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Williams C, Swisher S, Miller N, Pinn-Woodcock T, Austin C, Hsiao SH, Arenas-Gamboa AM, Tiller R, Thacker T, Taetzsch S, Franklin-Guild R, Cutter L, Quance C, Hung CC, Maddox CW, Ernst M, Guarino C, Lanka S, Garcia-Gonzalez DG, Slager S, Sunavala Z, Brown C, Negron M, Pieracci EG. Human exposures to Brucella canis from a pregnant dog during an international flight: Public health risks, diagnostic challenges and future considerations. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38459616 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This report documents the exposure of passengers and crew of a commercial international flight to the zoonotic pathogen Brucella canis after an infected dog aborted in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. This case demonstrates the challenges associated with brucellosis screening and the risks that airline personnel, airport employees and travellers face when animals with unrecognized zoonotic infections are transported. METHODS/RESULTS The public health investigation of this case was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with a local veterinary clinic and several academic and federal diagnostic laboratories. It included an extensive diagnostic evaluation of the dam and aborted foetuses to confirm a diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Passengers, airline personnel and staff from the veterinary clinic where the dogs were treated underwent risk assessments, and clinic staff also received detailed guidance regarding infection prevention practices. CONCLUSIONS Animal shelters and breeding programs are recommended to screen dogs routinely for brucellosis, but it is not unusual for domestic or imported animals to have unknown health histories, including the dog's brucellosis status, at the time of purchase, adoption, or re-homing. Testing recommendations and requirements vary by state, making it challenging for state public health and animal health agencies to monitor and respond appropriately. This case highlights the importance of Brucella spp. screening in sexually intact dogs prior to breeding, purchase, or domestic or international transportation of the dogs. The transportation of pregnant dogs may present a previously unrecognized public health threat in addition to contributing to unnecessary stress and health risks for pregnant animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Williams
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samantha Swisher
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas Miller
- Elk Grove Veterinary Specialty & Emergency, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA
| | - Toby Pinn-Woodcock
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Connie Austin
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Shih-Hsuan Hsiao
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Angela M Arenas-Gamboa
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rebekah Tiller
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tyler Thacker
- Mycobacteria and Brucella Section, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Sara Taetzsch
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Franklin-Guild
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Laurel Cutter
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christine Quance
- Mycobacteria and Brucella Section, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Chien-Che Hung
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Carol W Maddox
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Mark Ernst
- Illinois Department of Agriculture, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Cassandra Guarino
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Saraswathi Lanka
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel G Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Staci Slager
- Illinois Department of Agriculture, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Zenia Sunavala
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Clive Brown
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maria Negron
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily G Pieracci
- Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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2
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Schiavo L, Ribeiro ML, de Almeida MB, da Cunha GR, Espírito Santo GAN, Morikawa VM, Vicente AF, Ponsart C, de Santi CE, Kmetiuk LB, Megid J, Biondo AW. One Health approach for Brucella canis: Serological and molecular detection in animal-hoarding individuals and their dogs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011974. [PMID: 38470939 PMCID: PMC10959369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal hoarding disorder (AHD) is classified as a psychiatric obsessive-compulsive condition characterized by animal accumulation and often accompanied by unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. Although AHD may increase pathogen transmission and spread, particularly for zoonotic diseases, human and dog exposure in such cases has yet to be fully established. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess Brucella canis in 19 individuals with AHD (11 households) and their 264 dogs (21 households) in Curitiba, the eighth largest city in Brazil, with approximately 1.8 million habitants. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected by the 2-mercaptoethanol microplate agglutination test (2ME-MAT) and by a commercial lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), while molecular detection of previously positive seropositive samples was performed by conventional PCR. Although all the human samples were 2ME-MAT negative, 12/264 (4.5%, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.0-7.0%) dog samples were 2ME-MAT and LFIA positive, with 2ME-MAT titers ranging from 20 to 640. At least one dog in 4/21 (19.0%, 95% CI: 2.0-46.0%) households was seropositive. Despite the absence of seropositivity in individuals with AHD and the comparatively low seroprevalence in dogs, B. canis circulation and outbreaks should be considered in such human populations due to the high burden and recurrent character of B. canis exposure in high-density dog populations and the constant introduction of susceptible animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Schiavo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Paraná State Technology Institute (Tecpar), Paraná State Government, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Matheus Lopes Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Meila Bastos de Almeida
- Paraná State Technology Institute (Tecpar), Paraná State Government, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Acácia Ferreira Vicente
- WOAH/EU & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/Anses, Paris, France
| | - Claire Ponsart
- WOAH/EU & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/Anses, Paris, France
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Santi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Zoonosis Surveillance Unit, City Secretary of Health, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jane Megid
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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3
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Barros NLC, Ribeiro ML, Freitas AR, Delai RR, Kmetiuk LB, Teixeira WSR, Appolinario CM, Pimpão CT, Ponsart C, Vicente AF, Biondo AW, Megid J. Serological and Molecular Survey of Brucella Species in Owners and Their Dogs Living on Island and Mainland Seashore Areas of Brazil. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:104-110. [PMID: 37910779 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, and Brucella canis may infect humans and dogs worldwide, no study to date has assessed and compared owners and their dogs between island and mainland seashore areas. Materials and Methods: Accordingly, the study herein has applied serological tests, including Microplate Agglutination Test with 2-Mercaptoethanol, immunochromatographic assay, and Rose Bengal Test, and a Brucella genus-specific PCR assay to 195 owners and their 148 dogs living on 1 mainland seashore area and three nearby oceanic islands of southern Brazil. Results: No seropositivity to B. abortus and B. suis was detected in owner or dog sera. Anti-B. canis seropositivity was observed in 3/148 (2.0%) dogs, but no owner sample was seropositive to B. canis. In addition, all blood samples from both owners and dogs were negative on Brucella genus-specific PCR assay. Conclusions: The seropositive dogs were not related and lived on the seashore mainland area of Guaraqueçaba city. The absence of seropositivity on the islands and the low seropositivity on the seashore mainland could be attributed to geographic isolation, and suggest the low impact of the disease in the region. Despite being a zoonotic disease, brucellosis by B. canis is not included in the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis, and its diagnosis and notification are not mandatory. The presence of seropositive dogs highlights the risk to human health and the importance of epidemiological surveillance actions in the region, as well as the need for the implantation of preventive measures to avoid the transmission of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Layslla Costa Barros
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Matheus Lopes Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Ruana Renostro Delai
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Sirley Reis Teixeira
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila Michele Appolinario
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Claudia Turra Pimpão
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Claire Ponsart
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), National/EU/WOAH, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Acacia Ferreira Vicente
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), National/EU/WOAH, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Jane Megid
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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Samadi A, Amiri M, Hailat N. The Reasons Behind Long-Term Endemicity of Brucellosis in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:82. [PMID: 38289422 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a neglected worldwide zoonotic disease with more than 500,000 new human cases each year. Direct contact with infected animals and consumption of undercooked animal origin foods are the main routes of brucellosis transmission to humans. Although long endeavor has been applied to control and eliminate brucellosis from animal and human populations in developing countries especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the disease is still endemic in these regions. Many common or unique factors including raw milk consumption, unhygienic slaughter of livestock, extensive husbandry, budgetary limitations, misdiagnosis, and other conditions play a role in long-term endemicity of brucellosis in these locations. It has been shown that One Health is the only practical approach to control brucellosis; however, applying such methods is challenging in low-resource areas. In such conditions, brucellosis is continuously maintained in animals and repeatedly spread to human populations. In this article, factors playing a critical role in brucellosis endemicity, and the real conditions challenging the application of One Health approach in control of brucellosis are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assadullah Samadi
- Paraclinic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan.
| | | | - Nabil Hailat
- Veterinary Pathology, Pathology and Public Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology [JUST], Irbid, Jordan
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5
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Reska T, Pozdniakova S, Borràs S, Perlas A, Sauerborn E, Cañas L, Schloter M, Rodó X, Wang Y, Winkler B, Schnitzler JP, Urban L. Air monitoring by nanopore sequencing. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae099. [PMID: 39081363 PMCID: PMC11287864 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
While the air microbiome and its diversity are essential for human health and ecosystem resilience, comprehensive air microbial diversity monitoring has remained rare, so that little is known about the air microbiome's composition, distribution, or functionality. Here we show that nanopore sequencing-based metagenomics can robustly assess the air microbiome in combination with active air sampling through liquid impingement and tailored computational analysis. We provide fast and portable laboratory and computational approaches for air microbiome profiling, which we leverage to robustly assess the taxonomic composition of the core air microbiome of a controlled greenhouse environment and of a natural outdoor environment. We show that long-read sequencing can resolve species-level annotations and specific ecosystem functions through de novo metagenomic assemblies despite the low amount of fragmented DNA used as an input for nanopore sequencing. We then apply our pipeline to assess the diversity and variability of an urban air microbiome, using Barcelona, Spain, as an example; this randomized experiment gives first insights into the presence of highly stable location-specific air microbiomes within the city's boundaries, and showcases the robust microbial assessments that can be achieved through automatable, fast, and portable nanopore sequencing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Reska
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Sofya Pozdniakova
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health (CLIMA) group, ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Borràs
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health (CLIMA) group, ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Perlas
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ela Sauerborn
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Lídia Cañas
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health (CLIMA) group, ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Schloter
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Institute of Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Xavier Rodó
- AIRLAB, Climate and Health (CLIMA) group, ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Technical University of Munich, School of Engineering and Design, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbro Winkler
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Schnitzler
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lara Urban
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
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6
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Celestino CA, Rocca MF, Ayala SM, Irazu L, Escobar GI. First Argentine database for the accurate identification of Brucella to species level by MALDI-TOF MS. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107036. [PMID: 37793493 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) has proven to be a fast and reliable method for the identification of a large number of taxonomic groups. It offers the advantage of being able to incorporate protein spectra of microorganisms that are absent or poorly represented in commercial databases, such as the genus Brucella. The aim of the study was to build the first database of protein spectra of local biological variants of Brucella in Argentina and of standard strains. First, the identification performance of a panel of 135 strains was evaluated with the Swedish database ¨Folkhälsomyndigheten¨ (containing protein spectra of several international standards of the genus Brucella) imported from the open access site https://spectra.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/spectra/. With this library 100 % of the strains were correctly identified by mass spectrometry to genus level, but not to species level. Due to the limitation found, an in-house database was designed with local Brucella isolates from Argentina and standard strains used in routine bacteriological diagnosis. For its validation, a panel of strains, different from those used to develop the extended local database (n: 177), was used to, simultaneously, challenge both libraries. The samples were processed by triplicate and the results obtained were: 177 strains correctly identified to genus and species level compared to the gold standard method (phenotypic typing), meeting the criteria accepted by the literature and the manufacturer as reliable identification. Only 2 of these isolates had score values lower than 2 (1.862) and were therefore not included in the calculation of results. According to these results, MALDI-TOF MS is a fast and reliable method for the routine identification of the different Brucella species, and even has the advantage of reducing the time of exposure to pathogenic microorganisms for laboratorians. It could be considered a valuable technique to replace, in the near future, the current conventional techniques due to the ease of transferring protein spectra, avoiding the use of reference strains that are difficult to find commercially available and commonly used in phenotypic typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Analía Celestino
- Laboratorio de Brucelosis, Departamento de Bacteriología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Rocca
- Servicio de Bacteriología Especial, Departamento de Bacteriología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Red Nacional de Espectrometría de Masas aplicada a la Microbiología Clínica (ReNaEM Argentina), Argentina
| | - Sandra Marcela Ayala
- Laboratorio de Brucelosis, Departamento de Bacteriología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Irazu
- Deparatamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Ileana Escobar
- Laboratorio de Brucelosis, Departamento de Bacteriología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Red Nacional de Espectrometría de Masas aplicada a la Microbiología Clínica (ReNaEM Argentina), Argentina.
