Miklos Gyuranecz

Verified @gmail.com

Zoonotic Bacteriology and Mycoplasmology
Veterinary Medical Research Institute



                 

https://researchid.co/m.gyuranecz

I am a DVM, PhD, DSc, habil, Dipl. ECVM, head of a 15-member research group and the vice director of the Veterinary Medical Research Institute, an honorary professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary and the director of the Mycoplasma diagnostic & biotech company, MolliScience Ltd. I am the author of more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers and three book chapters. My laboratory served as an OIE reference laboratory between 2015 and 2018. Currently I am the supervisor of six graduated and three active PhD students.

EDUCATION

2021 De facto Diplomate, European College of Veterinary Microbiology
2021 DSc (Doctor of Science), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary
2019 Habilitation, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hungary
2011 PhD (Summa cum laude), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Hungary
2007 DVM and BSc in wildlife management, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Hungary

RESEARCH INTERESTS

I am keenly interested in infectious diseases, particularly bacterial pathogens. My current work is primarily on mycoplasmosis but I also work with a variety of other diseases, including tularemia, brucellosis and Q fever.

FUTURE PROJECTS

National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety

The establishment of the laboratory is of key importance for the national economy, since the rapid recognition of infectious diseases, along with effective prevention and treatment are especially important due to the large number of farm animals in Hungary and the annual increase in revenue they generate. Also playing an important role in the project is the study of the increasingly alarming spread of antimicrobial resistance, especially with regard to the possibility of its transfer from animals to humans. The laboratory's innovative competences and modern infrastructural capacity not only further the nation's human and animal health, they also increase the international competitiveness of domestic livestock breeding.


Applications Invited
PhD students, post-docs

Development of diagnostic and control procedures for infectious diseases of domestic and wild bird species with high economic and public health risk

Most of VMRI's research groups are involved in the research project. The project’s main objectives were generated by the animal health problems caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites that threaten the competitiveness of poultry industry, and that could lead to market improvements for the sector. Research directions have been identified that can effectively help to address the current challenges in poultry nutrition, food chain safety and zoonoses.


Applications Invited
PhD students, post-docs

National Laboratory of Health Safety

The aim of the Health Safety National Laboratory is to create a scientific basis for decision-making in Hungary based on data and analysis in the areas of health care, epidemic prevention and ecological systems. The project encompasses research carried out in the fields of epidemic mathematics, epidemic ecology, invasion biology and data-driven health care, among other topics. The laboratory unites and coordinates the research groups operating in this area in Hungary in an insular fashion along the "One Health" concept, thereby supporting networking and the creation of an effectively collaborative and internationally competitive research community.


Applications Invited
PhD students, post-docs
125

Scopus Publications

2801

Scholar Citations

31

Scholar h-index

71

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Characterization of atypical Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis strains
    Áron B. Kovács, Enikő Wehmann, Dénes Grózner, Krisztina Bali, Edina Nemesházi, Veronika Hrivnák, Chris J. Morrow, Krisztián Bányai, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Veterinary Microbiology, ISSN: 03781135, eISSN: 18732542, Volume: 280, Published: May 2023 Elsevier BV

  • Genomic Diversity of a Globally Used, Live Attenuated Mycoplasma Vaccine
    Sara M. Klose, Olusola M. Olaogun, Jillian F. Disint, Pollob Shil, Miklós Gyuranecz, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, Dorottya Földi, Salvatore Catania, Marco Bottinelli, Arianna Dall'Ora, Anneke Feberwee, Marleen van der Most, Daniel M. Andrews, Gregory J. Underwood, Chris J. Morrow, Amir H. Noormohammadi, and Marc S. Marenda

    Microbiology Spectrum, eISSN: 21650497, Published: November 2022 American Society for Microbiology
    Preventative measures, such as vaccination, are commonly used for the control of mycoplasmal infections in poultry. A live attenuated vaccine strain (Vaxsafe MS; MS-H; Bioproperties Pty.

  • Polyctenidae (Hemiptera: Cimicoidea) species in the Afrotropical region: Distribution, host specificity, and first insights to their molecular phylogeny
    Tamara Szentiványi, Sándor Hornok, Áron B. Kovács, Nóra Takács, Miklós Gyuranecz, Wanda Markotter, Philippe Christe, and Olivier Glaizot

    Ecology and Evolution, eISSN: 20457758, Published: October 2022 Wiley

  • Biofilm formation and its impact on environmental survival and antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis strains
    Katinka Bekő, Eszter Zsófia Nagy, Dénes Grózner, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Acta Veterinaria Hungarica, ISSN: 02366290, eISSN: 15882705, Pages: 184-191, Published: 30 September 2022 Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
    Abstract Several Mycoplasma species can form biofilm, facilitating their survival in the environment, and shielding them from therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to examine the biofilm-forming ability and its potential effects on environmental survival and antibiotic resistance in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis, the clinically and economically most important waterfowl Mycoplasma species. The biofilm-forming ability of 32 M. anserisalpingitidis strains was examined by crystal violet assay. Biofilms and planktonic cultures of the selected strains were exposed to a temperature of 50 °C (20 and 30 min), to desiccation at room temperature (16 and 24 h), or to various concentrations of eight different antibiotics. Crystal violet staining revealed great diversity in the biofilm-forming ability of the 32 tested M. anserisalpingitidis strains, with positive staining in more than half of them. Biofilms were found to be more resistant to heat and desiccation than planktonic cultures, while no correlation was shown between biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility. Our results indicate that M. anserisalpingitidis biofilms may contribute to the persistence of the organisms in the environment, which should be taken into account for proper management. Antibiotic susceptibility was not affected by biofilm formation; however, it is important to note that correlations were examined only in vitro.

