Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier Masson
Résumé : National audience
La détection d’Aspergillus dans le liquide bronchiolo-alvéolaire (LBA) est un des critères du diagnostic probable ou prouvé de l’aspergillose invasive (AI). Parallèlement à l’examen mycologique (ED et/ou culture) et à la détection de l’antigène galactomannane (GM) identifiés comme critères EORTC/MSG du diagnostic d’AI probable (de Pauw 2008), la PCR sur prélèvements pulmonaires est devenue un argument majeur du diagnostic de routine. Plusieurs méthodes d’amplification ont été publiées et l’objectif de ce travail était d’évaluer les performances de 2 cibles d’amplification : le gène mitochondrial d’A. fumigatus (AFmito) et l’ARN ribosomal 28S. Entre 01/2012 et 10/2015, 324 LBA ont été prospectivement collectés et analysés sur le plan mycologique (ED et culture) et ont bénéficié d’une détermination du GM (EIA Platelia assay Biorad, seuil à 1,0 si mesure isolée dans le LBA, ou 0,8 si associée à une mesure dans le sérum > 0,5) et d’une PCR AFmito. Puis rétrospectivement, un test PCR 28S a été effectué sur les ADN extraits disponibles (312/324). Selon les critères EORTC/MSG modifiés de 2008, les patients testés étaient classés comme suit : 1 AI prouvée, 47 AI probables et 11 AI possibles. Les autres patients étaient considérés comme 11 colonisés, et 256 non infectés. Les sensibilités du GM dans le LBA, de la PCR 28S et de la PCR AFmito étaient de 58 %, 61 % et 50 %, respectivement. La sensibilité de l’examen mycologique (ED ± culture) était de 33 %. La spécificité du GM dans le LBA, des PCR 28S et AFmito PCR et de la culture étaient de 94 %, 97 %, 97 % et 98 %, respectivement. Les valeurs prédictives négatives étaient de 93 %, 95 %, 92 % et 89 %, respectivement. La concordance entre les 2 PCR était de 97 % (cœfficient kappa 0,84), alors qu’elle était de 88 % (kappa 0,40) entre la PCR 28S et le GM dans le LBA, et de 88 % (kappa 0,43) entre la PCR AFmito PCR et le GM dans le LBA. En conclusion, la PCR 28S a présenté la meilleure performance pour la détection moléculaire d’Aspergillus dans le LBA comparativement à la PCR AFmito. La combinaison de la PCR 28S et de la détection du GM dans le LBA permet d’atteindre une sensibilité de 80 % tout en conservant une excellente spécificité (91 %)
ISSN: 1156-5233

hal-01334068
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01334068
DOI : 10.1016/j.mycmed.2016.04.048

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Public Library of Science
Résumé : International audience
Diagnosis of toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) in patients with AIDS is not straightforward because clinicians rely initially on an empiric diagnosis based on clinical and radiographic improvement to specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii therapy. There is therefore a need for biological tools to improve the diagnosis of TE, especially in tropical areas where this diagnosis is likely to be underestimated. The use of PCR testing in blood samples for the diagnosis of TE has been limited by its poor sensitivity in the studies conducted in Europe. In tropical South America, the results of PCR sensitivity in blood samples were controversial. Considering that T. gondii strains from tropical South America have substantial genetic and pathogenic differences with those from USA and Europe, it is therefore important to re-evaluate the performance of the PCR assay in blood samples for the diagnosis of TE in AIDS patients from this region. Our results showed that the only interest of PCR would be in the most severe forms of TE with altered consciousness because PCR is more likely to be positive. We also provided important genotyping data on T. gondii strains isolated in human cases of toxoplasmosis in the Caribbean and in South America.
ISSN: 1935-2727

hal-01503761
https://hal-unilim.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01503761
https://hal-unilim.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01503761/document
https://hal-unilim.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01503761/file/journal.pntd.0004790.pdf
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004790