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7
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Djokic V, Freddi L, de Massis F, Lahti E, van den Esker MH, Whatmore A, Haughey A, Ferreira AC, Garofolo G, Melzer F, Sacchini F, Koets A, Wyllie S, Fontbonne A, Girault G, Vicente AF, McGiven J, Ponsart C. The emergence of Brucella canis as a public health threat in Europe: what we know and what we need to learn. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2249126. [PMID: 37649455 PMCID: PMC10540651 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2249126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic bacteria, Brucella canis, is becoming the leading cause of canine brucellosis in Europe. In dogs, it causes reproductive problems as well as non-specific lameness or discospondilitis. In humans, B. canis can be origin of chronic debilitating conditions characteristic to its genus such as undulant fever, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Although B. canis shows some pathogenic characteristics similar to B. abortus and B. melitensis, it lacks surface O-polysaccharide, like nonzoonotic B. ovis. This review shows that host-B. canis interactions are still poorly understood, with many knowledge and capability gaps, causing relatively poor sensitivity and specificity of existing diagnostic tools. Currently, there is no vaccine for this rough Brucella species. Besides, antimicrobial therapy does not guarantee bacterial elimination, and infection relapses are frequently reported, increasing the risks of antibiotic resistance development. B. canis has been detected in dogs in almost all European countries which increased human exposure, but currently there is no systematic surveillance. Moreover, B. canis caused brucellosis is not included in Animal Health Law, and therefore there is no legal framework to tackle this emerging infectious disease. To map out the diagnostic strategies, identify risks for human infections and propose management scheme for infected pet and kennel dogs, we present current understanding of canine B. canis caused brucellosis, outline major knowledge gaps and propose future steps. To address and highlight challenges veterinary and public health services encounter in Europe, we developed two B. canis infection scenarios: of a single household pet and of a kennel dog in larger group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitomir Djokic
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luca Freddi
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Fabrizio de Massis
- National and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Elina Lahti
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marielle H. van den Esker
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Whatmore
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Anna Haughey
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Ana Cristina Ferreira
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giuliano Garofolo
- National and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- National and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ad Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen Wyllie
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Alain Fontbonne
- Unité de Médecine de L'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Acacia Ferreira Vicente
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - John McGiven
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Claire Ponsart
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
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8
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Sun ZX, Wang Y, Li YJ, Yu SH, Wu W, Huang DS, Guan P. Socioeconomic, meteorological factors and spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in China between 2004 and 2019-A study based on spatial panel model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011765. [PMID: 37956207 PMCID: PMC10681303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human brucellosis continues to be a great threat to human health in China. The present study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in China from 2004 to 2019, to analyze the socioeconomic factors, meteorological factors and seasonal effect affecting human brucellosis incidence in different geographical regions with the help of spatial panel model, and to provide a scientific basis for local health authorities to improve the prevention of human brucellosis. METHODS The monthly reported number and incidence of human brucellosis in China from January 2004 to December 2019 were obtained from the Data Center for China Public Health Science. Monthly average air temperature and monthly average relative humidity of 31 provincial-level administrative units (22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities directly under the central government) in China from October 2003 to December 2019 were obtained from the National Meteorological Science Data Centre. The inventory of cattle, the inventory of sheep, beef yield, mutton yield, wool yield, milk yield and gross pastoral product of 31 provincial-level administrative units in China from 2004 to 2019 were obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The temporal and geographical distribution of human brucellosis was displayed with Microsoft Excel and ArcMap software. The spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis was used to describe the association among different areas. Spatial panel model was constructed to explore the combined effects on the incidence of human brucellosis in China. RESULTS A total of 569,016 cases of human brucellosis were reported in the 31 provincial-level administrative units in China from January 2004 to December 2019. Human brucellosis cases were concentrated between March and July, with a peak in May, showing a clear seasonal increase. The incidence of human brucellosis in China from 2004 to 2019 showed significant spatial correlations, and hotspot analysis indicated that the high incidence of human brucellosis was mainly in the northern China, particularly in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Heilongjiang. The results from spatial panel model suggested that the inventory of cattle, the inventory of sheep, beef yield, mutton yield, wool yield, milk yield, gross pastoral product, average air temperature (the same month, 2-month lagged and 3-month lagged), average relative humidity (the same month) and season variability were significantly associated with human brucellosis incidence in China. CONCLUSIONS The epidemic area of human brucellosis in China has been expanding and the spatial clustering has been observed. Inner Mongolia and adjacent provinces or autonomous regions are the high-risk areas of human brucellosis. The inventory of cattle and sheep, beef yield, mutton yield, wool yield, milk yield, gross pastoral product, average air temperature, average relative humidity and season variability played a significant role in the progression of human brucellosis. The present study strengthens the understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic, meteorological factors and the spatial heterogeneity of human brucellosis in China, through which 'One Health'-based strategies and countermeasures can be provided for the government to tackle the brucellosis menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying-Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shi-Hao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - De-Sheng Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Intelligent Computing, School of Intelligent Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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9
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Luciani M, Krasteva I, Di Febo T, Perletta F, D'Onofrio F, De Massis F, D'Alterio N, Sacchini F, Tittarelli M. Proteomics and bioinformatics investigations to improve serological diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2200116. [PMID: 37532634 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202200116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brucella canis is pathogenic for dogs and humans. Serological diagnosis is a cost-effective approach for disease surveillance, but a major drawback of current serological tests is the cross-reactivity with other bacteria that results in false positive reactions. Development of indirect tests with improved sensitivity and specificity that use selected B. canis proteins instead of the whole antigen remain a priority. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A western blotting assay was developed to define the serum antibody patterns associated to infection using a panel of positive and negative dog sera. B. canis positive sera recognized immunogenic bands ranging from 7 to 30 kDa that were then submitted to ESI-LC-MS/MS and analyzed by bioinformatics tools. RESULTS A total of 398 B. canis proteins were identified. Bioinformatics tools identified 16 non cytoplasmic immunogenic proteins predicted as non-homologous with the most important Brucella cross-reactive bacteria and nine B. canis proteins non-homologous to B. ovis; among the latter, one resulted non-homologous to B. melitensis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042682. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The western blotting test developed was able to distinguish between infected and non-infected animals and may serve as a confirmatory test for the serological diagnosis of B. canis. The mass spectrometry and in silico results lead to the identification of specific candidate antigens that pave the way for the development of more accurate indirect diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Luciani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ivanka Krasteva
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Di Febo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Perletta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica D'Onofrio
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Massis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Manuela Tittarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
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10
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Ebani VV. Risks of Brucella spp. Infection in Dogs. Pathogens 2023; 12:1209. [PMID: 37887725 PMCID: PMC10609857 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are known to be susceptible to different Brucella species, even though canine brucellosis is usually associated with B [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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11
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Perletta F, Di Pancrazio C, Rodomonti D, Di Febo T, Luciani M, Krasteva IM, Maggetti M, Profeta F, Salini R, De Massis F, Sacchini F, Tittarelli M. Evaluation of Three Serological Tests for Diagnosis of Canine Brucellosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2162. [PMID: 37764006 PMCID: PMC10536495 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis, is an infectious disease affecting dogs and wild Canidae. Clinical diagnosis is challenging, and laboratory testing is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. Various serological methods have been described, but their accuracy is uncertain due to limited validation studies. The present study aimed to evaluate the performances of three serological tests for the diagnosis of B. canis in comparison with bacterial isolation (gold standard), in order to establish a protocol for the serological diagnosis of canine brucellosis. A panel of sera from naturally infected dogs (n = 61), from which B. canis was isolated, and uninfected dogs (n = 143), negative for B. canis isolation, were tested using microplate serum agglutination (mSAT), complement fixation performed using the Brucella ovis antigen (B. ovis-CFT), and a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFAT). The sensitivity and specificity of the three serological methods were, respectively, the following: 96.7% (95% CI 88.8-98.7%) and 92.3 (95% CI 86.7-95.1%) for mSAT; 96.7% (95% CI 88.8-98.7%) and 96.5 (95% CI 92.1-98.2%) for B. ovis-CFT; 98.4% (95% CI 91.3-99.4%) and 99.3 (95% CI 96.2-99.8%) for IFAT. The use in of the three methods in parallel, combined with bacterial isolation and molecular methods, could improve the diagnosis of the infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Di Pancrazio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (D.R.); (T.D.F.); (M.L.); (I.M.K.); (M.M.); (F.P.); (R.S.); (F.D.M.); (F.S.); (M.T.)