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma hyorhinis strains isolated from five European countries between 2019 and 2021
    Ulrich Klein, Dorottya Földi, Nikolett Belecz, Veronika Hrivnák, Zoltán Somogyi, Michele Gastaldelli, Marianna Merenda, Salvatore Catania, Arkadiusz Dors, Ute Siesenop, Philip Vyt, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, Wouter Depondt, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    PLoS ONE, eISSN: 19326203, Issue: 8 August, Published: August 2022 Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Mycoplasma hyorhinis is an emerging swine pathogen bacterium causing polyserositis and polyarthritis in weaners and finishers. The pathogen is distributed world-wide, generating significant economic losses. No commercially available vaccine is available in Europe. Therefore, besides improving the housing conditions for prevention, antimicrobial therapy of the diseased animals is the only option to control the infection. Our aim was to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ten antimicrobials potentially used against M. hyorhinis infection. The antibiotic susceptibility of 76 M. hyorhinis isolates from Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Poland collected between 2019 and 2021 was determined by broth micro-dilution method and mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA). Low concentrations of tiamulin (MIC90 0.312 μg/ml), doxycycline (MIC90 0.078 μg/ml), oxytetracycline (MIC90 0.25 μg/ml), florfenicol (MIC90 2 μg/ml) and moderate concentrations of enrofloxacin (MIC90 1.25 μg/ml) inhibited the growth of the isolates. For the tested macrolides and lincomycin, a bimodal MIC pattern was observed (MIC90 >64 μg/ml for lincomycin, tulathromycin, tylosin and tilmicosin and 5 μg/ml for tylvalosin). The results of the MAMA assay were in line with the conventional method with three exceptions. Based on our statistical analyses, significant differences in MIC values of tiamulin and doxycycline were observed between certain countries. Our results show various levels of antimicrobial susceptibility among M. hyorhinis isolates to the tested antibiotics. The data underline the importance of susceptibility monitoring on pan-European level and provides essential information for proper antibiotic choice in therapy.

  • Diversity of tick species and associated pathogens on peri-urban wild boars – First report of the zoonotic Babesia cf. crassa from Hungary
    Sándor Hornok, Sándor Szekeres, Gábor Horváth, Nóra Takács, Katinka Bekő, Jenő Kontschán, Miklós Gyuranecz, Barnabás Tóth, Attila D. Sándor, Alexandra Juhász, Relja Beck, and Róbert Farkas

    Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, ISSN: 1877959X, eISSN: 18779603, Published: May 2022 Elsevier BV

  • Isolation of Mycoplasma agassizii-like agent from a Ball python (Python regius)
    Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja, ISSN: 0025004X, Volume: 144, Pages: 177-182, Published: March 2022

  • Identification and detection of mutations potentially associated with decreased susceptibility to macrolides and lincomycin in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis isolates
    Dénes Grózner, Katinka Bekö, Áron Botond Kovács, Alexa Mitter, Veronika Hrivnák, Anna Sawicka, Grzegorz Tomczyk, Krisztián Bányai, Szilárd Jánosi, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Veterinary Microbiology, ISSN: 03781135, eISSN: 18732542, Volume: 266, Published: March 2022 Elsevier BV

  • Development and evaluation of temperature-sensitive Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis clones as vaccine candidates
    Katinka Bekő, Dénes Grózner, Alexa Mitter, Lilla Udvari, Dorottya Földi, Enikő Wehmann, Áron B. Kovács, Marianna Domán, Krisztina Bali, Krisztián Bányai, Éva Gyuris, Ákos Thuma, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Avian Pathology, ISSN: 03079457, eISSN: 14653338, Pages: 535-549, Published: 2022 Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis is economically the most important pathogenic Mycoplasma species of waterfowl in Europe and Asia. The lack of commercially available vaccines against M. anserisalpingitidis had prompted this study with the aim to produce temperature-sensitive (ts+) clones as candidates for an attenuated live vaccine. The production of ts+ clones was performed by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG)-induced mutagenesis of Hungarian M. anserisalpingitidis field isolates. The clones were administered via eye-drop and intracloacally to 33-day-old geese. Colonization ability was examined by PCR and isolation from the trachea and cloaca, while the serological response of the birds was tested by ELISA. Pathological and histopathological examinations were performed in the eighth week after inoculation. Whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis of the selected clone and its parent strain was also performed. NTG-treatment provided three ts+ mutants (MA177/1/11, MA177/1/12, MA271). MA271 was detected at the highest rate from cloacal (86.25%) and tracheal (30%) samples, while MA177/1/12 and MA271 elicited remarkable serological responses with 90% of the birds showing seroconversion. Re-isolates of MA271 remained ts+ throughout the experiment. Based on these properties, clone MA271 was found to be the most promising vaccine candidate. WGS analysis revealed 59 mutations in the genome of MA271 when compared to its parent strain, affecting both polypeptides involved in different cellular processes and proteins previously linked to bacterial fitness and virulence. Although further studies are needed to prove that MA271 is in all aspects a suitable vaccine strain, it is expected that this ts+ clone will contribute to the control of M. anserisalpingitidis infection. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Three M. anserisalpingitidis ts+ vaccine candidates were produced by NTG-mutagenesis. Clone MA271 was able to colonize geese and induce a serological response. MA271 re-isolates remained ts+ during the 8-week-long experiment. WGS analysis revealed 59 mutations in the genome of MA271.

