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Gonuguntla HN, Surendra KSNL, Prasad A, Sarangi LN, Rana SK, Manasa G, Muthappa PN, Harikumar AV, Sharma GK. Brucella melitensis: Divergence Among Indian Strains and Genetic Characterization of a Strain Isolated from Cattle. Indian J Microbiol 2023; 63:272-280. [PMID: 37781017 PMCID: PMC10533427 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-023-01081-w] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucella melitensis primarily affects sheep, goats and is associated with brucellosis in humans, which is one of the world's most widespread neglected zoonotic disease. The current study attempted the determination of genetic diversity through comparative genome analysis of B. melitensis strains reported from India with other countries. The study also reports the isolation and identification of B. melitensis BMNDDB8664 from a cow with a history of abortion, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), determination of virulence factors, genotyping, and comparative genome analysis. Multilocus sequence typing, Multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA), and WGS based phylogeny revealed the predominance of ST-8 and genotypes (116 and II respectively) that clustered to the East Mediterranean lineage. Identification of hitherto unreported genotypes by MLVA also indicated the existence and circulation of West Mediterranean and American lineages in India. Though the AMOS-PCR results suggest the BMNDDB8664 isolate as Brucella abortus, the outcomes from multiplex PCR, ribosomal multilocus sequence typing, and WGS analysis confirmed it as B. melitensis. The analysis revealed the presence of adeF gene (aids conferring resistance to fluoro-quinolone and tetracyclines). The isolate lacked two important T4SS genes virB2 and virB7 genes (roles in infection and rifampicin resistance respectively) and also lacked the Brucella suis mprF gene that aids intracellular survival. Further, BMNDDB8664 lacked some of the genes associated with LPS synthesis (wbkB, wbkC) and transport (wzm, wzt) and hence, is most likely a rough strain. WGS-based phylogenetic analysis revealed close genetic relatedness of this BMNDDB8664 with a sheep isolate and two human isolates. The results prompt systematic, broad-based epidemiological studies on brucella infection at the species level. For effective control of human brucellosis, a concerted One Health approach with studies encircling the identification of aetiology at species, strain level to find their prevalence, spread, and inter-host transmission patterns need to be understood, for better design and implementation of effective control strategies in India and other endemic regions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01081-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hariprasad Naidu Gonuguntla
- National Dairy Development Board Research and Development Laboratory, IIL Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
| | - Kota Sri Naga Leela Surendra
- National Dairy Development Board Research and Development Laboratory, IIL Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
| | - Amitesh Prasad
- National Dairy Development Board Research and Development Laboratory, IIL Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
| | - Laxmi Narayan Sarangi
- National Dairy Development Board Research and Development Laboratory, IIL Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
| | | | - Gujjala Manasa
- National Dairy Development Board Research and Development Laboratory, IIL Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
| | - Ponnanna Nadikerianda Muthappa
- National Dairy Development Board Research and Development Laboratory, IIL Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 India
| | - A. V. Harikumar
- National Dairy Development Board, Anand, Gujarat 388001 India
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Brangsch H, Sandalakis V, Babetsa M, Boukouvala E, Ntoula A, Makridaki E, Christidou A, Psaroulaki A, Akar K, Gürbilek SE, Jamil T, Melzer F, Neubauer H, Wareth G. Genotype diversity of brucellosis agents isolated from humans and animals in Greece based on whole-genome sequencing. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:529. [PMID: 37580676 PMCID: PMC10426126 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08518-z] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease whose causative agent, Brucella spp., is endemic in many countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Greece. Although the occurrence of brucellosis must be reported to the authorities, it is believed that the disease is under-reported in Greece, and knowledge about the genomic diversity of brucellae is lacking. METHODS Thus, 44 Brucella isolates, primarily B. melitensis, collected between 1999 and 2009 from humans and small ruminants in Greece were subjected to whole genome sequencing using short-read technology. The raw reads and assembled genomes were used for in silico genotyping based on single nucleotide substitutions and alleles. Further, specific genomic regions encoding putative virulence genes were screened for characteristic nucleotide changes, which arose in different genotype lineages. RESULTS In silico genotyping revealed that the isolates belonged to three of the known sublineages of the East Mediterranean genotype. In addition, a novel subgenotype was identified that was basal to the other East Mediterranean sublineages, comprising two Greek strains. The majority of the isolates can be assumed to be of endemic origin, as they were clustered with strains from the Western Balkans or Turkey, whereas one strain of human origin could be associated with travel to another endemic region, e.g. Portugal. Further, nucleotide substitutions in the housekeeping gene rpoB and virulence-associated genes were detected, which were characteristic of the different subgenotypes. One of the isolates originating from an aborted bovine foetus was identified as B. abortus vaccine strain RB51. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate the existence of several distinct persistent Brucella sp. foci in Greece. To detect these and for tracing infection chains, extensive sampling initiatives are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanka Brangsch