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12
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Seo JH, Oh YI, Kim SH, Seo KW, Kang BJ. Clinical infection of Brucella canis in a companion dog with discospondylitis in the Republic of Korea. VET MED-CZECH 2023; 68:293-298. [PMID: 37982052 PMCID: PMC10581522 DOI: 10.17221/37/2023-vetmed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old, spayed female, Bichon Frise dog was presented with reluctance to exercise, back pain, and frequent sitting down. Multiple osteolysis, periosteal proliferation, and sclerosis of the vertebral endplates of T11-13 were observed in the radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The bacterial culture of the urine specimen, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the blood, and the antibody tests were positive for Brucella canis. Accordingly, discospondylitis caused by B. canis was diagnosed and doxycycline was administered. The clinical signs resolved and the culture and PCR results were negative afterwards. Doxycycline was discontinued after 6 months. The clinical signs recurred 2 weeks later, and the combination treatment of doxycycline and enrofloxacin was initiated. Though no clinical signs were observed after 9 months and the bacterial cultures and PCR were negative, the antibody titre remained at 1 : 200 or more. The dog will continue taking antibiotics until the antibody titre drops. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a clinical infection of B. canis associated with canine discospondylitis in the Republic of Korea. Although the clinical signs of brucellosis might improve with antibiotic treatment, the disease cannot be cured due to Brucella's various strategies to evade host immune systems. Specifically, it can proliferate and replicate within the host cells, resulting in an environment that makes treatment less effective. Furthermore, owing to its zoonotic potential, owners and veterinarians should consider lifelong management or euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hee Seo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Ju-Hee Seo and Ye-In Oh contributed equally to this work
| | - Ye-In Oh
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Ju-Hee Seo and Ye-In Oh contributed equally to this work
| | - Se-Hoon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Won Seo
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Jae Kang
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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13
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Sebzda MK, Kauffman LK. Update on Brucella canis: Understanding the Past and Preparing for the Future. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023:S0195-5616(23)00075-X. [PMID: 37385876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The genus Brucella is known by veterinarians as a primary cause of reproductive diseases. It is widely known to cause financial devastation in livestock species, and is lesser known as a problem for dog breeders and fanciers with similar reproductive diseases seen in dogs. Now there are concerns about the dispersal of Brucella canis into countries that have enjoyed a fairly low incidence, through the importation of dogs from endemic countries. B canis, much like Brucella abortus, suis or mellitensis, is zoonotic and handling or working with infected dogs can lead to human disease. Only within the last few decades has the risk of brucellosis in dogs, and the people who own and work with them, been more fully acknowledged. This review will focus on new information that has been obtained since our last B canis article in 2018. Readers are encouraged to look to that article for information not presented within this update. Current B canis epidemiology along with a complete review of diagnostic testing options will be covered. Regulations for the international movement of dogs will be discussed in addition to concerns for increased zoonosis potential. Future goals would include better management of this disease including proposed screening of all imported dogs. Canine brucellosis prevention, owner and shelter/rescue education along with proposed therapies for the future will also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Sebzda
- Newport Harbor Animal Hospital, 125 Mesa Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA; Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Lin K Kauffman
- Prairie View Animal Hospital, 1830 Southeast Princeton Drive Suite A, Grimes, IA 50111, USA.
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14
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Shevtsov A, Cloeckaert A, Berdimuratova K, Shevtsova E, Shustov AV, Amirgazin A, Karibayev T, Kamalova D, Zygmunt MS, Ramanculov Y, Vergnaud G. Brucella abortus in Kazakhstan, population structure and comparison with worldwide genetic diversity. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1106994. [PMID: 37032899 PMCID: PMC10073595 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1106994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella abortus is the main causative agent of brucellosis in cattle, leading to severe economic consequences in agriculture and affecting public health. The zoonotic nature of the infection increases the need to control the spread and dynamics of outbreaks in animals with the incorporation of high resolution genotyping techniques. Based on such methods, B. abortus is currently divided into three clades, A, B, and C. The latter includes subclades C1 and C2. This study presents the results of whole-genome sequencing of 49 B. abortus strains isolated in Kazakhstan between 1947 and 2015 and of 36 B. abortus strains of various geographic origins isolated from 1940 to 2004. In silico Multiple Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) allowed to assign strains from Kazakhstan to subclades C1 and to a much lower extend C2. Whole-genome Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis of the 46 strains of subclade C1 with strains of worldwide origins showed clustering with strains from neighboring countries, mostly North Caucasia, Western Russia, but also Siberia, China, and Mongolia. One of the three Kazakhstan strains assigned to subclade C2 matched the B. abortus S19 vaccine strain used in cattle, the other two were genetically close to the 104 M vaccine strain. Bayesian phylodynamic analysis dated the introduction of B. abortus subclade C1 into Kazakhstan to the 19th and early 20th centuries. We discuss this observation in view of the history of population migrations from Russia to the Kazakhstan steppes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Shevtsov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
- *Correspondence: Alexandr Shevtsov,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yerlan Ramanculov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
- School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Gilles Vergnaud,
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15
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Kolwijck E, Lutgens SPM, Visser VXN, van Apeldoorn MJ, Graham H, Koets AP, Schrauwen MMWP, Reubsaet FAG, Broens EM, Kortbeek LM. First Case of Human Brucella canis Infection in the Netherlands. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:2250-2252. [PMID: 35653425 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A patient was diagnosed with Brucella canis following exposure to infected dogs in her breeding facility. Transboundary spread of B. canis through (illegal) import of infected dogs to non-endemic countries in Europe suggest that B. canis infection should be considered in European patients with occupational exposure to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kolwijck
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne P M Lutgens
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa X N Visser
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan J van Apeldoorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Heather Graham
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ad P Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frans A G Reubsaet
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Els M Broens
- Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laetitia M Kortbeek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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16
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Long C, Burgers E, Copple C, Stainback L, Packer RA, Kopf K, Schmidt J, Emch S, Windsor R. Brucella canis discospondylitis in 33 dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1043610. [PMID: 36406064 PMCID: PMC9672337 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1043610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe the clinical and imaging findings of 33 dogs with Brucella canis discospondylitis (BDS). Animals 33 client owned dogs from four veterinary specialty hospitals within Colorado and Arizona with at least one positive B. canis test and spinal diagnostic imaging. Procedures Retrospective review of signalment, physical and neurological examination findings, laboratory results, B. canis serology, and diagnostic imaging of 33 dogs with BDS. All imaging was reviewed by a board-certified veterinary neurologist. Radiographs were reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist blinded to MRI and CT findings. Results 31/33 (94%) dogs were <5 years old (median = 2.5 years, mean = 2.9 years, range 0.5–10 years). 21/29 (72%) dogs had signs of nonspecific pain, spinal pain, or lameness for >3 months (median = 6 months, mean = 8.2 months, range 5 days−4 years). Fever was seen in only 4/28 (14%) dogs. Multifocal lesions were evident on radiographs in 21/29 (72%) dogs and MRI in 12/18 (67%) dogs. Smooth, round, central end-plate lysis, defined as “hole punch” lesions, were identified radiographically in 25/29 (86%) dogs. Vertebral physitis or spondylitis without discitis was evident on MRI in 7/18 (39%) dogs. Clinical relevance Dogs with BDS typically present at a young age with a long duration of clinical signs. Identification of radiographic “hole punch” lesions and MRI evidence of vertebral physitis, spondylitis, and paravertebral inflammation without discitis should increase suspicion for BDS. BDS may be increasing in frequency in the southwestern United States, and dogs with signs of chronic spinal pain and/or lameness should be screened for B. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Long
- Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, Wheat Ridge, CO, United States
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca A. Packer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kelli Kopf
- VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Denver, CO, United States
| | | | - Samantha Emch
- VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca Windsor
- Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, Wheat Ridge, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Rebecca Windsor
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17
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Stranahan LW, Garcia-Gonzalez DG, Hensel ME, Arenas-Gamboa AM. Primary and memory immune responses against rough Brucella canis are less robust compared to smooth B. abortus and B. melitensis following intratracheal infection in mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:959328. [PMID: 36032120 PMCID: PMC9402402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.959328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella canis is the cause of canine brucellosis, a globally distributed, zoonotic pathogen which primarily causes disease in dogs. B. canis is unique amongst the zoonotic Brucella spp. with its rough lipopolysaccharide, a trait typically associated with attenuation in gram-negative bacteria. Unfortunately, no vaccine is available against B. canis, and vaccine development is hampered by a limited understanding of the immune response required to combat it and the course of infection following a physiologically relevant, mucosal route of inoculation. To address these concerns and analyze the impact of the rough phenotype on the immune response, we infected mice intratracheally with rough B. canis or smooth B. melitensis or B. abortus. Bacterial colonization and histologic lesions were assessed in systemic target organs as well as locally in the lungs and draining mediastinal lymph node. Mice were also reinfected with Brucella following antibiotic treatment and cytokine production by T lymphocytes in the lung and spleen was assessed by flow cytometry to investigate the memory immune response. Despite its rough phenotype, B. canis established a persistent infection at the same level of colonization as the smooth strains. However, B. canis induced significantly less granulomatous inflammation in the spleen as well as a lack of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia in the lungs. These differences coincided with increased IL-10 and decreased IFN-γ in the spleen of B. canis-infected mice. Previous exposure to all Brucella strains provided protection against colonization following secondary challenge, although induction of IFN-γ by T lymphocytes was seen only in the lungs during B. canis infection while the smooth strains induced this cytokine in the spleen as well. Neither Brucella strain induced significant polyfunctional T lymphocytes, a potential immunomodulatory mechanism that appears to be independent of lipopolysaccharide phenotype.