Résumé : A new strain of L. stylirostris was introduced in New Caledonia. Quarantine facilities were set up inland using RAS and artificial seawater. After 5 months of rearing, all the 16 initial families were still represented with a 50% average survival. Three samplings for known pathogens were made during that period, all of them negative. Half the animals were taken to outdoor ponds for rearing to reproduction size when the rest was used to test different arrangements for a biosecure rearing until reproduction. Numerous spawnings and nauplii were obtained but larval rearings could not be completed. Different options are considered for the set up of a biosecure facility allowing the rearing and the breeding of pathogen free strains of shrimp.
Afin de disposer d’une plus forte diversité génétique exploitable, des producteurs calédoniens ont, en relation avec l’Ifremer, récemment introduit d’Hawaii une autre souche de crevette de l’espèce Litopenaeus stylirostris, domestiquée et garantie exempte de pathogènes. Malgré cette garantie sanitaire, les crevettes ont été maintenues en observation dans une quarantaine tertiaire pendant cinq mois avant la sortie et l’élevage d’une moitié de l’effectif en bassins terre extérieurs. L’autre moitié a été conservée dans les installations de quarantaine comme stock de secours au cas où un problème affecterait les crevettes élevées à l’extérieur. Les installations de quarantaine ont été progressivement transformées, tout en continuant les élevages, afin de réaliser un prototype de conservatoire biosécurisé. Les crevettes ont été élevées jusqu’à la taille de géniteurs en utilisant de l’eau de mer artificielle puis de l’eau de mer naturelle traitée au chlore. Des essais de reproduction et d’élevage larvaire ont été menés et de nombreuses pontes fécondées ont été obtenues mais les élevages larvaires, à une exception, n’ont pas dépassé le stade Zoé 3. Les analyses par PCR réalisées sur les crevettes du conservatoire ont montré que les mesures et précautions sanitaires qui avaient été prises avaient préservé le statut sanitaire “sans pathogènes” initial. Cette expérience a permis de mieux cerner les problèmes qui pouvaient se poser pour la mise en place et le fonctionnement d’installations biosécurisées utilisant des circuits fermés. Ces enseignements ont servi à répertorier les principales contraintes envisageables pour la réalisation d’un futur conservatoire crevette qui viendrait conforter et sécuriser les souches actuellement disponibles en Nouvelle-Calédonie. Plusieurs options sont proposées pour les crevettes devant entrer dans le conservatoire (sans quarantaine, quarantaine tertiaire, quarantaine primaire puis secondaire) et pour le type de fonctionnement du conservatoire. Les principaux critères pour le choix du site, l’utilisation de l’eau de mer et son traitement, les systèmes de recirculation sont abordés; et des schémas d’installations de quarantaine et de conservatoire sont proposés.

Droits : 2007 Ifremer
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00117/22849/20659.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00117/22849/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
This study aimed to evaluate the repeated sequence REP-529 compared to the B1 gene for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in routine diagnosis.Over a ten-year period (2003-2013), all patients prospectively diagnosed with a positive REP-529 qPCR result for toxoplasmosis were included. All DNA samples (76 samples from 56 patients) were simultaneously tested using the two qPCR methods (REP-529 and B1).The mean Ct obtained with the B1 qPCR was significantly higher (+4.71 cycles) than that obtained with REP-529 qPCR (p<0.0001). Thirty-one out of 69 extracts (45.6%) positive with REP-529 qPCR were not amplified with the B1 qPCR (relative sensitivity 54.4%, compared to REP-529), yielding false negative results on 15/28 placentas, 5 cord blood, 2 amniotic fluids, 4 cerebrospinal fluids, 1 aqueous humor, 2 lymph node punctures and 1 abortion product. This defect in sensitivity would have left 20/56 patients undiagnosed, distributed as follows: 12/40 congenital toxoplasmosis, 4/5 cerebral toxoplasmosis, 2/8 patients with retinochoroiditis, and both patients with chronic lymphadenopathy. This poor performance of B1 qPCR could be related to low parasite loads, since the mean Toxoplasma quantification in extracts with B1 false negative results was 0.4 parasite/reaction.These results clearly show the superiority of the REP-529 sequence in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by PCR suggest that this target should be adopted as part of standardization of the PCR assay.
ISSN: 0095-1137

hal-01118293
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118293
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118293/document
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118293/file/A%2010-Year%20Retrospective%20Comparison%20of%20Two%20Target%20Sequences-belaz2015.pdf
PUBMEDCENTRAL : PMC4365238