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Fredrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Vassilios Sandalakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71500, Greece
| | - Maria Babetsa
- Veterinary Research Institute, ELGO-DIMITRA, Campus of Thermi, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evridiki Boukouvala
- Veterinary Research Institute, ELGO-DIMITRA, Campus of Thermi, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Artemisia Ntoula
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71500, Greece
| | - Eirini Makridaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71500, Greece
| | - Athanasia Christidou
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71500, Greece
| | - Anna Psaroulaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71500, Greece
| | - Kadir Akar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, Van, 65090, Turkey
| | - Sevil Erdenlig Gürbilek
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, 63200, Turkey
| | - Tariq Jamil
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Fredrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Falk Melzer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Fredrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Fredrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Gamal Wareth
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Fredrich-Loeffler-Institut - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), 07743, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, 07747, Jena, Germany
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Aurich S, Schneider J, Brangsch H, Koets A, Melzer F, Ewers C, Prenger-Berninghoff E. Brucella suis biovar 1 infection in a dog with orchitis in Germany. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1233118. [PMID: 37601758 PMCID: PMC10435866 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1233118] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021, a case of canine brucellosis diagnosed in a dog with orchitis was presented to a veterinary practice in Germany. Serological testing excluded Brucella (B.) canis as a causative agent, but molecular analysis revealed the presence of B. suis biovar 1. Since biovar 1 is not endemic in Europe and the dog had no history of travel to endemic areas, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation was conducted using whole genome sequence data to determine the source of infection. We describe the clinical progress of the animal and the potential infection of a veterinary clinic employee. The findings highlight the importance of considering less common Brucella species as possible causes of canine brucellosis. The data also emphasize that it is quite challenging to identify Brucella species in a routine diagnostic laboratory and to conduct epidemiological investigations to unveil possible transmission routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Aurich
- Department of Veterinary Science, Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Juliane Schneider
- Tierärztliche Klinik für Kleintiere am Kaiserberg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Hanka Brangsch
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
| | - Ad Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Falk Melzer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
| | - Christa Ewers
- Department of Veterinary Science, Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Department of Veterinary Science, Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Wareth G, Abdel-Hamid NH, Hamdy MER, Elmonir W, Beleta EIM, El-Diasty M, Abdel-Glil MY, Melzer F, Neubauer H. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of Brucella suis biovar 2 isolated from domestic pigs in Egypt for epidemiological and genetic diversity tracing. Vet Microbiol 2023; 277:109637. [PMID: 36586209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109637] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, 14 Brucella suis biovar 2 (B. suis bv 2) strains isolated from slaughter pigs in Cairo were sequenced using Illumina technology to investigate genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and virulence-associated determinants. These strains were the first B. suis bv 2 isolates from Egypt. To place them in a global context, 92 genomes of B. suis were retrieved from the NCBI database and used for comparison. The in-silico analysis of MLST showed that all isolates have ST16. No resistome but 43 virulomes have been found without differences in distribution. The cgMLST classified the Egyptian B. suis strains into a complex type (CT) encompassing four distinct cgMLST sequence types. The closest relatives were strain B. suis 94/11 of an unknown origin and a Danish strain. Whole-genome sequencing analysis proved low diversity of Egyptian B. suis isolates; thus, a single introduction event is assumed. Investigation of a large number of B. suis isolates from different governorates is required to tailor control measures to avoid further spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Wareth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany; Department of Bacteriology, Immunology, and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt.
| | - Nour H Abdel-Hamid
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI) P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud E R Hamdy
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI) P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt.
| | - Walid Elmonir
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (Zoonoses), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt.