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18
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Jalihal S, Rana S, Sharma S. Systematic mapping on the importance of vultures in the Indian public health discourse. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (SINGAPORE) 2022; 5:135-143. [PMID: 37521585 PMCID: PMC9004616 DOI: 10.1007/s42398-022-00224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Vultures are of immense ecological significance to forest and urban ecosystems. These birds play a major role in curbing environmental contamination through scavenging on carcasses. Prevention of spread of diseases is pivotal for public health and is an inexorable economic burden for any country. We present the crucial role vultures can play in disease mitigation and public health by regulating or decreasing the spread of zoonotic diseases. We elaborate examples from three zoonotic diseases; rabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis, which spread among dogs and cattle as well as human population. We establish the viable links in the transmission of these diseases from the infected dead and alive animals to humans and their possible exacerbation in the absence of vultures. These indirect links help formulate the case for increased interventions for disease spread and control along with conservation of these scavengers. Their role as natural and effective cleaners of the environment in the Indian health discourse is of importance because they can reduce the expenses of the government in waste management and maintenance of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Jalihal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shweta Rana
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shailja Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, 342005 India
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19
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Lopes CE, De Carli S, Feltes BC, Pinto ÉSM, Sala RDV, Dorn M, Siqueira FM. Genetic and molecular Omp25 analyses from worldwide Brucella canis strains: Possible mutational influences in protein function. Gene 2022; 817:146175. [PMID: 35031422 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Brucella canis is responsible for canine brucellosis, a neglected zoonotic disease. The omp25 gene has been described as an important marker for Brucella intra-species differentiation, in addition to the ability to interact with the host immune system. Therefore, this study investigated the omp25 sequence from B. canis strains associated to a phylogenetic characterization and the unveiling of the molecular structure. In vitro analyses comprised DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing of omp25 from 19 B. canis strains. Moreover, in silico analyses were performed at nucleotide level for phylogenetic characterization and evolutionary history of B. canis omp25 gene; and in amino acid level including modeling, dynamics, and epitope prediction of B. canis Omp25 protein. Here, we identified a new mutation, L109P, which diverges the worldwide omp25 sequences in two large branches. Interestingly, this mutation appears to have epidemiology importance, based on a geographical distribution of B. canis strains. Structural and molecular dynamics analyses of Omp25 revealed that Omp25L109P does not sustain its native β-barrel. Likewise, the conformation of B-cell epitope on the mutated region was changed in Omp25L109P protein. Even without an evolutive marker, the new identified mutation appears to affect the basic function of B. canis Omp25 protein, which could indicate virulence adaptation for some B. canis strains in a context of geographical disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassiane Elisabete Lopes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvia De Carli
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno César Feltes
- Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Informatics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Éderson Sales Moreira Pinto
- Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Informatics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafaella Dalla Vecchia Sala
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Márcio Dorn
- Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Informatics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology - Forensic Science, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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20
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First Isolation and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Brucella canis from a Subclinically Infected Pet Dog in China. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9010022. [PMID: 35051106 PMCID: PMC8780227 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine brucellosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease, is mainly caused by Brucella canis. In the present study, we isolated a Brucella strain (CD3) from a subclinically infected pet dog in Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. Classical biotyping methods and molecular biological tests (BCSP31 and BcSS PCR) proved that the strain belonged to B. canis. Furthermore, B. canis CD3 and another two B. canis strains (WJ5 and YA4), which were all isolated from pet dogs in Sichuan, were genotyped using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Our results showed that the three B. canis strains were identified as the same sequence type (ST21). The present study is the first to report B. canis strain from a subclinically infected pet dog in China, indicating a potential threat to public health posed by subclinical infections in pet dogs. We suggest that screening for B. canis should be incorporated into routine medical examination of pet dogs and other companion animals in areas with a history of animal or human brucellosis.
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21
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Boechat VC, Pereira SA, Mendes Júnior AAV, Vicente AF, Megid J, Dasso MG, Rodrigues RO, Miranda LFC, Figueiredo FB, Ferreira LC, Teles-DE-Freitas R, Bruno RV, Menezes RC. Anti-Brucella canis antibodies in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum and associated histological alterations in the genital tract. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021; 93:e20201682. [PMID: 34878047 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202120201682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In canine visceral leishmaniasis, coinfections can aggravate the disease. Our aim was to investigate Brucella canis in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. One hundred and six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to serology for B. canis, PCR for B. canis and L. infantum, and histopathological analysis of the genital tract. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected in seven dogs whose clinical signs, L. infantum load and histological alterations were similar to those of seronegative animals. The circulation of anti-B. canis antibodies was low but demonstrates the exposure of dogs to this bacterium in a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane C Boechat
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandro A Pereira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Artur A V Mendes Júnior
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Acácia F Vicente
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Rua Professor Doutor Walter Mauricio Correa, s/n, 18618-681 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Jane Megid
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Rua Professor Doutor Walter Mauricio Correa, s/n, 18618-681 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício G Dasso
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Laboratório de Brucelose, Estrada Municipal do Conde, 6000, 92990-000 Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Rogerio O Rodrigues
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Laboratório de Brucelose, Estrada Municipal do Conde, 6000, 92990-000 Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciana F C Miranda
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabiano B Figueiredo
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, 81350-010 Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Ferreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rayane Teles-DE-Freitas
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafaela V Bruno
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C Menezes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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22
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Seroprevalence of Anti-Brucella spp. Antibodies in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa), Hunting Dogs, and Hunters of Brazil. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:974-976. [PMID: 34525212 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
All 86 wild boars (Sus scrofa), 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters sampled from three Brazilian regions were seronegative to Brucella spp. by the standard tube agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, suggesting a low circulation of Brucella spp. in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in such areas.
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Ahmed-Bentley J, Roman S, Mirzanejad Y, Fraser E, Hoang L, Young EJ, Morshed M, Deans G. Laboratory Exposures from an Unsuspected Case of Human Infection with Brucella canis. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2489-2491. [PMID: 34424169 PMCID: PMC8386805 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.204701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of human infection with a Brucella canis isolate in an adult in Canada who was receiving a biologic immunomodulating medication. We detail subsequent investigations, which showed that 17 clinical microbiology staff had high-risk exposures to the isolate, 1 of whom had a positive result for B. canis.
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Escauriaza L, Reeve L, Hahn H, Granger N, Vandenberghe H. Brucella Canis
discospondylitis in a dog imported into the United Kingdom from Romania. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lizzie Reeve
- Neurology, Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Neurology Bristol UK
| | - Harriet Hahn
- Neurology, Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Neurology Bristol UK
| | - Nicolas Granger
- Neurology, Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Neurology Bristol UK
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25
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Stranahan LW, Arenas-Gamboa AM. When the Going Gets Rough: The Significance of Brucella Lipopolysaccharide Phenotype in Host-Pathogen Interactions. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:713157. [PMID: 34335551 PMCID: PMC8319746 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.713157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella is a facultatively intracellular bacterial pathogen and the cause of worldwide zoonotic infections, infamous for its ability to evade the immune system and persist chronically within host cells. Despite the frequent association with attenuation in other Gram-negative bacteria, a rough lipopolysaccharide phenotype is retained by Brucella canis and Brucella ovis, which remain fully virulent in their natural canine and ovine hosts, respectively. While these natural rough strains lack the O-polysaccharide they, like their smooth counterparts, are able to evade and manipulate the host immune system by exhibiting low endotoxic activity, resisting destruction by complement and antimicrobial peptides, entering and trafficking within host cells along a similar pathway, and interfering with MHC-II antigen presentation. B. canis and B. ovis appear to have compensated for their roughness by alterations to their outer membrane, especially in regards to outer membrane proteins. B. canis, in particular, also shows evidence of being less proinflammatory in vivo, suggesting that the rough phenotype may be associated with an enhanced level of stealth that could allow these pathogens to persist for longer periods of time undetected. Nevertheless, much additional work is required to understand the correlates of immune protection against the natural rough Brucella spp., a critical step toward development of much-needed vaccines. This review will highlight the significance of rough lipopolysaccharide in the context of both natural disease and host–pathogen interactions with an emphasis on natural rough Brucella spp. and the implications for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren W Stranahan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Angela M Arenas-Gamboa
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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26
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Helms AB, Balogh O, Franklin-Guild R, Lahmers K, Caswell CC, Cecere JT. Presumptive Identification of Smooth Brucella Strain Antibodies in Canines. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:697479. [PMID: 34307536 PMCID: PMC8295921 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.697479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus. There are four Brucella strains of zoonotic importance in our domestic species, subdivided by their culture phenotypes: Brucella abortus (B. abortus), B. melitensis, B. suis (smooth strains) and B. canis (rough strain). Dogs can serve as hosts for all four of the zoonotic strains; however, routine serologic testing in dogs has been limited to the identification of B. canis antibodies. The aim of our study was to identify smooth Brucella strain antibodies in canines. We hypothesize that the Brucella abortus Fluorescence Polarization Assay would be successful in identifying smooth Brucella strain antibodies in canines. Ninety-five dogs, including forty-five hog hunting dogs were screened for circulating antibodies to any of the four zoonotic strains of the bacteria utilizing a combination of Canine Brucella Slide Agglutination Test (CBSA), Brucella canis Agar Gel Immunodiffusion II test (AGIDII), Brucella abortus Card Agglutination Test (BCA), and the Brucella abortus Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA). Test interpretation results yielded a 0% (0/95) smooth Brucella strain seropositivity rate, with 2% (2/95) of dogs yielding inconclusive rough Brucella strain serology results (0–2% rough strain seropositivity rate). Additionally, a retrospective portion of the study was performed to identify sera containing circulating antibodies to any of the smooth strains of Brucella by testing previously banked canine serum samples stored at Cornell's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2018 to 2019 via Brucella abortus FPA. Of the 769 serum samples tested, 13/769 (1.7%) yielded an inconclusive result, 725/769 (94.2%) were negative, 30/769 (4%) yielded a positive FPA test result, and 1/769 (0.1%) had to be excluded due to insufficient sample remaining to perform the diagnostic test. Of the 30 FPA positive canine serum samples, 97% (29/30) also tested positive on the CBSA test. Additionally, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) likelihood of altered (spayed/neutered) and mixed breed dogs to be FPA positive when compared to intact, purebred dogs, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa B Helms
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, , Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Orsolya Balogh
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, , Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Rebecca Franklin-Guild
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Kevin Lahmers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Clayton C Caswell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Julie T Cecere
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, , Blacksburg, VA, United States
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van Dijk MA, Engelsma MY, Visser VX, Keur I, Holtslag ME, Willems N, Meij BP, Willemsen PT, Wagenaar JA, Roest HI, Broens EM. Transboundary Spread of Brucella canis through Import of Infected Dogs, the Netherlands, November 2016-December 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1783-1788. [PMID: 34152959 PMCID: PMC8237882 DOI: 10.3201/eid2707.201238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella canis had not been isolated in the Netherlands until November 2016, when it was isolated from a dog imported from Romania. Including this case, 16 suspected cases were notified to the authorities during the following 25 months. Of these 16 dogs, 10 were seropositive; tracking investigations found another 8 seropositive littermates. All seropositive animals were rescue dogs imported from Eastern Europe. B. canis was cultured from urine, blood, and other specimens collected from the dogs. Genotyping of isolates revealed clustering by litter and country. Isolating B. canis in urine indicates that shedding should be considered when assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission. This case series proves introduction of B. canis into a country to which it is not endemic through import of infected dogs from B. canis-endemic areas, posing a threat to the naive autochthonous dog population and humans.