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : Because Vibrio aestuarianus is known to cause serious infections in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, a real-time PCR assay was developed targeting the dnaJ gene of this bacterium. Only V. aestuarianus strains isolated from C. gigas mortality events in different geographic areas and the reference strain tested positive, whereas no amplification products was obtained with type strains belonging to 23 other species of Vibrio. Sensitivity and reproducibility of the method were assessed using either seawater or oyster homogenate samples spiked with one V aestuarianus strain. All these samples were stored at -20 degrees C in order to mimic retrospective or grouped natural sample analysis without quantification bias due to prolonged freezing. Analysis of standard curves revealed excellent correlation values between light microscopy cell enumerations and PCR Threshold Cycle (Ct) values, and acceptable PCR reaction efficiencies for all type of samples. Quantification curves of both sample types were equivalent, with a detection level as low as 1.6 V. aestuarianus cells in the PCR reaction tube, corresponding to 1.6.10(2) cells ml(-1) and 1.6.10(2) cells mg(-1) in seawater and entire oyster samples, respectively, taking into account the dilution factor used for appropriate template DNA preparation. Comparison of PCR assay reproducibility according to the complexity of samples revealed that seawater samples gave more reproducible quantification measures than samples from oyster homogenate, with precision of measured Ct values inferior to 0.4 and 0.6 respectively at 99% confidence. Use of the real-time PCR assay allowed us to monitor V. aestuarianus load in oysters naturally infected with this pathogen. Furthermore, we were able to detect V aestuarianus in samples of seawater in which oysters had been reared and in algal cultures used for feeding oysters. Because of the rapidity and reliability of the real-time PCR assay method used in this study, just a few hours are needed compared with the two days required using the classic culture method, this technique will be particularly valuable in mollusc pathology laboratories, for monitoring the source and course of infections by V. aestuarianus in pathogenesis and epidemiologic studies, as well as for designing appropriate prophylactic control measures. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Journal of Microbiological Methods (0167-7012) (Elsevier), 2009-05 , Vol. 77 , N. 2 , P. 191-197

Droits : 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-6447.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.mimet.2009.01.021
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6447/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
This article describes a previously unreported mutation at position 210 (C210T) of the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mtLSUrRNA) gene of Pneumocystis jirovecii, which led to a false-negative result of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Since the aforementioned real-time PCR assay is widely used in France, a French multicenter study was conducted to estimate the mutation frequency and its potential impact on the routine diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Through analysis of data obtained from eight centers, the mutation frequency was estimated at 0.28%. This low frequency should not call into question the routine use of this PCR assay. Nonetheless, the occurrence of the false-negative PCR result provides arguments for maintaining microscopic techniques combined to PCR assays to achieve PCP diagnosis.
Medical Mycology

hal-01477200
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01477200
DOI : 10.1093/mmy/myw051
PUBMED : 27489302

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
Toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients (ICPs). The definite diagnosis relies on parasite DNA detection, but the incidence and burden of disease are ill-known in HIV-negative patients. A three-year retrospective study was conducted in 15 reference laboratories from the network of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, to record the frequency of Toxoplasma DNA detection in ICPs, to review the molecular methods used for diagnosis and the prevention measures implemented in transplant patients. During the study period, out of 31,640 PCR performed in ICPs, 610 were positive (323 patients). Blood (n=337), cerebrospinal fluid (n=101) and aqueous humor (n=100) samples were more frequently positive. Chemoprophylaxis schemes in transplant patients differed between centers. PCR follow-up of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (allo-HSCT) patients was implemented in 8/15 centers. Data from 180 patients (13 centers) were further analyzed regarding clinical setting and outcome. Only 68/180 (38%) patients were HIV+; the remaining 62% consisted in 72 HSCT, 14 solid-organ transplants, and 26 miscellaneous immunodeficiencies. Cerebral toxoplasmosis and disseminated toxoplasmosis were most frequently observed in HIV and transplant patients, respectively. Of 72 allo-HSCT patients with a positive PCR, 23 were asymptomatic; all were diagnosed in centers performing systematic blood PCR follow-up, and received specific treatment. Overall survival of allo-HSCT patients at two months was better in centers with PCR follow-up than in other centers (p<0.01). This study provides updated data on the frequency of toxoplasmosis in HIV-negative ICPs and suggests that regular PCR follow-up of allo-HSCT patients could guide pre-emptive treatment and improve outcome.
ISSN: 0095-1137

hal-01134189
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01134189
DOI : 10.1128/JCM.03282-14
PUBMED : 25762774

