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Evidence of multiple Treponema phylotypes involved in bovine digital dermatitis as shown by 16S rRNA gene analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

ABSTRACT: The etiopathogenesis of the skin disease digital dermatitis (DD), an important cause of lameness in cattle, remains uncertain. Microscopically, the disease appears to be polymicrobial, with spirochetes as the predominant bacteria. The objective of this study was to identify the main part of the bacteria involved in DD lesions of cattle by using culture-independent molecular methods. Ten different phylotypes of Treponema were identified either by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacteria from DD lesions or by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using phylotype-specific 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes. Two phylotypes, phylotype 1 (PT1) and PT2, were not closely related to any characterized treponemal species. PT7 was 99.3% identical to Treponema denticola, while PT9 resembled T. vincentii by 96%. The remaining phylotypes, PT3, PT4, PT5, PT6, and PT8, and Treponema brennaborense had previously been isolated from DD lesions. Forty DD biopsy specimens were examined for Treponema by FISH. With one exception, all of the biopsy specimens revealed epidermotropic, intermingled infection with three or more different phylotypes (mean, 4.7). The most prevalent species were PT1 (95%), PT6 (93%), and PT3 (85%). While colonization by PT3 was confined to the surface of the epidermis, both PT1 and PT6 invaded deep into the stratum spinosum and were seen in ulcerated dermal papillae. In two cases, all 10 phylotypes were demonstrated. Furthermore, FISH with a Treponema group-specific probe showed that Treponema accounted for more than 90% of the total bacterial population in the biopsy specimens. These data strongly suggest that a group of apparently symbiotic Treponema species are involved as primary bacterial pathogens in DD.

SUBMITTER: Klitgaard K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2546760 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Evidence of multiple Treponema phylotypes involved in bovine digital dermatitis as shown by 16S rRNA gene analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Klitgaard Kirstine K Boye Mette M Capion Nynne N Jensen Tim K TK

Journal of clinical microbiology 20080618 9

The etiopathogenesis of the skin disease digital dermatitis (DD), an important cause of lameness in cattle, remains uncertain. Microscopically, the disease appears to be polymicrobial, with spirochetes as the predominant bacteria. The objective of this study was to identify the main part of the bacteria involved in DD lesions of cattle by using culture-independent molecular methods. Ten different phylotypes of Treponema were identified either by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacteria from DD lesio ...[more]

PMID: 18562583

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Project description:BackgroundDigital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious bovine foot disease causing reduced animal welfare and negative economic consequences for the farmer. Treponema spp. are the most important causative agents. Studies indicate that trimming equipment can transfer DD-associated treponemes between cows. The aim of this observational study in 22 DD-positive Norwegian dairy herds was to investigate the risk of transferring Treponema spp. with trimming equipment and chutes after claw trimming, and after washing and disinfection. Swabs from the trimming equipment and chutes were collected from nine different locations, at five different time points. Bacterial DNA was extracted from 647 swabs and analysed by qPCR for Treponema spp. In addition, 172 swabs taken immediately after trimming, were analysed by a multiplex qPCR targeting T. phagedenis, T. pedis and T. medium/vincentii. Biopsy sampling from DD lesions was performed on cows in the same herds during trimming. Altogether 109 biopsies were analysed by FISH for confirmation of the DD diagnosis and identification of Treponema phylotypes (PTs).ResultsHigh numbers of Treponema spp. were detected from all nine locations on the trimming equipment and chutes immediately after trimming, and T. phagedenis was detected on two or more locations in all but two herds, 1 and 19. There was a decline in the amount of Treponema spp. after washing and disinfection. The belly belt, the cuff, and the footrest on the chute had the highest proportion of positive samples after disinfection. The belly belt had the highest copy numbers of all nine locations (median = 7.9, max = 545.1). No Treponema spp. was detected on the hoof knives after disinfection. Treponema phagedenis, T. pedis, and Treponema phylotype 3 (T. refringens) were detected by FISH analysis of the biopsies. Treponema phagedenis was detected in biopsies from all herds except 1 and 19.ConclusionThis study shows that DD-associated Treponema spp. were present on the trimming equipment and chutes after trimming cows in DD-positive herds. Washing and disinfection reduced the load of Treponema spp. However, large differences in Treponema spp. between different locations were documented. High copy numbers on the grinder and the chute after disinfection, indicates that sufficient cleaning and disinfection of these locations is difficult, and that passive transfer of DD-associated treponemes (viable or not) is possible.

Project description:BACKGROUND: Bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis (DD) is the leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle and represents a serious welfare and economic burden. Found primarily in high production dairy cattle worldwide, DD is characterized by the development of an often painful red, raw ulcerative or papillomatous lesion frequently located near the interdigital cleft and above the bulbs of the heel. While the exact etiology is unknown, several spirochete species have been isolated from lesion material. Four isolates of Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes were isolated from dairy cows in Iowa. Given the distinct differences in host, environmental niche, and disease association, a closer analysis of phenotypic characteristics, growth characteristics, and genomic sequences of T. phagedenis, a human genitalia commensal, and the Iowa DD isolates was undertaken. RESULTS: Phenotypically, these isolates range from 8.0 to 9.7 ?m in length with 6-8 flagella on each end. These isolates, like T. phagedenis, are strictly anaerobic, require serum and volatile fatty acids for growth, and are capable of fermenting fructose, mannitol, pectin, mannose, ribose, maltose, and glucose. Major glucose fermentation products produced are formate, acetate, and butyrate. Further study was conducted with a single isolate, 4A, showing an optimal growth pH of 7.0 (range of 6-8.5) and an optimal growth temperature of 40 °C (range of 29 °C-43 °C). Comparison of partial genomic contigs of isolate 4A and contigs of T. phagedenis F0421 revealed > 95% amino acid sequence identity with amino acid sequence of 4A. In silico DNA-DNA whole genome hybridization and BLAT analysis indicated a DDH estimate of >80% between isolate 4A and T. phagedenis F0421, and estimates of 52.5% or less when compared to the fully sequenced genomes of other treponeme species. CONCLUSION: Using both physiological, biochemical and genomic analysis, there is a lack of evidence for difference between T. phagedenis and isolate 4A. The description of Treponema phagedenis should be expanded from human genital skin commensal to include being an inhabitant within DD lesions in cattle.

Dataset Information

Evidence of multiple Treponema phylotypes involved in bovine digital dermatitis as shown by 16S rRNA gene analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Publications

Evidence of multiple Treponema phylotypes involved in bovine digital dermatitis as shown by 16S rRNA gene analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

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