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28
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Galarce N, de la Fuente S, Escobar B, Dettleff P, Abalos P, Hormazábal JC, Flores R, Sallaberry-Pincheira N, Martínez V. Survey of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in Native Foxes in Central Chile: First Record of Brucella canis Exposure. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071980. [PMID: 34359107 PMCID: PMC8300164 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wild canids play a crucial role in the environment, being an ecological agent of flora dispersal, top predators, and environmental sentinels for zoonotic emerging pathogens, such as Brucella spp. and pathogenic Leptospira. In Chile, three species of non-domestic native canids are present, and due to the growing concern about their interaction with humans and domestic animals, it is of utmost relevance to determine the role of these animals in the epidemiology of brucellosis and leptospirosis. This study aimed to detect the exposure to B. abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira by serologic, bacteriologic, and molecular techniques in native foxes from rehabilitation and exhibition centers in Central Chile. Forty-six blood samples were obtained from culpeo and grey foxes, detecting exposure to B. canis and L. Javanica in 10.9% and 7.7%, respectively. Exposure was not registered by culture and qPCR in any of the sampled animals. Our results show for the first time in Chile exposure to B. canis in native foxes, highlighting the need to establish integrated surveillance programs to better evaluate the role of wild animals in the epidemiology of emerging zoonotic pathogens that may affect One Health. Abstract Brucella abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, as well as domestic and wild animals. In wild canids, they may affect their fertility and reproduction, threatening their conservation. Wild canids play a crucial role in the environment as meso- and top-predators and environmental sentinels for zoonotic pathogens. In Chile, three species of wild canids are present, and due to changes in land use and environmental dynamics, it is of utmost relevance to determine the role of these species in the epidemiology of brucellosis and leptospirosis. This study aimed to detect the exposure to B. abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira by serologic, bacteriologic, and molecular techniques in native foxes from rehabilitation and exhibition centers in Central Chile. Forty-six blood samples were obtained from Lycalopex culpaeus and L. griseus, detecting 10.9% of seropositivity to B. canis and 7.7% to L. Javanica. No seropositivity was seen for B. abortus. Exposure was not registered by culture and qPCR in any of the sampled animals. Our findings are the first register of exposure to any Brucella species in wild canids in Chile and highlight the need to establish surveillance programs of these emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Galarce
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.G.); (S.d.l.F.); (B.E.); (P.A.)
| | - Sebastián de la Fuente
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.G.); (S.d.l.F.); (B.E.); (P.A.)
| | - Beatriz Escobar
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.G.); (S.d.l.F.); (B.E.); (P.A.)
| | - Phillip Dettleff
- Departamento de Fomento de la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile;
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de las Américas, Sede la Florida, Santiago 8242125, Chile
| | - Pedro Abalos
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.G.); (S.d.l.F.); (B.E.); (P.A.)
| | - Juan Carlos Hormazábal
- Subdepartamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago 7780050, Chile; (J.C.H.); (R.F.)
| | - Roberto Flores
- Subdepartamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago 7780050, Chile; (J.C.H.); (R.F.)
| | - Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile;
| | - Víctor Martínez
- Departamento de Fomento de la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile;
- Correspondence:
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van Herten J, Bovenkerk B. The Precautionary Principle in Zoonotic Disease Control. Public Health Ethics 2021; 14:180-190. [PMID: 34646356 PMCID: PMC8194555 DOI: 10.1093/phe/phab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that zoonotic diseases are a great threat for humanity. During the course of such a pandemic, public health authorities often apply the precautionary principle to justify disease control measures. However, evoking this principle is not without ethical implications. Especially within a One Health strategy, that requires us to balance public health benefits against the health interests of animals and the environment, unrestricted use of the precautionary principle can lead to moral dilemmas. In this article, we analyze the ethical dimensions of the use of the precautionary principle in zoonotic disease control and formulate criteria to protect animals and the environment against one-sided interpretations. Furthermore, we distinguish two possible conceptions of the precautionary principle. First, we notice that because of the unpredictable nature of zoonotic diseases, public health authorities in general focus on the idea of precaution as preparedness. This reactive response often leads to difficult trade-offs between human and animal health. We therefore argue that this policy should always be accompanied by a second policy, that we refer to as precaution as prevention. Although zoonotic diseases are part of our natural world, we have to acknowledge that their origin and global impact are often a consequence of our disturbed relation with animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Herten
- Department of Philosophy, Wageningen University and Research and Royal Veterinary Association of the Netherlands
| | - B Bovenkerk
- Department of Philosophy, Wageningen University and Research
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Seroprevalence of Brucella canis in canines from a dog shelter in Bogotá, Colombia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 41:260-270. [PMID: 34214267 PMCID: PMC8375667 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The risk of Brucella canis infection in humans and dogs has increased due to the permanent exposure to asymptomatic carrier dogs. In Colombia, there is evidence of B. canis infection in humans living with dogs. In the case of Bogotá, an additional concern is the lack of updated information related to the prevalence of the infection in dogs.
Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of infection by B. canis in dogs intended for adoption programs in Bogotá.
Materials and methods: By means of a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in a dog shelter in Bogotá, anti-B. canis IgG antibodies were detected in the serum from 51 dogs 28 females and 23 males) using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic test. Additionally, seropositive animals were analyzed with PCR to detect Brucella spp DNA.
Results: Brucella canis seroprevalence was 1.96% (1/51). The seropositive dog was an asymptomatic three-year-old she-dog in which no bacteria DNA was detected in the blood through PCR.
Conclusions: The seroprevalence determined in this study represented by a single dog with anti-B. canis IgG can be considered a potential risk both for canine and human populations since this single dog could have a persistent infection capable of spreading the bacteria.
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Sun J, Dong H, Peng X, Liu Y, Jiang H, Feng Y, Li Q, Zhu L, Qin Y, Ding J. Deletion of the Transcriptional Regulator MucR in Brucella canis Affects Stress Responses and Bacterial Virulence. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:650942. [PMID: 34250056 PMCID: PMC8267065 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.650942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional regulator MucR is related to normal growth, stress responses and Brucella virulence, and affects the expression of various virulence-related genes in smooth-type Brucella strains. However, the function of MucR in the rough-type Brucella canis remains unknown. In this study, we discovered that MucR protein was involved in resistance to heat stress, iron-limitation, and various antibiotics in B. canis. In addition, the expression level of various bacterial flagellum-related genes was altered in mucR mutant strain. Deletion of this transcriptional regulator in B. canis significantly affected Brucella virulence in RAW264.7 macrophage and mice infection model. To gain insight into the genetic basis for distinctive phenotypic properties exhibited by mucR mutant strain, RNA-seq was performed and the result showed that various genes involved in translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, signal transduction mechanisms, energy production, and conversion were significantly differently expressed in ΔmucR strain. Overall, these studies have not only discovered the phenotype of mucR mutant strain but also preliminarily uncovered the molecular mechanism between the transcriptional regulator MucR, stress response and bacterial virulence in B. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Sun
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, China Animal Disease Control Center, Beijing, China.,Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Peng
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yufu Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Feng
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoling Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Liangquan Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Qin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabo Ding
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China
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Weese JS, Hrinivich K, Anderson MEC. Brucella canis in Commercial Dog Breeding Kennels, Ontario, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:3079-3080. [PMID: 33219799 PMCID: PMC7706960 DOI: 10.3201/eid2612.201144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the prevalence of Brucella canis seropositivity in a convenience sample of dogs from commercial breeding kennels in Ontario, Canada. Overall, 127/1,080 (11.8%) dogs from 23/63 (37%) kennels were seropositive. The prevalence of positive dogs within kennels with >1 positive dog ranged from 3.9% to 100% (median 33%).