  • In vitro susceptibility of Mycoplasma iowae isolates to antimicrobial agents
    Dominika Buni, Lilla Udvari, Dorottya Földi, Nikolett Belecz, Cécile Yvon, Janet Bradbury, Salvatore Catania, Inna Lysnyansky, László Kovács, Miklós Gyuranecz, and Zsuzsa Kreizinger

    Avian Pathology, ISSN: 03079457, eISSN: 14653338, Pages: 374-380, Published: 2022 Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT Mycoplasma iowae, a potential re-emerging avian pathogen mainly affecting turkeys, has been reported from many parts of the world. Poor hatchability, embryonic death, joint and skeletal abnormalities, poor ossification, runting-stunting, poor feathering and airsacculitis may be observed in infected flocks. The reduction of the severity of clinical signs and short-term control of M. iowae are performed by antibiotic treatment. However, M. iowae develops resistance more rapidly and is considered to be more resistant to antimicrobials than other avian pathogenic mycoplasmas. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of 101 M. iowae isolates and strains to ten clinically important antimicrobial agents, and to analyse and compare the susceptibility patterns of isolates of various origins and from a wide time-period. The examined reference strains showed high susceptibility to all antimicrobials except for spectinomycin. Low concentrations of tiamulin, florfenicol and oxytetracycline inhibited the growth of the clinical isolates. Nevertheless, slow tendency of increasing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values was observed over time in the case of the above mentioned agents, while MIC values of enrofloxacin showed relatively rapid changes. Spiramycin, erythromycin, tilmicosin, tylosin, lincomycin and spectinomycin did not inhibit the bacterial growth in most of the cases. Isolates originating from captive game birds showed similar susceptibility profiles to isolates from industrial turkey hosts. The widely detected low susceptibility of M. iowae isolates to macrolides, lincomycin and spectinomycin, and the increase of MIC values of frequently used antimicrobials against this pathogen, emphasize the importance of targeted antibiotic therapy. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Antimicrobial susceptibilities of 101 Mycoplasma iowae isolates were determined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth micro-dilution method. Tiamulin, oxytetracycline and florfenicol showed low MIC values. Isolates rapidly adapted to antimicrobial pressure.

  • Evidence of Mycoplasma spp. transmission by migratory wild geese
    Anna Sawicka-Durkalec, Grzegorz Tomczyk, Olimpia Kursa, Tomasz Stenzel, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Poultry Science, ISSN: 00325791, eISSN: 15253171, Volume: 101, Published: January 2022 Elsevier BV

  • Latrocimicinae completes the phylogeny of Cimicidae: meeting old morphologic data rather than modern host phylogeny
    Sándor Hornok, Tamara Szentiványi, Nóra Takács, Áron Botond Kovács, Olivier Glaizot, Philippe Christe, Nicolas Fasel, Miklós Gyuranecz, and Jenő Kontschán

    Parasites and Vectors, eISSN: 17563305, Published: December 2021 Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    AbstractThe family Cimicidae includes obligate hematophagous ectoparasites (bed bugs and their relatives) with high veterinary/medical importance. The evolutionary relationships of Cimicidae and their hosts have recently been reported in a phylogenetic context, but in the relevant study, one of the six subfamilies, the bat-specific Latrocimicinae, was not represented. In this study the only known species of Latrocimicinae, i.e., Latrocimex spectans, was analyzed with molecular and phylogenetic methods based on four (two nuclear and two mitochondrial) genetic markers. The completed subfamily-level phylogeny of Cimicidae showed that Latrocimicinae is most closely related to Haematosiphoninae (ectoparasites of birds and humans), with which it shares systematically important morphologic characters, but not hosts. Moreover, in the phylogenetic analyses, cimicid bugs that are known to infest phylogenetically distant bat hosts clustered together (e.g., Leptocimex and Stricticimex within Cacodminae), while cimicid subfamilies (Latrocimicinae, Primicimicinae) that are known to infest bat hosts from closely related superfamilies clustered distantly. In conclusion, adding Latrocimicinae significantly contributed to the resolution of the phylogeny of Cimicidae. The close phylogenetic relationship between Latrocimicinae and Haematosiphoninae is consistent with long-known morphologic data. At the same time, phylogenetic relationships of genera within subfamilies are inconsistent with the phylogeny of relevant hosts. Graphical abstract

  • Vaccination against Mycoplasma infections in poultry, swine and cattle
    Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja, ISSN: 0025004X, Volume: 143, Pages: 609-623, Published: October 2021

  • The distribution of lagomorph syphilis caused by Treponema paraluisleporidarum in Europe
    Linda Hisgen, Lena Abel, Luisa Hallmaier-Wacker, Simone Lüert, Antonio Lavazza, Tiziana Trogu, Roser Velarde, Markéta Nováková, Miklós Gyuranecz, Erik Ågren, Alexander Barlow, David Šmajs, and Sascha Knauf