| | - Eman I M Beleta
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI) P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI) P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa Y Abdel-Glil
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Holzer K, Wareth G, El-Diasty M, Abdel-Hamid NH, Hamdy MER, Moustafa SA, Linde J, Bartusch F, Abdel-Glil MY, Sayour AE, Elbauomy EM, Elhadidy M, Melzer F, Beyer W. Tracking the distribution, genetic diversity and lineage of Brucella melitensis recovered from humans and animals in Egypt based on core-genome SNP analysis and in silico MLVA-16. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3952-3963. [PMID: 36383491 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14768] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is one of the most common neglected zoonotic diseases globally, with a public health significance and a high economic loss in the livestock industry caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. In this study, 136 Egyptian Brucella melitensis strains isolated from animals and humans between 2001 and 2020 were analysed by examining the whole-core-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) in comparison to the in silico multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16). Almost all Egyptian isolates were belonging to the West Mediterranean clade, except two isolates from buffalo and camel were belonging to the American and East Mediterranean clades, respectively. A significant correlation between the human case of brucellosis and the possible source of infection from animals was found. It seems that several outbreak strains already existing for many years have been spread over long distances and between many governorates. The cgSNP analysis, in combination with epidemiological metadata, allows a better differentiation than the MLVA-16 genotyping method and, hence, the source definition and tracking of outbreak strains. The MLVA based on the currently used 16 markers is not suitable for this task. Our results revealed 99 different cgSNP genotypes with many different outbreak strains, both older and widely distributed ones and rather newly introduced ones as well. This indicates several different incidents and sources of infections, probably by imported animals from other countries to Egypt. Comparing our panel of isolates to public databases by cgSNP analysis, the results revealed near relatives from Italy. Moreover, near relatives from the United States, France, Austria and India were found by in silico MLVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Holzer
- Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gamal Wareth
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany.,Department of Bacteriology, Immunology, and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Moshtohor, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nour H Abdel-Hamid
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud E R Hamdy
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shawky A Moustafa
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology, and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Moshtohor, Egypt
| | - Jörg Linde
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Felix Bartusch
- IT Center (ZDV), High-Performance and Cloud Computing Group, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mostafa Y Abdel-Glil
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Ashraf E Sayour
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Essam M Elbauomy
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elhadidy
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Bacteriology, Mycology, and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Beyer
- Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Improved Characterization and Epidemiological Surveillance of Pathogenic Brucella. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0031122. [PMID: 35852343 PMCID: PMC9387271 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00311-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis poses a significant burden to human and animal health worldwide. Robust and harmonized molecular epidemiological approaches and population studies that include routine disease screening are needed to efficiently track the origin and spread of Brucella strains. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is a powerful genotyping system commonly used to delineate pathogen transmission routes for disease surveillance and control. Except for Brucella melitensis, cgMLST schemes for Brucella species are currently not established. Here, we describe a novel cgMLST scheme that covers multiple Brucella species. We first determined the phylogenetic breadth of the genus using 612 Brucella genomes. We selected 1,764 genes that were particularly well conserved and typeable in at least 98% of these genomes. We tested the new scheme on 600 genomes and found high agreement with the whole-genome-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Next, we applied the scheme to reanalyze the genome of Brucella strains from epidemiologically linked outbreaks. We demonstrated the applicability of the new scheme for high-resolution typing required in outbreak investigations as previously reported with whole-genome SNP methods. We also used the novel scheme to define the global population structure of the genus using 1,322 Brucella genomes. Finally, we demonstrated the possibility of tracing distribution of Brucella strains by performing cluster analysis of cgMLST profiles and found nearly identical cgMLST profiles in different countries. Our results show that sequencing depth of more than 40-fold is optimal for allele calling with this scheme. In summary, this study describes a novel Brucella-wide cgMLST scheme that is applicable in Brucella molecular epidemiology and helps in accurately tracking and thus controlling the sources of infection. The scheme is publicly accessible and should represent a valuable resource for laboratories with limited computational resources and bioinformatics expertise.