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
Molecular diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis or disseminated toxoplasmosis is based mainly on PCR. The repeated DNA element rep529 has become the main DNA target used in most PCR methods, whether laboratory developed or commercial. In this multicenter study, we evaluated the Toxoplasma ELITe MGB (Elitech) commercial kit by comparison with three reference quantitative PCR assays (RAs) used routinely in three proficient laboratories of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis network, using Toxoplasma calibrated suspensions diluted to obtain a range of concentrations from 0.1 to 10,000 parasites/ml. These suspensions were extracted with either the DNA extraction kit (EXTRAblood; Elitech) recommended by the manufacturer or the QIAamp DNA minikit (Qiagen). The Toxoplasma ELITe MGB assay was also evaluated on a panel of 128 clinical samples, including 56 amniotic fluid samples, 55 placenta samples, and various other samples, of which 95 originated from patients with proven toxoplasmosis. The ELITe MGB assay amplified low-concentration replicates (<10 parasites/ml) of calibrated suspensions less frequently than the RAs of 2/3 laboratories. Additionally, the combination of EXTRAblood and Toxoplasma ELITe MGB yielded poorer sensitivity than the combination of QIAamp DNA minikit and ELITe MGB for low parasite concentrations (P < 0.001 for 1 parasite/ml). On clinical samples, the sensitivity and the specificity of the commercial assay were 89% and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity ranged from 79% (placenta samples) to 100% (amniotic fluid samples). Overall, this study shows that the Toxoplasma ELITe MGB assay is suitable for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis from non-cell-rich or non-hemoglobin-rich samples and that the EXTRAblood kit is not optimal.
ISSN: 0095-1137

hal-01526432
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526432
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526432/document
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526432/file/Evaluation%20of%20the%20Toxoplasma.pdf
DOI : 10.1128/JCM.02379-16

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Public Library of Science
Résumé : International audience
PCR is the most widely applied technique for large scale screening of bacterial clones, mouse genotypes, virus genomes etc. A drawback of large PCR screening is that amplicon analysis is usually performed using gel electrophoresis, a step that is very labor intensive, tedious and chemical waste generating. Single genome amplification (SGA) is used to characterize the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of virus populations within infected hosts. SGA is based on the isolation of single template molecule using limiting dilution followed by nested PCR amplification and requires the analysis of hundreds of reactions per sample, making large scale SGA studies very challenging. Here we present a novel approach entitled Long Amplicon Melt Profiling (LAMP) based on the analysis of the melting profile of the PCR reactions using SYBR Green and/or EvaGreen fluorescent dyes. The LAMP method represents an attractive alternative to gel electrophoresis and enables the quick discrimination of positive reactions. We validate LAMP for SIV and HIV env-SGA, in 96- and 384-well plate formats. Because the melt profiling allows the screening of several thousands of PCR reactions in a cost-effective, rapid and robust way, we believe it will greatly facilitate any large scale PCR screening
ISSN: 1932-6203

hal-01163756
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01163756
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pone.0128188
PUBMED : 26053379

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
This work relates to the characterisation of the predominant gill protein of the white clam, Codakia orbicularis (Linné, 1758), which harbours endosymbiotic sulphur-oxidising chemoautotrophic bacteria. Total RNA was extracted from the clam to perform 3'rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3'RACE) using degenerate oligonucleotides prepared from a partial sequence of a predominant protein of about 14kDa, termed codakine. The partial peptide sequence was obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Edman degradation. Clones isolated from the cDNA library and containing the gene of interest were used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR and RACE-PCR products were sequenced to determine the entire coding DNA sequence of codakine. BLAST analysis revealed about 23% to 29% sequence identity between codakine and various animal C-type lectins that are often involved in symbiosis and immune defences. Codakine also contains the motifs and domains of Ca(2+)-dependent C-type lectins, and in particular the tripeptide EPN motif frequently found in mannose-binding lectins (MBLs). Analysis of the protein by affinity chromatography on a mannose-agarose column is consistent with the findings that codakine is a dimeric Ca(2+)-dependent MBL of about 29kDa. Based on the present results, it is hypothesised that this novel C. orbicularis gill protein is involved in the recognition of symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria.
ISSN: 1050-4648

hal-00746015
https://hal.univ-antilles.fr/hal-00746015
DOI : 10.1016/j.fsi.2006.06.013
PUBMED : 17169576