    European Journal of Wildlife Research, ISSN: 16124642, eISSN: 14390574, Published: October 2021 Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    AbstractTreponema paraluisleporidarum infects both rabbits (ecovar Cuniculus) and hares (ecovar Lepus). While the occurrence of the bacterium has previously been reported for European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica), there are no data available that report infection in the European context. We tested a total of 1,995 serum samples and 287 genital swabs from opportunistically sampled European brown hares (Lepus europaeus; n = 2135), Mountain hares (Lepus timidus; n = 4), European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; n = 138), and pet rabbits (O. cuniculus f. domestica; n = 5). The samples originated from eight European countries. In case only serum was available, we tested the samples for the presence of anti-treponemal antibodies. For this, we utilized the Treponema pallidum-particle agglutination test (TP-PA), which is suited for the use in lagomorphs due to the antigenic cross-reactivity of anti-T. pallidum and anti-T. paraluisleporidarum antibodies. In addition, the results of 380 sera were confirmed using the fluorescent-Treponema antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS). In all cases where swab samples were available, DNA was extracted and tested using quantitative PCR to test for the presence of the lagomorph syphilis-bacterium. We were able to detect antibodies in 825 of 1,995 lagomorph sera (41.4%; brown hare: 825/1,868; rabbit: 0/127) and obtained positive qPCR results from 182 of 287 swab samples (63.4%; European brown hare: 167/267; mountain hare: 4/4; rabbit: 11/16). While all rabbit sera (n = 127) tested negative for anti-treponemal antibodies, the presence of the bacterium was confirmed in eight wild (n = 8/11) and three domestic rabbits (n = 3/5) from Germany using qPCR.

  • Novel prophage-like sequences in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis
    Áron B. Kovács, Enikő Wehmann, Domonkos Sváb, Katinka Bekő, Dénes Grózner, Alexa Mitter, Krisztina Bali, Christopher J. Morrow, Krisztián Bányai, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Infection, Genetics and Evolution, ISSN: 15671348, eISSN: 15677257, Published: August 2021 Elsevier BV

  • Development of a molecular biological assay for the detection of markers related to decreased susceptibility to macrolides and lincomycin in Mycoplasma hyorhinis
    Dorottya Földi, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, Katinka Bekő, Nikolett Belecz, Krisztián Bányai, Krisztián Kiss, Imre Biksi, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Acta Veterinaria Hungarica, ISSN: 02366290, eISSN: 15882705, Pages: 110-115, Published: 31 July 2021 Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
    AbstractThe control of Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection relies mainly on antimicrobial therapy. However, the antibiotic susceptibility testing of the bacteria is usually not performed before applying the treatment, and thus therapeutic failures are not uncommon. In the case of M. hyorhinis, several antibiotic-resistance-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are known but assays for their detection have not been described yet. The aims of the present study were to investigate macrolide- and lincomycin-resistance-related SNPs in Hungarian M. hyorhinis isolates and to develop mismatch amplification mutation assays (MAMA) to detect the identified resistance markers. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of different drugs and whole genome sequences of 37 M. hyorhinis isolates were used to find the resistance-related mutations. One MAMA assay was designed to detect the mutation of the 23S rRNA gene at nucleotide position 2058 (Escherichia coli numbering). For further evaluation, the assay was challenged with 17 additional isolates with available MIC data and 15 DNA samples from clinical specimens. The genotypes of the samples were in line with the MIC test results. The developed assay supports the practice of targeted antibiotic usage; hence it may indirectly reduce some bacterial resistance-related public health concerns.

  • Serological survey of Coxiella burnetii infections in dairy cattle, sheep, goats and zoo animals in Hungary - Short communication
    Attila Dobos, István Fodor, Gerda Kiss, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Acta Veterinaria Hungarica, ISSN: 02366290, eISSN: 15882705, Pages: 105-109, Published: 31 July 2021 Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
    AbstractQ fever is a disease of high zoonotic potential, but interest in its causative agent is rather low although it causes some public health problems in Hungary. The prevalence of Q fever is highly variable by country. The main reservoirs of the disease are the same domestic ruminant species everywhere, but the epidemiological profile depends on the features of the specific reservoir. The aim of this large-scale study was to demonstrate the importance of Q fever in different species as a possible source for human infection in most regions of Hungary. A total of 851 serum samples from 44 dairy farms, 16 sheep flocks, 4 goat farms and 3 zoos located in different parts of Hungary were tested. The presence of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii was surveyed in dairy cattle (n = 547), goats (n = 71), sheep (n = 200) and zoo animals (n = 33). The animal species tested in Hungary showed different seroprevalence values of C. burnetii infection. Seropositivity by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was found in 258 out of 547 (47.2%) cows and in 69 out of 271 (25.5%) small ruminants, among them in 47 out of 200 (23.5%) sheep and in 22 out of 71 (31.0%) goats. Antibodies to C. burnetii were not detected in zoo animals. Seropositivity was demonstrated in 44 out of 44 (100%) dairy cattle farms, with at least one serum sample found to be positive on each farm. The seropositivity rate of small ruminant farms was 55.0% (11 positive out of 20 tested), with 9 out of 16 (56.3%) sheep flocks and 2 out of 4 (50.0%) goat herds showing seropositivity.

