RNA sequencing of the air/liquid interface-reconstituted bronchial epithelium from COPD and control patients. Airway expression of total and active ß-catenin was assessed in lung sections, as well as WNT components in laser-microdissected airway epithelium. Finally, we evaluated the role of WNT at the bronchial epithelial level by modulating the pathway in the reconstituted COPD epithelium. FINDINGS: We show that the WNT/ß-catenin pathway is upregulated in the COPD airway epithelium as compared with that of non-smokers and control smokers, in targeted RNA-sequencing of in vitro reconstituted airway epithelium, and in situ in lung tissue and laser-microdissected epithelium. Extrinsic activation of this pathway in COPD-derived airway epithelium inhibited epithelial differentiation, polarity and barrier function, and induced TGF-ß-related epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, canonical WNT inhibition increased ciliated cell numbers, epithelial polarity and barrier function, whilst inhibiting EMT, thus reversing COPD features. INTERPRETATION: In conclusion, the aberrant reactivation of the canonical WNT pathway in the adult airway epithelium recapitulates the diseased phenotype observed in COPD patients, suggesting that this pathway or its downstream effectors could represent a future therapeutic target. FUNDING: This study was supported by the Fondation Mont-Godinne, the FNRS and the WELBIO.

Longitudinal study of Pex1-G844D NMRI mouse model: A robust pre-clinical model for mild Zellweger spectrum disorder.

Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD) are inborn errors of metabolism caused by mutations in PEX genes that lead to peroxisomal biogenesis disorder (PBD). No validated treatment is able to modify the dismal progression of the disease. ZSD mouse models used to develop therapeutic approaches are limited by poor survival and breeding restrictions. To overcome these limitations, we backcrossed the hypomorphic Pex1 p.G844D allele to NMRI background. NMRI mouse breeding restored an autosomal recessive Mendelian inheritance pattern and delivered twice larger litters. Mice were longitudinally phenotyped up to 6 months of age to make this model suitable for therapeutic interventions. ZSD mice exhibited growth retardation and relative hepatomegaly associated to progressive hepatocyte hypertrophy. Biochemical studies associated with RNA sequencing deciphered ZSD liver glycogen metabolism alterations. Affected fibroblasts displayed classical immunofluorescence pattern and biochemical alterations associated with PBD. Plasma and liver showed very long-chain fatty acids, specific oxysterols and C27 bile acids intermediates elevation in ZSD mice along with a specific urine organic acid profile. With ageing, C26 fatty acid and phytanic acid levels tended to normalize in ZSD mice, as described in patients reaching adulthood. In conclusion, our mouse model recapitulates a mild ZSD phenotype and is suitable for liver-targeted therapies evaluation.

Genome Sequence of a Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Strain Defective for the Entire Vibrio Pathogenicity Island 1, Isolated in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We report here a complete genome sequence of a Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor (Inaba; sequence type 515 [ST515]) strain isolated from a cholera patient in North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which showed a complete deletion (∼80 kb) of the Vibrio pathogenicity island 1.

Genomic analysis of pathogenic isolates of Vibrio cholerae from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2014-2017).

BACKGROUND: Over the past recent years, Vibrio cholerae has been associated with outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa, notably in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study aimed to determine the genetic relatedness of isolates responsible for cholera outbreaks in eastern DRC between 2014 and 2017, and their potential spread to bordering countries. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Phenotypic analysis and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were carried out on 78 clinical isolates of V. cholerae associated with cholera in eastern provinces of DRC between 2014 and 2017. SNP-based phylogenomic data show that most isolates (73/78) were V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor with CTX-3 type prophage. They fell within the third transmission wave of the current seventh pandemic El Tor (7PET) lineage and were contained in the introduction event (T)10 in East Africa. These isolates clustered in two sub-clades corresponding to Multiple Locus Sequence Types (MLST) profiles ST69 and the newly assigned ST515, the latter displaying a higher genetic diversity. Both sub-clades showed a distinct geographic clustering, with ST69 isolates mostly restricted to Lake Tanganyika basin and phylogenetically related to V. cholerae isolates associated with cholera outbreaks in western Tanzania, whereas ST515 isolates were disseminated along the Albertine Rift and closely related to isolates in South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. Other V. cholerae isolates (5/78) were non-O1/non-O139 without any CTX prophage and no phylogenetic relationship with already characterized non-O1/non-O139 isolates. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Current data confirm the association of both DRC O1 7PET (T)10 sub-clades ST69 and ST515 with recurrent outbreaks in eastern DRC and at regional level over the past 10 years. Interestingly, while ST69 is predominantly a locally endemic sequence type, ST515 became adaptable enough to expand across DRC neighboring countries.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Cultivable Strains of the Bacterial Symbiont Serratia symbiotica.

Serratia symbiotica, one of the most frequent symbiont species in aphids, includes strains that exhibit various lifestyles ranging from free-living to obligate intracellular mutualism. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two strains, namely, 24.1 and Apa8A1, isolated from aphids of the genus Aphis, consisting of genome sizes of 3,089,091 bp and 3,232,107 bp, respectively. These genome sequences may provide new insights into how mutualistic interactions between bacteria and insects evolve and are shaped.