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : Vibrio tapetis is the marine bacterium responsible for the brown ring disease (BRD) affecting die manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum. Identification of V tapelis has been previously performed using biochemical criteria and serological procedures. All of these methods are time consuming and ill-adapted to individual screening. This study describes an oligonucleotidic probe (Vt446) and two PCR primers, deduced from the 16S rDNA sequence, allowing a fast and specific V tapetis identification using dot blot hybridisation and species-specific primed PCR (SSP-PCR). The probe and primers have been tested on 60 strains, including referenced Vibrio sp., Gram negative and positive bacteria, marine bacteria samples and isolated clam bacteria. For all the 19 V tapetis strains, the results of PCR assays consistently corroborated those of the agglutination tests. The detection limit was estimated to be 10(2) CFU ml(-1). The SSP-PCR method has resulted in V tapetis detection in larvae, m diseased clams, and in asymptomatic broodstock clams that later developed BRD. In conclusion, the two SSP-PCR primers were useful for direct and fast identification of V tapetis strains isolated in clams, and are well suited for the screening of individual R. philippilnarum broodstock clams and larvae from the hatchery. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Aquaculture (0044-8486) (Elsevier), 2006-03 , Vol. 253 , N. 1-4 , P. 25-38

Droits : 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2006/publication-1692.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2005.03.047
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/1692/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Whilst it used to affect mostly intravenous drug users and patients who underwent valvular surgery with suboptimal infection control procedures, fungal endocarditis is now mostly observed in patients with severe immunodeficiency (onco-haematology), in association with chronic central venous access and broad-spectrum antibiotic use. The incidence of fungal endocarditis has probably decreased in most developed countries with access to harm-reduction policies (i.e. needle exchange programmes) and with improved infection control procedures during cardiac surgery. Use of specific blood culture bottles for diagnosis of fungal endocarditis has decreased due to optimisation of media and automated culture systems. Meanwhile, the advent of rapid techniques, including fungal antigen detection (galactomannan, mannan/anti-mannan antibodies and β-1,3-d-glucans) and PCR (e.g. universal fungal PCR targeting 18S rRNA genes), shall improve sensitivity and reduce diagnostics delays, although limited data are available on their use for the diagnosis of fungal endocarditis. New antifungal agents available since the early 2000s may represent dramatic improvement for fungal endocarditis: (i) a new class, the echinocandins, has the potential to improve the management of Candida endocarditis owing to its fungicidal effect on yeasts as well as tolerability of increased dosages; and (ii) improved survival in patients with invasive aspergillosis with voriconazole compared with amphotericin B, and this may apply to Aspergillus sp. endocarditis as well, although its prognosis remains dismal. These achievements may allow selected patients to be cured with prolonged medical treatment alone when surgery is considered too risky.
ISSN: 0924-8579

hal-01118441
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118441
DOI : 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.07.003
PUBMED : 25178919

Éditeur(s) : Public Library Science
Résumé : Subsurface sediments of the Sonora Margin (Guaymas Basin), located in proximity of active cold seep sites were explored. The taxonomic and functional diversity of bacterial and archaeal communities were investigated from 1 to 10 meters below the seafloor. Microbial community structure and abundance and distribution of dominant populations were assessed using complementary molecular approaches (Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis, 16S rRNA libraries and quantitative PCR with an extensive primers set) and correlated to comprehensive geochemical data. Moreover the metabolic potentials and functional traits of the microbial community were also identified using the GeoChip functional gene microarray and metabolic rates. The active microbial community structure in the Sonora Margin sediments was related to deep subsurface ecosystems (Marine Benthic Groups B and D, Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotal Group, Chloroflexi and Candidate divisions) and remained relatively similar throughout the sediment section, despite defined biogeochemical gradients. However, relative abundances of bacterial and archaeal dominant lineages were significantly correlated with organic carbon quantity and origin. Consistently, metabolic pathways for the degradation and assimilation of this organic carbon as well as genetic potentials for the transformation of detrital organic matters, hydrocarbons and recalcitrant substrates were detected, suggesting that chemoorganotrophic microorganisms may dominate the microbial community of the Sonora Margin subsurface sediments.
Plos One (1932-6203) (Public Library Science), 2014-08 , Vol. 9 , N. 8 , P. e104427