  • Multilocus sequence typing of the goose pathogen Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis
    Dénes Grózner, Áron Botond Kovács, Enikő Wehmann, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, Katinka Bekő, Alexa Mitter, Anna Sawicka, Szilárd Jánosi, Grzegorz Tomczyk, Christopher John Morrow, Krisztián Bányai, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Veterinary Microbiology, ISSN: 03781135, eISSN: 18732542, Volume: 254, Published: March 2021 Elsevier BV

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolated from seven European countries during 2015–2016
    Anno de Jong, Myriam Youala, Ulrich Klein, Farid El Garch, Hilde Moyaert, Shabbir Simjee, Dominiek Maes, Miklós Gyuranecz, Andrew Pridmore, Jill R. Thomson, and Roger D. Ayling

    Veterinary Microbiology, ISSN: 03781135, eISSN: 18732542, Volume: 253, Published: February 2021 Elsevier BV

  • Mycoplasma species in the male reproductive organs and the fresh and frozen semen of the Hungarian native goose
    Barbara Végi, Enikő Bíró, Dénes Grózner, Árpád Drobnyák, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, Miklós Gyuranecz, and Judit Barna

    Avian Pathology, ISSN: 03079457, eISSN: 14653338, Pages: 458-464, Published: 2021 Informa UK Limited

  • Minimal inhibitory concentration of seven antimicrobials to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae isolates from six European countries
    Anno de Jong, Myriam Youala, Ulrich Klein, Farid El Garch, Shabbir Simjee, Hilde Moyaert, Markus Rose, Anne V. Gautier-Bouchardon, Salvatore Catania, Kannan Ganapathy, Miklos Gyuranecz, Franca Möller Palau-Ribes, Andrew Pridmore, and Roger D. Ayling

    Avian Pathology, ISSN: 03079457, eISSN: 14653338, Pages: 161-173, Published: 2021 Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are bacterial pathogens that cause disease in poultry, adversely affecting their health and welfare, and are a financial burden on producers. This manuscript describes the results of the MycoPath project that is the first international antimicrobial susceptibility programme for mycoplasma pathogens isolated from poultry. Improved comparative analysis of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) results from participating countries was facilitated by using one laboratory determining all MICs. Chicken and turkey isolates were obtained from France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy and Spain during 2014–2016. One isolate per farm was retained. The MIC of seven antimicrobial agents was determined using a broth microdilution method, with Friis Medium (M. gallisepticum) or Modified Chanock’s Medium (M. synoviae). Of the 222 isolates recovered, 82 were M. gallisepticum and 130 were M. synoviae. M. gallisepticum MIC50/90 values were 0.12/0.5, 2/8, 0.5/4, 0.12/>64, 0.008/0.062, 0.008/32, 0.062/4 mg/l for doxycycline, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, spiramycin, tiamulin, tilmicosin and tylosin, respectively. For M. synoviae, the values were 0.5/1, 8/16, 0.5/1, 0.5/8, 0.25/0.5, 0.062/2 and 0.062/16 mg/l respectively. A bimodal MIC distribution for the fluoroquinolone (enrofloxacin) and the macrolides (spiramycin, tilmicosin and tylosin) indicate that both species have sub-populations that are less susceptible in vitro to those antimicrobials. Some differences in susceptibilities were observed according to host species, Mycoplasma species, and country of origin. This study provides a baseline of novel data for future monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in poultry Mycoplasma species. Additionally, this information will facilitate the selection of the antimicrobial agents most likely to be effective, thus ensuring their minimal use with targeted and correct therapeutic treatments. Highlights First large-scale pan-European collection of representative Mg and Ms isolates. MIC values assessed in central laboratory for Mg and Ms from chickens and turkeys. Range of MIC values for 82 Mg and 130 Ms isolates to seven licenced antibiotics shown. Data can be used to help determine Mg and Ms veterinary-specific breakpoints.

  • Decrease of Mycoplasma gallisepticum seroprevalence and introduction of new genotypes in Dutch commercial poultry during the years 2001–2018
    C. ter Veen, R. Dijkman, J. J. de Wit, M. Gyuranecz, and A. Feberwee

    Avian Pathology, ISSN: 03079457, eISSN: 14653338, Pages: 52-60, Published: 2021 Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT Almost two decades ago, in addition to a compulsory M. gallisepticum (Mg) monitoring programme of breeding stock based on European Union regulations, the Dutch poultry industry added national regulations to further reduce the Mg prevalence in Dutch commercial poultry. Currently, all commercial chicken and turkey flocks except broilers are monitored for Mg. All breeding flocks on a farm where one or more flocks tested Mg positive are culled. Mg positive layer pullets are channelled and layer pullets placed on Mg positive multi-age farms are vaccinated. The monitoring data obtained were analysed covering a period of 17 years. Moreover, 31 Dutch Mg isolates from the same period were analysed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and compared to available PubMLST data. The results show that in breeding stock the seroprevalence decreased from 1.6% to 0.0%, in commercial layers from 6.3% to 1.9%, and in meat turkeys from 17.6% to 2.4%. The MLST results showed the presence of closely related and identical sequence types (STs) within the different Dutch poultry types. Similar STs were found in Northern and Southern Europe only. The results show a fast decline in the Mg prevalence since 2001, although in layers the Mg prevalence has stabilized and suggests backyard poultry might pose a risk for commercial poultry. The need for Mg control across poultry sectors and in trade was confirmed by the similarity in STs found in different types of poultry and regions. These results from the Dutch poultry industry can be extrapolated to Mg control in general.