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Canine brucellosis in Costa Rica reveals widespread Brucella canis infection and the recent introduction of foreign strains. Vet Microbiol 2021; 257:109072. [PMID: 33965789 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a prevalent disease in Costa Rica (CR), with an increasing number of human infections. Close to half of homes in CR have one or more dogs, corresponding to ∼1.4 million canines, most of them in the Central Valley within or near the cities of San José, Heredia, and Alajuela. From 302 dog sera collected from this region, 19 were positive for Brucella canis antigens, and five had antibodies against smooth lipopolysaccharide, suggesting infections by both B. canis and other Brucella species. B. canis strains were isolated in the Central Valley from 26 kennel dogs and three pet dogs, all displaying clinical signs of canine brucellosis. We detected three recent introductions of different B. canis strains in kennels: two traced from Mexico and one from Panama. Multiple locus-variable number tandem repeats (MLVA-16) and whole-genome sequencing (WGSA) analyses showed that B. canis CR strains comprise three main lineages. The tree topologies obtained by WGSA and MLVA-16 just partially agreed, indicating that the latter analysis is not suitable for phylogenetic studies. The fatty acid methyl ester analysis resolved five different B. canis groups, showing less resolution power than the MLVA-16 and WGSA. Lactobacillic acid was absent in linages I and II but present in linage III, supporting the recent introductions of B. canis strains from Mexico. B. canis displaying putative functional cyclopropane synthase for the synthesis of lactobacillic acid are phylogenetically intertwined with B. canis with non-functional protein, indicating that mutations have occurred independently in the various lineages.
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Santos RL, Souza TD, Mol JPS, Eckstein C, Paíxão TA. Canine Brucellosis: An Update. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:594291. [PMID: 33738302 PMCID: PMC7962550 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.594291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine brucellosis is an infectious and zoonotic disease caused by Brucella canis, which has been reported worldwide, and is a major public health concern due to close contact between dogs and humans. In dogs, canine brucellosis manifests with abortion outbreaks, reproductive failure, enlargement of lymph nodes, and occasionally affects the osteoarticular system, although the occurrence of asymptomatic infections in dogs are not uncommon. In humans, the disease is associated with a febrile syndrome, commonly with non-specific symptoms including splenomegaly, fatigue, and weakness. Infection of dogs occurs mostly by the oronasal route when in contact with contaminated tissues such as aborted fetuses, semen, urine, and vaginal secretions. In humans, contact with contaminated fluids from infected dogs is an important source of infection, and it is an occupational risk for veterinarians, breeders, laboratory workers, among other professionals who deal with infected animals or biological samples. The diagnosis in dogs is largely based on serologic methods. However, serologic diagnosis of canine brucellosis remains very challenging due to the low accuracy of available tests. Molecular diagnostic methods have been increasingly used in the past few years. Treatment of infected dogs is associated with a high frequency of relapse, and should be employed only in selected cases. Currently there are no commercially available vaccines for prevention of canine brucellosis. Therefore, development of novel and improved diagnostic methods as well as the development of efficacious and safe vaccination protocols are needed for an effective control of canine brucellosis and its associated zoonotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato L Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tayse D Souza
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Juliana P S Mol
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila Eckstein
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tatiane A Paíxão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Camargo-Castañeda AM, Stranahan LW, Edwards JF, Garcia-Gonzalez DG, Roa L, Avila-Granados LM, Hensel ME, Arenas-Gamboa AM. Characterization of epididymal and testicular histologic lesions and use of immunohistochemistry and PCR on formalin-fixed tissues to detect Brucella canis in male dogs. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:352-356. [PMID: 33468036 PMCID: PMC7953107 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720986883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In male dogs, Brucella canis frequently causes epididymitis, ultimately resulting in testicular atrophy and infertility. Although B. canis predominantly affects the epididymis, the misleading term "orchitis" is still commonly used by clinicians. Of additional concern, diagnosis in dogs remains challenging because of variable sensitivity and specificity of serologic assays and fluctuations in bacteremia levels in infected dogs, reducing the sensitivity of blood culture. We describe here the histologic lesions in the scrotal contents of 8 dogs suspected of being infected with B. canis and clinically diagnosed with orchitis. We explored the possibility of using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time PCR (rtPCR) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to detect the presence of B. canis. Epididymitis of variable chronicity was identified in all 8 dogs, with only 3 also exhibiting orchitis. Using rtPCR, the presence of B. canis was identified in 4 of 8 dogs, with 3 of these 4 dogs also positive by IHC. These results suggest that rtPCR and IHC are promising techniques that can be used in FFPE tissues to detect B. canis when other detection techniques are unavailable. Additionally, accurate recognition of epididymitis rather than orchitis in suspect cases could aid in accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Camargo-Castañeda
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Applied and Environmental Sciences (UDCA), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lauren W. Stranahan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - John F. Edwards
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Daniel G. Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Leonardo Roa
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Applied and Environmental Sciences (UDCA), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lisa M. Avila-Granados
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- Department of Animal Health, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martha E. Hensel
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Angela M. Arenas-Gamboa
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Marami LM, Gebremedhin EZ, Sarba EJ, Tola GK, Endalew SS, Melkamsew AT, Di Marco Lo Presti V, Vitale M. Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Canine Leptospira and Brucella Species Infection in West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2021; 12:33-42. [PMID: 33665154 PMCID: PMC7924131 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s297155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Canine leptospirosis and brucellosis are significant zoonotic gram-negative bacterial diseases that affect humans and animal species. This study was aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors of canine Leptospira and Brucella species infections in Ambo, Bako, and Gojo Towns, West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Methods A total of 385 serum samples were collected from randomly selected dogs. Antibodies against Brucella and Leptospira species infection were tested using the Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay technique (ELISA). A structured questionnaire survey was administered to each dog-owning household to gather information on potential risk factors. The association between independent and outcome variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test followed by univariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results The overall seroprevalence of Brucella and Leptospira species infections were found to be 15.06% (95% confidence interval (ci): 11.64–19.04%) and 4.16% (95% ci: 2.39–6.67%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the town was the significant risk factor of Brucella species infection seropositivity. Accordingly, dogs found in Gojo ((odds ratio (OR)): 17.72 CI: 1.17–117.54, p=0.036) and Bako (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 0.96–66.37), p=0.054 towns were more at risk to be infected with Brucella species than dogs living in Ambo. Conclusion The seroprevalence of Leptospira and Brucella species infections in dogs of the West Shewa Zone was high and moderate, respectively, suggesting the possible transmission of the disease between dogs and other animals. These infections might be an under-recognized threat to public health and animal welfare. Further research on the identification of the serovars of Leptospira and biotypes of Brucella circulating in dogs is encouraged. Finally, knowledge of the comprehensive epidemiology of these diseases is an invaluable input for veterinarians, healthcare professionals, and policy-makers to avoid or manage canine leptospirosis and brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lencho Megersa Marami
- Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Edilu Jorga Sarba
- Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Kebebew Tola
- Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Shiferaw Endalew
- Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Asamenew Tesfaye Melkamsew
- National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center, Department of Immunology, Sebeta, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | | | - Maria Vitale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Sicily, Laboratory of Genetics of Microorganisms, Palermo, Italy
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Roop RM, Barton IS, Hopersberger D, Martin DW. Uncovering the Hidden Credentials of Brucella Virulence. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 85:e00021-19. [PMID: 33568459 PMCID: PMC8549849 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria in the genus Brucella are important human and veterinary pathogens. The abortion and infertility they cause in food animals produce economic hardships in areas where the disease has not been controlled, and human brucellosis is one of the world's most common zoonoses. Brucella strains have also been isolated from wildlife, but we know much less about the pathobiology and epidemiology of these infections than we do about brucellosis in domestic animals. The brucellae maintain predominantly an intracellular lifestyle in their mammalian hosts, and their ability to subvert the host immune response and survive and replicate in macrophages and placental trophoblasts underlies their success as pathogens. We are just beginning to understand how these bacteria evolved from a progenitor alphaproteobacterium with an environmental niche and diverged to become highly host-adapted and host-specific pathogens. Two important virulence determinants played critical roles in this evolution: (i) a type IV secretion system that secretes effector molecules into the host cell cytoplasm that direct the intracellular trafficking of the brucellae and modulate host immune responses and (ii) a lipopolysaccharide moiety which poorly stimulates host inflammatory responses. This review highlights what we presently know about how these and other virulence determinants contribute to Brucella pathogenesis. Gaining a better understanding of how the brucellae produce disease will provide us with information that can be used to design better strategies for preventing brucellosis in animals and for preventing and treating this disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Martin Roop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ian S Barton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dariel Hopersberger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel W Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Borie C, Bravo C, Dettleff P, Galarce N, Dorner J, Martínez V. First genome sequence of Chilean Brucella canis SCL strain provides insights on the epidemiology and virulence factors, explaining differences between geographical origins. ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Dadar M, Alamian S. Investigation of small ruminant brucellosis among smallholder farms: The missing link in control programmes of endemic areas. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 68:376-383. [PMID: 33340438 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic infection with a worldwide distribution and high levels of endemism in some regions, including the Middle East. In Iran, sheep and goats constitute a major part of the livestock population, often kept by small-scale farmers for their own consumption and economic purposes. This investigation aimed at characterizing the Brucella spp. and biovars circulating in sheep and goats under smallholder farming and their potential spillover across farms. For this purpose, from two randomly selected pastoral districts of Alborz and Fars provinces in Iran, a total of 54 aborted foetuses (38 from sheep and 16 from goats) and 528 blood samples were collected from sheep (n = 435), goats (n = 77), farmers (n = 11) and dogs (n = 5). Then, serological, bacteriological and molecular characterization of Brucella isolates was performed using standard methods. Our results showed the high seroprevalence of brucellosis in pastoral districts of Fars and Alborz provinces reaching 16.3%, 11.7% and 12.7% by using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) test, respectively. Furthermore, the results of bacterial culture, conventional biotyping and PCR analyses showed the presence of Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and 2 infections among goat, farmers and dog of the Alborz farms and B. melitensis biovars 1, 2 and 3 among sheep of the Fars farms. Among nine seropositive farmer and dog blood samples (four farmers and five dogs), only three (two farmers and one dog) were positive in both culture and PCR tests. These results stress the need to strengthen screening and control measures in small flocks of small ruminants in Iran that could be the starting point of new outbreaks at the livestock/human interface. The present study also suggests that infected dogs may further maintain the risk of exposure to Brucella pathogens in small farms and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dadar