Droits : This is an open-access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00203/31408/29801.pdf
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0104427
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00203/31408/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Molds are common contaminants in indoor environments. Health effects associated with these microscopic fungi are multiple, including irritations, allergic reactions, infections and toxicity. Depending on the exposure level and the vulnerability of the populations, fungi may represent different public health risks. For example, damp and moldy dwellings are associated with chronic, respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, the lack of valid tools for accurately measuring the environmental fungal exposure is one of the main challenges to better understanding the role of fungal products and particles in human health. In this thesis, diverse sampling techniques and analytical methods were evaluated for measuring the fungal contamination in the air, on surfaces and in settled dust. A quantitative PCR-based index was notably tested and compared with other approaches to assess fungal exposure in dwellings. By collecting and analyzing settled floor dust, this index successfully distinguished between contaminated and non-contaminated homes in Brittany, France. Quantitative PCR and this index are promising techniques for fungal exposure assessment in indoor environments. Further validation of these methods may lead to disease prevention approaches, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Les moisissures sont des micro-organismes présents dans tous les environnements intérieurs. Les effets sur la santé associés à ces champignons microscopiques sont multiples : irritations, réactions immunoallergiques, infections et effets toxiques. Selon le niveau d'exposition et la vulnérabilité des populations, les moisissures peuvent représenter des risques plus ou moins importants pour la santé publique. Les logements humides et moisis ont par exemple été associés à des maladies chroniques respiratoires telles que l'asthme et les rhinites allergiques. Cependant, le manque d'outils valides permettant d'évaluer quantitativement l'exposition fongique environnementale constitue une des principales difficultés pour mieux appréhender le rôle des particules et des composés fongiques sur la santé humaine. Lors de ce travail de thèse, diverses techniques d'échantillonnage et méthodes d'analyses ont été évaluées afin de mesurer la contamination fongique de l'air, des surfaces et des poussières. Un indice moléculaire basé sur la technique de PCR quantitative a notamment été testé et comparé à d'autres approches pour mesurer l'exposition fongique dans des logements. Après analyse des poussières domestiques collectées au sol, cet indice a permis de discriminer les habitats avec ou sans moisissures visibles. La quantification de groupes fongiques par PCR quantitative s'avère une technique prometteuse pour la mesure de l'exposition aux moisissures dans les environnements intérieurs. Outre le développement et la validation d'outils de mesure, une démarche globale de prévention du risque fongique semble nécessaire, particulièrement chez les populations vulnérables.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00768444

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/OpenAccess
tel-00768444
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00768444
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00768444/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00768444/file/MA_heust_Delphine.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Résumé : International audience
Purpose of review Toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients is associated with a high mortality rate. Molecular techniques are important tools to diagnose acute disease in immunocompromised patients, but there are various methods with variable efficiency. Some of them have been validated for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, but the impact of their use has not been evaluated in immunocompromised patients. Recent findings Toxoplasmosis is of increasing importance in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. In addition, the picture of disease shows greater severity in South America, both in immunocompetent study participants and in congenitally infected infants. These epidemiological differences could influence the sensitivity of diagnostic methods. This review analyzes recent data on molecular diagnosis and compares them with older ones, in light of progress gained in molecular techniques and of recent epidemiological findings. Most recent studies were conducted in South America and used PCR targeting the B1 gene. PCR on blood could allow diagnosing a significant proportion of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis in Brazil. Summary Quantitative PCR methods with specific probes should be used to improve sensitivity and warrant specificity. Performance of quantitative PCR targeting the repeated 529 bp sequence for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients needs evaluation in field studies in South America and in western countries.
ISSN: 0951-7375

hal-01390970
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01390970
DOI : 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000275
PUBMED : 27191201