  • Molecular differentiation of mycoplasma gallisepticum outbreaks: A last decade study on italian farms using gts and mlst
    Andrea Matucci, Elisabetta Stefani, Michele Gastaldelli, Ilenia Rossi, Gelinda De Grandi, Miklós Gyuranecz, and Salvatore Catania

    Vaccines, eISSN: 2076393X, Pages: 1-15, Published: December 2020 MDPI AG
    Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infects many avian species and leads to significant economic losses in the poultry industry. Transmission of this pathogen occurs both horizontally and vertically, and strategies to avoid the spread of MG rely on vaccination and the application of biosecurity measures to maintain breeder groups as pathogen-free. Two live attenuated MG vaccine strains are licensed in Italy: 6/85 and ts-11. After their introduction, the implementation of adequate genotyping tools became necessary to distinguish between field and vaccine strains and to guarantee proper infection monitoring activity. In this study, 40 Italian MG isolates collected between 2010–2019 from both vaccinated and unvaccinated farms were genotyped using gene-targeted sequencing (GTS) of the cythadesin gene mgc2 and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) based on six housekeeping genes. The discriminatory power of GTS typing ensures 6/85-like strain identification, but the technique does not allow the identification ts-11 strains; conversely, MLST differentiates both vaccine strains, describing more detailed interrelation structures. Our study describes MG genetic scenario within a mixed farming context. In conclusion, the use of adequate typing methods is essential to understand the evolutionary dynamics of MG strains in a particular area and to conduct epidemiological investigations in the avian population.

  • Broad range screening of vector-borne pathogens in arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) in Iceland
    Sándor Hornok, Kristin Mühldorfer, Nóra Takács, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann, Marina L. Meli, Miklós Gyuranecz, Ester R. Unnsteinsdóttir, Alex D. Greenwood, and Gábor Á. Czirják

    Animals, eISSN: 20762615, Pages: 1-5, Published: November 2020 MDPI AG
    The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. While red foxes (V. vulpes) are known to be epidemiologically important carriers of several vector-borne pathogens in Europe, arctic foxes have never been evaluated in a similar context on this continent. This has become especially relevant in the last decade, considering the establishing populations of the tick species Ixodes ricinus in Iceland. In this study, liver DNA extracts of 60 arctic foxes, hunted between 2011–2012, were molecularly screened for vector-borne protozoan parasites (Trypanosomatidae, Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon) and bacteria (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Borrelia, hemotropic Mycoplasma). One sample was real-time qPCR positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, though this positivity could not be confirmed with sequencing. Samples were negative for all other tested vector-borne pathogens. Results of this study indicate that, except for A. phagocytophilum, Icelandic arctic foxes were apparently “not yet infected” with vector-borne pathogens in 2011–2012, or their infections were “below the detection limit” of applied methods. Taking into account the broad range of target microorganisms analyzed here, as well as the warming climate and increasing presence of the vector I. ricinus in Iceland, our results will be very useful as baseline data for comparison in future monitoring of the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in this country.

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogenic mycoplasmas in chickens in Asia
    Chris J. Morrow, Zsuzsa Kreizinger, Robin R. Achari, Katinka Bekő, Cécile Yvon, and Miklós Gyuranecz

    Veterinary Microbiology, ISSN: 03781135, eISSN: 18732542, Volume: 250, Published: November 2020 Elsevier BV

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Characterization of atypical Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis strains
    B Kovcs, E Wehmann, D Grzner, K Bali, E Nemeshzi, V Hrivnk, ...
    Veterinary Microbiology 280, 109722 2023

  • Ivvzben adagolt tilvalozin hatkonysgnak vizsglata Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae okozta lgzőszervi betegsg kezelsre hzsertsekben
    I Filipsz, E Albert, I Biksi, D Fldi, M Gyuranecz, Z Gyrgy, J Fldi
    2023

  • Establishment of a Mycoplasma hyorhinis challenge model in five-week-old piglets
    D Foldi, EZ Nagy, N Belecz, L Szeredi, J Foldi, A Kollar, M Tenk, ...
    bioRxiv, 2023.01. 17.524379 2023

  • Genomic Diversity of a Globally Used, Live Attenuated Mycoplasma Vaccine
    SM Klose, OM Olaogun, JF Disint, P Shil, M Gyuranecz, Z Kreizinger, ...
    Microbiology Spectrum 10 (6), e02845-22 2022

  • Development and evaluation of temperature-sensitive Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis clones as vaccine candidates
    K Bekő, D Grzner, A Mitter, L Udvari, D Fldi, E Wehmann, B Kovcs, ...
    Avian Pathology 51 (6), 535-549 2022

  • Biofilm formation and its impact on environmental survival and antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis strains
    K Bekő, EZ Nagy, D Grzner, Z Kreizinger, M Gyuranecz
    Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 70 (3), 184-191 2022

  • Polyctenidae (Hemiptera: Cimicoidea) species in the Afrotropical region: Distribution, host specificity, and first insights to their molecular phylogeny
    T Szentivnyi, S Hornok, B Kovcs, N Takcs, M Gyuranecz, ...
    Ecology and Evolution 12 (10), e9357 2022

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma hyorhinis strains isolated from five European countries between 2019 and 2021
    U Klein, D Fldi, N Belecz, V Hrivnk, Z Somogyi, M Gastaldelli, ...
    Plos one 17 (8), e0272903 2022

  • In vitro susceptibility of Mycoplasma iowae isolates to antimicrobial agents
    D Buni, L Udvari, D Fldi, N Belecz, C Yvon, J Bradbury, S Catania, ...
    Avian Pathology 51 (4), 374-380 2022

  • Diversity of tick species and associated pathogens on peri-urban wild boars–first report of the zoonotic Babesia cf. crassa from Hungary
    S Hornok, S Szekeres, G Horvth, N Takcs, K Bekő, J Kontschn, ...
    Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases 13 (3), 101936 2022