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Saeed Alamian
- Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran
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Wang H, Xu WM, Zhu KJ, Zhu SJ, Zhang HF, Wang J, Yang Y, Shao FY, Jiang NM, Tao ZY, Jin HY, Tang Y, Huo LL, Dong F, Li ZJ, Ding H, Liu ZG. Molecular investigation of infection sources and transmission chains of brucellosis in Zhejiang, China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:889-899. [PMID: 32284015 PMCID: PMC7241503 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1754137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, a total of 7793 samples from 5 different types of hosts were collected and tested, with a seroprevalence of 2.4% (184/7793). Although the seroprevalence of human and animal brucellosis is relatively low, numbers of human brucellosis cases reported have increased continuously from 2004 to 2018. A total of 118 Brucella strains containing 4 biotypes were obtained, including Brucella melitensis bv.1 (n = 8) and bv.3 (n = 106), Brucella abortus bv.3 (n = 3) and bv.7 (n = 1). Twenty-one shared MLVA-16 genotypes, each composed of 2 to 19 strains obtained from different hosts, suggest the occurrence of a brucellosis outbreak epidemic with multiple source points and laboratory infection events. Moreover, 30 shared MLVA-16 genotypes were observed among 59.6% (68/114) B. melitensis isolates from Zhejiang and strains from other 21 different provinces, especially northern provinces, China. The analysis highlighted the imported nature of the strains from all over the northern provinces with a dominant part from the developed areas of animal husbandry. These data revealed a potential transmission pattern of brucellosis in this region, due to introduced infected sheep leading to a brucellosis outbreak epidemic, and eventually causing multiple laboratory infection events. It is urgent to strengthen the inspection and quarantine of the introduced animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Wang
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Min Xu
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuang-Ji Zhu
- Jinhua WuCheng District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WuCheng, People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Juan Zhu
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Fang Zhang
- Tongxiang Shi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongxiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Wang
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yao Shao
- Jinhua WuCheng District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WuCheng, People's Republic of China
| | - Neng-Ming Jiang
- Jinhua Jindong District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jindong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Yang Tao
- Jinhua Jindong District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jindong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang-Yi Jin
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Tang
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang-Liang Huo
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Dong
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Ding
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Guo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Prevalence and Genomic Characterization of Brucella canis Strains Isolated from Kennels, Household, and Stray Dogs in Chile. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112073. [PMID: 33182313 PMCID: PMC7695308 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a zoonotic disease that causes reproductive alterations in dogs, such as infertility, abortion, and epididymitis. This pathogen is especially prevalent in South America, and due to the lack of official control programs and the growing trend of adopting dogs it constitutes a public health risk that must be addressed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. canis infection in kennel, shelter, and household dogs and to characterize the genomic properties of circulating strains, including ure and virB operons and omp25/31 genes. Samples from 771 dogs were obtained, and the infection was detected by blood culture and/or serology in 7.0% of the animals. The complete ure and virB operons and the omp25/31 genes were detected. Interestingly, we found different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in some of the analyzed genes, which could mean a change in the fitness or virulence of these strains. This study provides further evidence about dogs as a source of B. canis strains that can infect people. This also highlights the need to implement official control programs, including the mandatory testing of dogs, especially stray dogs, before adoption.
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MALDI-TOF MS and genomic analysis can make the difference in the clarification of canine brucellosis outbreaks. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19246. [PMID: 33159111 PMCID: PMC7648634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75960-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is one of the most common bacterial zoonoses worldwide affecting not only livestock and wildlife but also pets. Canine brucellosis is characterized by reproductive failure in dogs. Human Brucella canis infections are rarely reported but probably underestimated due to insufficient diagnostic surveillance. To improve diagnostics, we investigated dogs in a breeding kennel that showed clinical manifestations of brucellosis and revealed positive blood cultures. As an alternative to the time-consuming and hazardous classical identification procedures, a newly developed species-specific intact-cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry analysis was applied, which allowed for rapid identification of B. canis and differentiation from closely related B. suis biovar 1. High-throughput sequencing and comparative genomics using single nucleotide polymorphism analysis clustered our isolates together with canine and human strains from various Central and South American countries in a distinct sub-lineage. Hence, molecular epidemiology clearly defined the outbreak cluster and demonstrated the endemic situation in South America. Our study illustrates that MALDI-TOF MS analysis using a validated in-house reference database facilitates rapid B. canis identification at species level. Additional whole genome sequencing provides more detailed outbreak information and leads to a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of canine brucellosis.
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Ngamkala S, Angkawanish T, Nokkaew W, Thongtip N. Serological study on brucellosis in captive elephants ( Elephas maximus) and stray dogs in North Thailand. Vet World 2020; 13:1992-1997. [PMID: 33132616 PMCID: PMC7566264 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1992-1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Brucellosis is considered as an important zoonotic disease caused by various strains of Brucella in numerous host species. Although brucellosis has been reported in almost animal species, the relevance of brucellosis infection and diagnostic technique in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has been limited. The present serological investigation aimed to investigate the antibody response to Brucella abortus in captive Asian elephants in North Thailand. Moreover, further serological survey was also conducted to detect the antibody response to Brucella canis in stray dogs cohabiting the same area as the elephant herd. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 40 captive Asian elephants and submitted for serological analysis based on B. abortus antigen using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) in combination with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-tube agglutination test (EDTA-TAT) as a supplementary test and by commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). In addition, serum samples were also obtained from 16 stray dogs that live nearby the elephant-raising area and were tested using commercial Dot-ELISA based on B. canis antigen. Results: Serological analysis in captive Asian elephants showed 100% seronegative (40/40) from all serological tests response to B. abortus. For stray dogs, 12.5% (2/16) had a low positive reaction response to B. canis. Conclusion: The serological survey for brucellosis in Asian elephant was adapted and applied using RBPT, EDTA-TAT, and iELISA in the present study. For future evaluation, we recommended the use of a combination of serological tests with validation together with comparing by direct detection such as bacterial isolation to provide an appropriate brucellosis surveillance program in Asian elephants. In addition, the surveillance of stray dogs or multispecies habitation should be kept into considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchanit Ngamkala
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Taweepoke Angkawanish
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Weerapun Nokkaew
- Clinic for Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok 10530, Thailand
| | - Nikorn Thongtip
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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Daly R, Willis KC, Wood J, Brown K, Brown D, Beguin-Strong T, Smith R, Ruesch H. Seroprevalence of Brucella canis in dogs rescued from South Dakota Indian reservations, 2015-2019. Prev Vet Med 2020; 184:105157. [PMID: 33002657 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is an infectious disease with implications for canine as well as human health. The identification of infected dogs originating from and around two South Dakota Indian reservations prompted an examination of the seroprevalence of B. canis in stray or owner-surrendered dogs from these communities. Using results from in-clinic screening tests of 3898 dogs over more than 4 years, we determined an overall apparent B. canis seroprevalence of 6.8% (adjusted estimated true prevalence of 29.4%), with rates declining over time. The apparent rate was similar to other surveys of stray dog populations in the US. Older dogs were significantly more likely to be B. canis-positive than younger dogs, as were reproductively intact dogs versus altered dogs (although this difference was not statistically significant). There were geographic differences in seropositive rates as well, with higher rates found in dogs originating from one reservation compared to other locations. Current diagnostic tests lack sensitivity to effectively identify all B. canis-infected dogs, but results from this study are valuable for investigating differences among risk factors for infection. Because of the potential for B. canis to infect other dogs and people, stray dog populations should be screened for B. canis before those animals are placed in adoptive homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Daly
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1155 North Campus Drive, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57007 USA.
| | - K C Willis
- Lightshine Canine: A Rez Dog Rescue, 1341 S Bowen St., Longmont, CO, 80501 USA.
| | - Janet Wood
- Butler Veterinary Clinic, 420 W. US Hwy 20, Valentine, NE, 69201 USA.
| | - Kayla Brown
- Fall River Veterinary Clinic, 27618 Scenic Rd., Hot Springs, SD, 57747 USA.
| | - Dustin Brown
- Fall River Veterinary Clinic, 27618 Scenic Rd., Hot Springs, SD, 57747 USA.
| | | | - Rockie Smith
- High Plains Veterinary Service, 1310 E. Bennett Ave., Martin, SD, 57551 USA.
| | - Haley Ruesch
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1155 North Campus Drive, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57007 USA.