Éditeur(s) : Université de Paris 6 – Pierre et Marie Curie
Résumé : Since 1997, a new pathology seasonally occurs in new caledonian shrimp farms during the warm season and was named Summer Syndrome. Diseased Litopenaeus stylirostris shrimp suffer from a septicemic vibriosis which was attributed to V. nigripulchritudo. Preliminary studies based on a collection of V. nigripulchritudo strains have brought to light different virulence levels according to experimental infections results; three virulence statuses were defined: highly (HP), moderately (MP) and non pathogenic (NP). The aim of this work was to genetically characterize virulent V. nigripulchritudo strains. In a first step the genetic diversity of 58 V. nigripulchritudo strains was analyzed by MLST and AP-PCR, revealing a cluster of HP and MP strains, characterized by a low genetic variability and that includes all Summer Syndrome-associated isolates. This confirms the emergence of one cluster of pathogenic V. nigripulchritudo simultaneously with the emergence of the Summer Syndrome ; in a second step, 368 genetic markers of virulence were identified by a Suppressive Subtractive Hybridization performed between the genomes of a HP strain and a genetically close, NP isolate; the distribution of the screened SSH fragments was studied in 58 V. nigripulchritudo isolates by macro-array: 78 DNA fragments were selected, allowing to characterize clusters identified and pathogenic statuses; 13 are specific of the HP strains involved in Summer Syndrome. Interestingly, 10 of these markers are carried by a plasmid pSFn1 that contains sequences highly similar to those of a plasmid pAK1, detected in Vibrio shilonii, a coral pathogen. The origin and consequences of this plasmid acquisition are discussed.
Depuis 1997, les élevages de crevettes en Nouvelle-Calédonie sont confrontés à une nouvelle maladie, le Syndrome d'été, une vibriose septicémique dont l'agent étiologique est Vibrio nigripulchritudo. Les résultats d'infection expérimentale sur une collection de souches, ont montré l'existence de trois pathotypes distincts : hautement (HP), moyennement (MP) et non pathogène (NP). L'étude du polymorphisme génétique de 58 souches par typage moléculaire en MLST et AP-PCR, a mis en évidence un groupe phylogénétique particulier caractérisé par un très faible degré de variabilité génétique (confirmant l'émergence de ce groupe en parallèle à l'émergence du Syndrome d'été) et constitué uniquement de souches HP (dont toutes celles associées au Syndromed'été) et de souches MP. Afin d'identifier des marqueurs génétiques de la virulence des souches responsables du Syndrome d'été, et parmi ces marqueurs des gènes codant potentiellement pour des effecteurs de la virulence, une approche soustractive par SSH a été développée entre une souche HP de type Syndrome d'été et une souche NP : 368 marqueurs génétiques ont ainsi été mis en évidence ; la distribution de ces marqueurs a été étudiée chez les 58 souches de la collection par une approche en macroarray : 78 marqueurs ont été sélectionnés, qui permettent de caractériser les différents groupes phylogénétiques et les différents pathotypes, dont 13 fragments spécifiques des souches HP type Syndrome d'été. Parmi ces 13 fragments, 10 ont été localisés sur le plasmide pSFn1 qui a été entièrement séquencé. Ce même plasmide a été purifié uniquement des souches HP de type Syndrome d'été. Par ailleurs, une très forte homologie a été mise en évidence entre pSFn1 et pAK1, un autre plasmide également séquencé et retrouvé chez la souche V. shilonii AK1, responsable du blanchiment du corail Oculina patagonica en Méditerranée. Ces résultats ont ouvert la discussion sur le rôle de pSFn1 dans la virulence de V. nigripulchritudo.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2008/these-3906.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3906/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a major diagnostic tool in lung diseases, including viral respiratory infections. We aimed to better define the situations where viral tests should be performed on BAL fluid (BALF). We retrospectively studied all cases where viral tests [immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, viral culture, and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] were performed on BALF during a period of 1 year (2008) in our institution. We compared the characteristics of patients with virus-positive versus virus-negative BALF. Of the 636 BALF samples sent to the microbiology laboratory, 232 underwent viral tests. Of these, 70 (30 %) were positive and identified 85 viruses: herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 (n = 27), cytomegalovirus (CMV, n = 23), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, n = 18), human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 (n = 12), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, n = 3), rhinovirus (n = 1), and adenovirus (n = 1). The variables associated with positive viral tests on univariate analysis were immunosuppression [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), corticosteroids >10 mg/day for ≥3 weeks, or other immunosuppressive therapy], ground-glass attenuations on computed tomography (CT) scanning, late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and durations of (i) hospital stay, (ii) intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and (iii) mechanical ventilation before BAL (p < 0.01 for each comparison). On multivariate analysis, only immunosuppression [odds ratio (OR) 6.4, 95 % confidence interval (CI) [2.8-14.3], p < 0.0001] and ground-glass attenuations (OR 3.7, 95 % CI [1.8-7.7], p = 0.0004) remained associated with virus-positive BAL. None of the viral tests performed on BALF for the initial assessment of diffuse infiltrative lung disease (n = 15) was positive. PCR improved the diagnostic yield of viral tests on BALF by 50 %. Testing for viruses on BALF should be mostly restricted to immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory diseases and/or patients with unexplained ground-glass attenuations on CT scanning.
ISSN: 0934-9723

hal-00873158
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00873158
DOI : 10.1007/s10096-012-1791-7
PUBMED : 23238685