  • Isolation of Mycoplasma agassizii-like agent from a Bali python (Python regius)
    G Janos, U Lilla, FL Szilvia, Z Arisz, M Miklos, M Mira, K Zsuzsa, G Miklos
    MAGYAR ALLATORVOSOK LAPJA 144 (3), 177-182 2022

  • Identification and detection of mutations potentially associated with decreased susceptibility to macrolides and lincomycin in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis isolates
    D Grzner, K Bek, B Kovcs, A Mitter, V Hrivnk, A Sawicka, ...
    Veterinary Microbiology 266, 109362 2022

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma hyorhinis strains isolated from diseased swine across europe between 2019 and 2021
    U Klein, D Fldi, N Belecz, S Catania, A Dors, U Siesenop, P Vyt, ...
    ESPHM 2022 proceedings: 13th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management 2022

  • Determination of macrolide and lincomycin susceptibility of Mycoplasma hyorhinis isolates by a molecular biological assay
    D Fldi, U Klein, N Belecz, S Catania, A Dors, U Siesenop, P Vyt, ...
    ESPHM 2022 proceedings: 13th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management 2022

  • Evidence of Mycoplasma spp. transmission by migratory wild geese
    A Sawicka-Durkalec, G Tomczyk, O Kursa, T Stenzel, M Gyuranecz
    Poultry Science 101 (1), 101526 2022

  • Latrocimicinae completes the phylogeny of Cimicidae: meeting old morphologic data rather than modern host phylogeny
    S Hornok, T Szentivnyi, N Takcs, B Kovcs, O Glaizot, P Christe, ...
    Parasites & Vectors 14 (1), 1-5 2021

  • Mycoplasma species in the male reproductive organs and the fresh and frozen semen of the Hungarian native goose
    B Vgi, E Br, D Grzner, Drobnyk, Z Kreizinger, M Gyuranecz, ...
    Avian Pathology 50 (6), 458-464 2021

  • Vaccination against Mycoplasma infections in poultry, swine and cattle
    M Alexa, B Katinka, G Miklos
    MAGYAR ALLATORVOSOK LAPJA 143 (10), 609-623 2021

  • The distribution of lagomorph syphilis caused by Treponema paraluisleporidarum in Europe
    L Hisgen, L Abel, L Hallmaier-Wacker, S Lert, A Lavazza, T Trogu, ...
    European Journal of Wildlife Research 67 (5), 92 2021

  • Novel prophage-like sequences in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis
    B Kovcs, E Wehmann, D Svb, K Bekő, D Grzner, A Mitter, K Bali, ...
    Infection, Genetics and Evolution 92, 104886 2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Tularaemia: clinical aspects in Europe
    M Maurin, M Gyuranecz
    The Lancet Infectious Diseases 16 (1), 113-124 2016
    Citations: 231

  • Worldwide phylogenetic relationship of avian poxviruses
    M Gyuranecz, JT Foster, Dn, HS Ip, KF Egstad, PG Parker, ...
    Journal of virology 87 (9), 4938-4951 2013
    Citations: 131

  • Melt analysis of mismatch amplification mutation assays (Melt-MAMA): a functional study of a cost-effective SNP genotyping assay in bacterial models
    DN Birdsell, T Pearson, EP Price, HM Hornstra, RD Nera, N Stone, ...
    PLoS One 7 (3), e32866 2012
    Citations: 102

  • Investigation of the Ecology of Francisella tularensis During an Inter-Epizootic Period
    M Gyuranecz, K Rig, Dn, G Fldvri, L Makrai, B Dnes, L Fodor, ...
    Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 11 (8), 1031-1035 2011
    Citations: 97

  • Detection of Brucella Canis–Induced Reproductive Diseases in a Kennel
    M Gyuranecz, L Szeredi, Z Rnai, B Dnes, L Dencso, Dn, N Plmai, ...
    Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation 23 (1), 143-147 2011
    Citations: 86

  • Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, Europe
    M Gyuranecz, DN Birdsell, W Splettstoesser, E Seibold, ...
    Emerging infectious diseases 18 (2), 290 2012
    Citations: 83

  • Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Hungary: Screening of Dairy Cows, Sheep, Commercial Milk Samples, and Ticks
    M Gyuranecz, B Dnes, S Hornok, P Kovcs, G Horvth, V Jurkovich, ...
    Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 12 (8), 650-653 2012
    Citations: 71

  • Tularemia of European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) A Pathological, Histopathological, and Immunohistochemical Study
    M Gyuranecz, L Szeredi, L Makrai, L Fodor, R Mszros, B Szpe, ...
    Veterinary Pathology 47 (5), 958-963 2010
    Citations: 68

  • Mutations associated with decreased susceptibility to seven antimicrobial families in field and laboratory-derived Mycoplasma bovis strains
    KM Sulyok, Z Kreizinger, E Wehmann, I Lysnyansky, K Bnyai, S Marton, ...
    Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy 61 (2), e01983-16 2017
    Citations: 64

  • Synanthropic Birds Associated with High Prevalence of Tick-Borne Rickettsiae and with the First Detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hungary
    S Hornok, T Csrgő, J de la Fuente, M Gyuranecz, C Privigyei, ML Meli, ...
    Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 13 (2), 77-83 2013
    Citations: 63

  • Molecular detection of vector-borne bacteria in bat ticks (Acari: Ixodidae, Argasidae) from eight countries of the Old and New Worlds
    S Hornok, K Szőke, ML Meli, AD Sndor, T Grfl, P Estk, Y Wang, VT Tu, ...
    Parasites & vectors 12 (1), 1-7 2019
    Citations: 61