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Alamian S, Dadar M. Brucella melitensis infection in dog: a critical issue in the control of brucellosis in ruminant farms. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101554. [PMID: 32979614 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canine brucellosis is a contagious disease associated with health implications for humans as well as for a wide range of wild and domesticated animals. In this study, 173 dog blood specimens were sampled from herding dogs in three different provinces including Tehran (n = 127), Qom (n = 40) and Alborz (n = 6) provinces. The presence of Brucella antibodies was determined using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), slow agglutination test (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), respectively. The seropositive samples were further screened using blood culture and PCR tests to identify and differentiate the implicated Brucella species. According to our results, 24.3% (42/173), 13.8% (24/173) and 6.3% (11/173) of blood samples were tested positive using RBPT, SAT and 2-ME, respectively. However, among 42 seropositive samples, only 38.1% (16/42) and 14.2% (6/42) were positive by PCR and culture, respectively. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and biovar 2 was isolated from the bacterial cultures of 6 blood samples and confirmed by biotyping, AMOS PCR and Bruce-ladder PCR assays. These findings highlight the potential risk of Brucella transmission from dog to humans along with other livestock and reflect the critical role of infected dogs in the persistence of Brucella infections among ruminant farms. This study stresses the need for further epidemiological investigations on canine brucellosis among herding dogs and suggests the systematic screening of the disease among companion animals such as dogs in order to improve brucellosis surveillance and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Alamian
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
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Stranahan LW, Chaki SP, Garcia-Gonzalez DG, Khalaf OH, Arenas-Gamboa AM. Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Brucella canis RM6/66 Δ vjbR Vaccine Candidate for Protection against B. canis Infection in Mice. mSphere 2020; 5:e00172-20. [PMID: 32434839 PMCID: PMC7380573 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00172-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella canis is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of canine brucellosis, a highly contagious disease of dogs that can be transmitted to humans. Unfortunately, no vaccine is available to prevent infection. We recently characterized the kinetics of B. canis infection in the mouse model, establishing the required dose necessary to achieve systemic infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of the mouse model in assessing canine brucellosis vaccine candidates and to subsequently investigate the safety and efficacy of a live attenuated vaccine, the B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR strain. Mice vaccinated with a dose of 109 CFU of the vaccine strain by both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes were afforded significant protection against organ colonization and development of histopathologic lesions following intraperitoneal challenge. Addition of an adjuvant or a booster dose 2 weeks following initial vaccination did not alter protection levels. Vaccination also resulted in a robust humoral immune response in mice, and B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR was capable of activating canine dendritic cells in vitro These data demonstrate that the B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR strain shows promise as a vaccine for canine brucellosis and validates the mouse model for future vaccine efficacy studies.IMPORTANCE Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is the primary cause of reproductive failure in dogs and represents a public health concern due to its zoonotic nature. Cases in dogs in the United States have been increasing due to the persistent nature of the bacterium, deficiencies in current diagnostic testing, and, most importantly, the lack of a protective vaccine. Current estimates place the seroprevalence of B. canis in the southern United States at 7% to 8%, but with the unprecedented rates of animals moving across state and international borders and the lack of federal regulations in regard to testing, the true seroprevalence of B. canis in the United States may very well be higher. Vaccination represents the most effective method of brucellosis control and, in response to the demand for a vaccine against B. canis, we have developed the live attenuated B. canis RM6/66 ΔvjbR vaccine strain capable of protecting mice against challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren W Stranahan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sankar P Chaki
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel G Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Omar H Khalaf
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Poultry Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Angela M Arenas-Gamboa
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Gyawali P, Hamilton K, Joshi S, Aster D, Ahmed W. Identification of reliable marker genes for the detection of canine fecal contamination in sub-tropical Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137246. [PMID: 32105941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal fecal contamination in aquatic environments is a major source of zoonotic diseases in humans. While concerns are focused on livestock, companion animals such as dogs can also be a source of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, detection of dog or canine fecal contamination in aquatic environments is important for mitigating risks. In this study, host-sensitivity and specificity of four canine fecal-associated marker genes were evaluated by analyzing 30 canine and 240 non-canine fecal samples. The application of these markers was also tested in water from an urban river under dry weather conditions. The host sensitivity values of the Bacteroides BacCan-UCD, DogBact, DF113 and DF418 were 1.00, 0.90, 0.83, and 0.90, respectively. The host specificity value of the BacCan-UCD, DogBact, DF113 and DF418 were 0.87, 0.98, 0.83, and 0.41, respectively. The mean concentrations of DF418 were highest (7.82 ± 1.13 log10 gene copies (GC)/g of feces) followed by BacCan-UCD (7.61 ± 1.06 log10 GC/g) and DogBact (7.15 ± 0.92 log10 GC/g). The mean concentration of DF113 (5.80 ± 1.25 log10 GC/g) was 1.5 to 2.5 orders of magnitude lower than the other marker genes. The DogBact marker gene was not detected in any other animal feces other than a small number of untreated sewage samples. The BacCan-UCD marker gene cross-reacted with cat, chicken, and pig fecal samples, while the DF113 marker gene cross-reacted with cat, chicken, cattle fecal and untreated sewage samples. The DF418 marker gene was detected in all sewage and animal feces and deemed not suitable for canine fecal contamination tracking in sub-tropical Australia. Canine fecal contamination was infrequently detected in environmental water samples. Based on the results obtained in this study, we recommend that at least two canine feces-associated marker genes should be used in field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Porirua 5240, New Zealand
| | - Kerry Hamilton
- The School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAlister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Sayalee Joshi
- The School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAlister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - David Aster
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
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"They Reckon They're Man's Best Friend and I Believe That." Understanding Relationships with Dogs in Australian Aboriginal Communities to Inform Effective Dog Population Management. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050810. [PMID: 32392871 PMCID: PMC7278576 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs are an important part of many communities; however, they can also cause problems, especially when they are able to roam freely. The best way to manage dog populations to avoid health and safety risks to people varies between different societies and communities. We aimed to better understand the role of dogs in Aboriginal communities in Australia, to inform dog health interventions. Interviews with dog owners in nine Aboriginal communities in New South Wales, Australia showed that dogs are valued as companions and guardians and are considered part of the family. Many dogs spend a lot of time with their families, are allowed indoors and often share beds with people. However, many dog owners had trouble accessing veterinary services for their dogs; cost and lack of transport were the most important barriers. Our findings demonstrate the positive role of dogs in Aboriginal families and communities but also highlight major challenges in accessing the veterinary services necessary to effectively maintain dog health and welfare. We also show that different ideas about the role of dogs in different communities should inform how dog management interventions are designed and delivered. Abstract Dogs are important companions to people in many societies; however, dogs can also be associated with risks to public health and safety. Dog population management is therefore an important consideration globally. This study aimed to better understand the role of dogs in Aboriginal communities and the barriers to accessing veterinary services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 85 dog owners from nine Aboriginal communities across New South Wales, Australia. Many positive aspects of dog ownership were identified and few negatives. Dogs are considered an important part of family and community life and many dogs are allowed indoors (63.4%), even sharing beds with their owners. Most dogs were kept for companionship (84.7%) and/or as guard dogs (45.9%) and all respondents considered their dog part of their family. However, respondents had low levels of engagement with mainstream veterinary services, and many respondents identified significant barriers to accessing veterinary services, especially cost and transport. This study demonstrates the important and positive role of dogs in Aboriginal families and communities but also highlights a significant veterinary service gap. Our findings demonstrate that different perspectives on the role of dogs necessitates a different, culturally inclusive approach to dog management interventions.
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Eckstein C, Mol JPS, Costa FB, Nunes PP, Lima PA, Melo MM, Carvalho TP, Santos DO, Silva MF, Carvalho TF, Costa LF, Melo Júnior OAO, Giunchette RC, Paixão TA, Santos RL. Brucella ovis mutant in ABC transporter protects against Brucella canis infection in mice and it is safe for dogs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231893. [PMID: 32298378 PMCID: PMC7162469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Vaccination is the most important tool for controlling brucellosis, but currently there is no vaccine available for canine brucellosis, which is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution caused by Brucella canis. This study aimed to evaluate protection and immune response induced by Brucella ovis ΔabcBA (BoΔabcBA) encapsulated with alginate against the challenge with Brucella canis in mice and to assess the safety of this strain for dogs. METHODS Intracellular growth of the vaccine strain BoΔabcBA was assessed in canine and ovine macrophages. Protection induced by BoΔabcBA against virulent Brucella canis was evaluated in the mouse model. Safety of the vaccine strain BoΔabcBA was assessed in experimentally inoculated dogs. RESULTS Wild type B. ovis and B. canis had similar internalization and intracellular multiplication profiles in both canine and ovine macrophages. The BoΔabcBA strain had an attenuated phenotype in both canine and ovine macrophages. Immunization of BALB/c mice with alginate-encapsulated BoΔabcBA (108 CFU) induced lymphocyte proliferation, production of IL-10 and IFN-γ, and protected against experimental challenge with B. canis. Dogs immunized with alginate-encapsulated BoΔabcBA (109 CFU) seroconverted, and had no hematologic, biochemical or clinical changes. Furthermore, BoΔabcBA was not detected by isolation or PCR performed using blood, semen, urine samples or vaginal swabs at any time point over the course of this study. BoΔabcBA was isolated from lymph nodes near to the site of inoculation in two dogs at 22 weeks post immunization. CONCLUSION Encapsulated BoΔabcBA protected mice against experimental B. canis infection, and it is safe for dogs. Therefore, B. ovis ΔabcBA has potential as a vaccine candidate for canine brucellosis prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Eckstein
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana P. S. Mol
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabíola B. Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Philipe P. Nunes
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pâmela A. Lima
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marília M. Melo
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaynara P. Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel O. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Monique F. Silva
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tatiane F. Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana F. Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Otoni A. O. Melo Júnior
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo C. Giunchette
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tatiane A. Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato L. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Liu ZG, Wang M, Ta N, Fang MG, Mi JC, Yu RP, Luo Y, Cao X, Li ZJ. Seroprevalence of human brucellosis and molecular characteristics of Brucella strains in Inner Mongolia Autonomous region of China, from 2012 to 2016. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:263-274. [PMID: 31997725 PMCID: PMC7034055 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1720528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, a total of 1102304 serum samples were collected to detected human brucellosis between the years 2012 and 2016 in Inner Mongolia. Overall, an average of 3.79% anti-Brucella positive in Inner Mongolia was presented but the range of positive rates were among 0.90 to 7.07% in 12 regions. Seroprevalence of human brucellosis increased gradually from 2012 to 2016. However, the incidence rate of human brucellosis showed a declining trend. One hundred and seven Brucella strains were isolated and identified as B. melitensis species, and B. melitensis biovar 3 was the predominant biovar. MLVA-11 genotypes 116 was predominant and had crucial epidemiology to the human population. All 107 strains tested were sorted into 75 MLVA-16 genotypes, with 54 single genotypes representing unique isolates. This result revealed that these Brucellosis cases had epidemiologically unrelated and sporadic characteristics. The remaining 21 shared genotypes among two to four strains, confirming the occurrence of cross-infection and multiple outbreaks. Extensive genotype-events were observed between strains from this study and Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Turkey, these countries were key members of the grassland silk road. Long-time trade in small ruminants (sheep) in these countries has possibly promoted the spread of Brucella spp. in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Guo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Wang
- Ulanqab Centre for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Jining, Inner Mongolia
| | - Na Ta
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Gang Fang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Chuan Mi
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Ping Yu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Luo
- Farmer School of Business, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Xiaoan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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