Éditeur(s) : Copernicus Gesellschaft Mbh
Résumé : The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most oligotrophic marine areas on earth where nitrogen fixation has formally believed to play an important role in carbon and nitrogen fluxes. Although this view is under debate, the diazotrophs responsible for this activity have still not been investigated in the open sea. In this study, we characterised the surface distribution and species richness of unicellular and filamentous diazotrophs across the Mediterranean Sea by combining microscopic counts with size fractionated in situ hybridization (TSA-FISH), and 16S rDNA and nifH genes phylogenies. These genetic analyses were possible owing to the development of a new PCR protocol adapted to scarce microorganisms that can detect as few as 1 cell ml(-1) in cultures. Low concentrations of diazotrophic cyanobacteria were detected and this community was dominated at 99.9% by picoplankton hybridized to the Nitro821 probe, specific for unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria (UCYN). Among filamentous cyanobacteria only 0.02 filament ml(-1) of Richelia were detected in the eastern basin, while small (0.7-1.5 mu m) and large (2.5-3.2 mu m) Nitro821-targeted cells were recovered at all stations with a mean concentration of 3.5 cell ml(-1). The affiliation of the small Nitro821-targeted cells to UCYN-A was confirmed by 16S and nifH phylogenies in the western Mediterranean Sea. In the central and the eastern Mediterranean Sea no 16S rDNA and nifH sequence from UCYN was obtained as cells concentration were close to, or below PCR detection limit. Bradyrhizobium sequences dominated nifH clone libraries from picoplanktonic size fractions. A few sequences of gamma-proteobacteria were also detected in the central Mediterranean Sea. While low phosphate and iron concentrations could explain the absence of Trichodesmium sp., the factors that prevent the development of UCYN-B and C remain unknown. We also propose that the dominating picoplankters probably developed specific strategies, such as associations with protists or particles, and/or photosynthetic activity, to acquire carbon for sustaining diazotrophy.
Biogeosciences (1726-4170) (Copernicus Gesellschaft Mbh), 2011 , Vol. 8 , N. 3 , P. 827-840

Droits : Author(s) 2011. CC Attribution 3.0 License.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00133/24392/22416.pdf
DOI:10.5194/bg-8-827-2011
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00133/24392/

Éditeur(s) : Amer Soc Microbiology
Résumé : A molecular typing study on Vibrio strains implicated in shrimp disease outbreaks in New Caledonia and Japan was conducted by using AP-PCR (arbitrarily primed PCR). It allowed rapid identification of isolates at the genospecies level and studies of infraspecific population structures of epidemiological interest. Clusters identified within the species Vibrio penaeicida were related to their area of origin, allowing discrimination between Japanese and New Caledonian isolates, as well as between those from two different bays in New Caledonia separated by only 50 km. Other subclusters of New Caledonian V. penaeicida isolates could be identified, but it was not possible to link those differences to accurate epidemiological features. This contribution of AP-PCR to the study of vibriosis in penaeid shrimps demonstrates its high discriminating power and the relevance of the epidemiological information provided. This approach would contribute to better knowledge of the ecology of Vibrio spp. and their implication in shrimp disease in aquaculture.
Applied And Environmental Microbiology (0099-2240) (Amer Soc Microbiology), 1999-03 , Vol. 65 , N. 3 , P. 1145-1151

Droits : American society for microbiology
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1999/publication-2734.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/2734/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé :   Diplôme : DEA
il s'agit d'un type de produit dont les métadonnées ne correspondent pas aux métadonnées attendues dans les autres types de produit : DISSERTATION
L'étude de la répartition géographique de la diversité génétique résultant de l'histoire des populations apparaît comme fondamentale pour la conservation des espèces. Ainsi, la mise en évidence des relations phylo-géographiques au court du Quaternaire récent, au sein d'une espèce modèle Vouacapoua americana (Caesalpiniaceae), en Guyane française apporte des informations importantes sur la dynamique des populations naturelles. Dans cette étude les loci trn Q-trn S et trn Sa-trn fM sont utilisés afin de déterminer l'histoire évolutive des populations issues des refuges forestiers tropicaux. Le but principal est l'obtention des séquences après amplification PCR. L'analyse de ces séquences chez cinq populations testées a permis de mettre en évidence leur caractère hypervariable, ainsi que des régions présentant des motifs conservés répétés plusieurs fois. Les constructions phylogéographiques obtenues à partir de celles-ci accentuent la régionalisation des différents chlorotypes, existant en Guyane pour cette espèce, mise en évidence au cours de travaux précédents. Ainsi, les informations apportées par cette approche apparaissent comme complémentaires aux résultats obtenus par d'autres techniques d'analyse moléculaire.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01189224

hal-01189224
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01189224
PRODINRA : 16622