  • First detection of bartonellae in a broad range of bat ectoparasites
    S Hornok, R Kovcs, ML Meli, E Gnczi, R Hofmann-Lehmann, ...
    Veterinary Microbiology 3 (159), 541-543 2012
    Citations: 60

  • Unique genomic organization of a novel Avipoxvirus detected in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
    K Bnyai, V Palya, B Dnes, R Glvits, Ivanics, B Horvth, SL Farkas, ...
    Infection, Genetics and Evolution 35, 221-229 2015
    Citations: 48

  • Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica from the country of Georgia
    G Chanturia, DN Birdsell, M Kekelidze, E Zhgenti, G Babuadze, ...
    BMC microbiology 11, 1-10 2011
    Citations: 47

  • Screening of bat faeces for arthropod-borne apicomplexan protozoa: Babesia canis and Besnoitia besnoiti-like sequences from Chiroptera
    S Hornok, P Estk, D Kovts, B Flaisz, N Takcs, K Szőke, A Krawczyk, ...
    Parasites & Vectors 8, 1-6 2015
    Citations: 46

  • Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma bovis strains isolated from cattle in Hungary, Central Europe
    KM Sulyok, Z Kreizinger, L Fekete, V Hrivnk, T Magyar, S Jnosi, ...
    BMC veterinary research 10 (1), 1-8 2014
    Citations: 45

  • Factors influencing emergence of tularemia, Hungary, 1984–2010
    M Gyuranecz, J Reiczigel, K Krisztalovics, L Monse, GK Szabn, ...
    Emerging Infectious Diseases 18 (8), 1379 2012
    Citations: 44

  • Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma synoviae strains originating from Central and Eastern Europe
    Z Kreizinger, D Grzner, KM Sulyok, K Nilsson, V Hrivnk, D Benčina, ...
    BMC veterinary research 13, 1-10 2017
    Citations: 43

  • First isolation and characterization of Brucella microti from wild boar
    Z Rnai, Z Kreizinger, Dn, K Drees, JT Foster, K Bnyai, S Marton, ...
    BMC veterinary research 11 (1), 1-6 2015
    Citations: 43

  • Q fever epidemic in Hungary, April to July 2013
    M Gyuranecz, KM Sulyok, E Balla, T Mag, A Balazs, Z Simor, B Dnes, ...
    Eurosurveillance 19 (30), 20863 2014
    Citations: 43

GRANT DETAILS

2022-2027 Lendület II (Momentum) program
2022-2026 National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety
2022-2026 National Laboratory of Health Safety
2022-2025 Improving the diagnostics and control of production and zoonotic diseases of poultry and wild birds
2021-2023 Antimicrobial resistance in animal production
2021-2025 Characterization of Mycoplasma iowae strains and improving the therapy of infection
2019-2023 Novel strategies in Mycoplasma control
2019-2021 Pan-European resistance monitoring program of M. hyorhinis
2018-2020 Mycopath III: Pan-European resistance monitoring program of M. bovis, M. hypneumoniae, M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae
2017-2021 Studying the virulence mechanisms of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae
2016-2020 Improving the control of Mycoplasma synoviae infection
2015-2016 Mycopath II: Pan-European resistance monitoring program of M. bovis, M. hypneumoniae, M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae
2013-2016 EU FP7-HEALTH-2013-INNOVATION-1: Health.2013.2.3.4-1
2012-2017 Lendület I (Momentum) program
2012 National Institute of Health – USA (NIH) travel grant
2012 Hungarian Academy of Sciences Junior Travel Award
2010-2012 Mycopath I: Pan-European resistance monitoring program of M. bovis, M. hypneumoniae, M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae
2009-2012 Comparative characterization of Francisella tularensis strains

RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)

- P 21 00357: Live, attenuated Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis vaccine candidate
- Beside fundamental research we provide diagnostic, contract and training services globally.
- We produce In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) under our own brand and sell know-how under royalty agreement to different producers.
- We are proud that BioChek B.V. (The Netherlands), the global market leader company in the field of poultry diagnostics, has bought under a royalty agreement our DIVA tests which differentiate Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae wild-type and vaccine strains.

CONSULTANCY

My team collaborate with farmers, veterinarians, contract sponsors and academic institutions. Our multidisciplinary team is qualified and experienced in conducting a wide range of studies from laboratory related research and development projects, via animal facility based experiments to field studies.

We also provide diagnostic services globally. During our servicies we help to design the sampling to be the most appropriate and cost-effective for each special case. We help to interpret the results and give personal advice, such as what additional diagnostic tests can be performed. We are also able to suggest treatment options as well as eradication and control measures such as vaccination or monitoring plan.

Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration

We collaborate with several research institutions, like:
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Slovakia
- University of Pennsylvania, USA
- Royal GD, the Netherlands
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Venezie, Italy
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israel
- The University of Melbourne, Australia
- ANSES, France

We have several industry partners, like:
- Bioproperties Pty LtD., Australia
- Huvepharma NV, Belgium
- CEVA Sante Animale, France
- BioChek BV, the Netherlands
- FarmPharma, Sweden

STARTUP

We opened MolliScience Ltd., our Startup company specialised on Mycoplasma diagnostic & biotech services. We turn our know-how and fundamental research results into application. We develop In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) under our own brand and we run vaccine invention research projects.