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Sibhat B, Tessema TS, Nile E, Asmare K. Brucellosis in Ethiopia: A comprehensive review of literature from the year 2000-2020 and the way forward. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1231-e1252. [PMID: 35196417 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of considerable economic and public health significance globally. Despite the limited bacteriological evidence, a large number of serological works revealed that it is prevalent both in livestock and humans in Ethiopia. The current comprehensive review was carried out to provide apparent pooled seroprevalence (APS) estimates at individual animal and herd levels in livestock, and identify factors causing variability between studies conducted over the last two decades, show the spatial distribution, as well as summarizes Brucella species reported from livestock. It also provides APS of brucellosis in humans and evaluates the public health awareness of zoonotic brucellosis. In this review, systematic and synthetic review approaches were followed to summarize the available information. For the systematic review and meta-analysis, articles were selected based on predefined criteria. Data extracted from these articles were analyzed using meta-analytical approaches to provide APS estimates and in-between study variations for humans and all livestock species considered. Sensitivity analyses and bias assessments were conducted using influence plot analysis and, Egger's and Begg's statistics along with funnel plots, respectively. Synthetic review approaches were used to summarize data on isolates and public health awareness. Pooled seroprevalence estimate of brucellosis at national level was 2.6% (95% CI, 2.2-3.0) in cattle, 4% (95% CI, 3.1-5.1) in goats, 3% (95% CI, 2.3-3.9) in sheep and 3% (95% CI, 2.4-3.7) in camels. At a herd level, 16.3% (95% CI, 12.9, 20.5) of cattle, 12.1% (7.1, 19.9) of goat, 13.3% (7.6, 22.1) of sheep and 19.7% (13.8, 27.4) of camel herds in the country had at least one seropositive animal. Cattle in the pastoral/agropastoral production systems had significantly higher (p < 0.05) APS compared to mixed crop-livestock and urban/peri-urban dairy production systems. Pooled seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants (8.3%, 95% CI, 6.3, 10.8) and camels (4.4%, 95% CI, 3.5, 5.6) in Afar were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in other regions. Reports conducted using ELISA and serial Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT)-ELISA had higher (p<0.05) APS estimates than serial RBPT and complement fixation test. Brucella melitensis and B. abortus were reported from goats and cattle, respectively, from three available reports. The APS of brucellosis in humans was 5% (95% CI: 3.3, 7.3). Public awareness of brucellosis was low (18.4%), while, practices that expose humans to Brucella infection were high. Scenario-based control interventions on regions and production systems using one health approach are suggested. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhanu Sibhat
- College Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.,Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Sisay Tessema
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Emmor Nile
- Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem, Oregon, USA
| | - Kassahun Asmare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Zilberman B, Motro Y, Sagi O, Kornspan D, Ben-Shimol S, Gdalevich M, Yagel Y, Davidovitch N, Khalfin B, Rabinowitz P, Nesher L, Grotto I, Bardenstein S, Moran-Gilad J. Genomic Epidemiology of Clinical Brucella melitensis Isolates from Southern Israel. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020238. [PMID: 35208693 PMCID: PMC8878301 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis, a zoonosis mainly transmitted by consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, is endemic in Southern Israel, mainly among the Bedouin Arab population. However, the genomic epidemiology of B. melitensis in this region has not yet been elucidated. A cohort of brucellosis cases (n = 118) diagnosed between 2017–2019 was studied using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Phylogenetic analyses utilized core genome MLST (cgMLST) for all local isolates and core genome SNPs for 347 human-associated B. melitensis genomes, including Israeli and publicly available sequences. Israeli isolates formed two main clusters, presenting a notable diversity, with no clear dominance of a specific strain. On a global scale, the Israeli genomes clustered according to their geographical location, in proximity to genomes originating from the Middle East, and formed the largest cluster in the tree, suggesting relatively high conservation. Our study unveils the genomic epidemiology of B. melitensis in Southern Israel, implicating that rather than a common source, the transmission pattern of brucellosis among Bedouin communities is complex, predominantly local, and household-based. Further, genomic surveillance of B. melitensis is expected to inform future public health and veterinary interventions and clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Zilberman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
| | - Yair Motro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
| | - Orli Sagi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
- Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - David Kornspan
- Brucellosis Lab, OIE, FAO Reference Laboratory, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (D.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
- Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Michael Gdalevich
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
- Southern District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Beer Sheva 84104, Israel
| | - Yael Yagel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
- Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
| | - Boris Khalfin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
| | - Peter Rabinowitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Lior Nesher
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
- Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
| | - Svetlana Bardenstein
- Brucellosis Lab, OIE, FAO Reference Laboratory, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (D.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Jacob Moran-Gilad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (B.Z.); (Y.M.); (O.S.); (S.B.-S.); (M.G.); (Y.Y.); (N.D.); (B.K.); (L.N.); (I.G.)
- Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
- Correspondence:
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9
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Holzer K, El-Diasty M, Wareth G, Abdel-Hamid NH, Hamdy MER, Moustafa SA, Linde J, Bartusch F, Sayour AE, Elbauomy EM, Elhadidy M, Melzer F, Beyer W. Tracking the Distribution of Brucella abortus in Egypt Based on Core Genome SNP Analysis and In Silico MLVA-16. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091942. [PMID: 34576838 PMCID: PMC8469952 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis, caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella, is one of the most neglected common zoonotic diseases globally with a public health significance and a high economic loss among the livestock industry worldwide. Since little is known about the distribution of B. abortus in Egypt, a total of 46 B. abortus isolates recovered between 2012–2020, plus one animal isolate from 2006, were analyzed by examining the whole core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) in comparison to the in silico multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Both cgSNP analysis and MLVA revealed three clusters and one isolate only was distantly related to the others. One cluster identified a rather widely distributed outbreak strain which is repeatedly occurring for at least 16 years with marginal deviations in cgSNP analysis. The other cluster of isolates represents a rather newly introduced outbreak strain. A separate cluster comprised RB51 vaccine related strains, isolated from aborted material. The comparison with MLVA data sets from public databases reveals one near relative from Argentina to the oldest outbreak strain and a related strain from Spain to a newly introduced outbreak strain in Egypt. The distantly related isolate matches with a strain from Portugal in the MLVA profile. Based on cgSNP analysis the oldest outbreak strain clusters with strains from the UK. Compared to the in silico analysis of MLVA, cgSNP analysis using WGS data provides a much higher resolution of genotypes and, when correlated to the associated epidemiological metadata, cgSNP analysis allows the differentiation of outbreaks by defining different outbreak strains. In this respect, MLVA data are error-prone and can lead to incorrect interpretations of outbreak events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Holzer
- Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-4592-2428
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (N.H.A.-H.); (M.E.R.H.); (A.E.S.); (E.M.E.)
| | - Gamal Wareth
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt; (G.W.); (S.A.M.)
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.)
| | - Nour H. Abdel-Hamid
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (N.H.A.-H.); (M.E.R.H.); (A.E.S.); (E.M.E.)
| | - Mahmoud E. R. Hamdy
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (N.H.A.-H.); (M.E.R.H.); (A.E.S.); (E.M.E.)
| | - Shawky A. Moustafa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt; (G.W.); (S.A.M.)
| | - Jörg Linde
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.)
| | - Felix Bartusch
- High-Performance and Cloud Computing Group, IT Center (ZDV), University of Tuebingen, Waechterstrasse 76, 72074 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Ashraf E. Sayour
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (N.H.A.-H.); (M.E.R.H.); (A.E.S.); (E.M.E.)
| | - Essam M. Elbauomy
- Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (N.H.A.-H.); (M.E.R.H.); (A.E.S.); (E.M.E.)
| | - Mohamed Elhadidy
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza 12578, Egypt;
- Department of Bacteriology, Mycology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Falk Melzer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.)
| | - Wolfgang Beyer
- Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
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10
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Changes in the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Shaanxi Province from 2008 to 2020. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17367. [PMID: 34462483 PMCID: PMC8405659 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, surveys of case numbers, constituent ratios, conventional biotyping, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were applied to characterize the incidence rate and epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Shaanxi Province, China. A total of 12,215 human brucellosis cases were reported during 2008-2020, for an annual average incidence rate of 2.48/100,000. The most significant change was that the county numbers of reported cases increased from 36 in 2008 to 84 in 2020, with a geographic expansion trend from northern Shaanxi to Guanzhong, and southern Shaanxi regions; the incidence rate declined in previous epidemic northern Shaanxi regions while increasing each year in Guanzhong and southern Shaanxi regions such as Hancheng and Xianyang. The increased incidence was closely related to the development of large-scale small ruminants (goats and sheep) farms in Guanzhong and some southern Shaanxi regions. Another significant feature was that student cases (n = 261) were ranked second among all occupations, accounting for 2.14% of the total number of cases, with the majority due to drinking unsterilized goat milk. Three Brucella species were detected (B. melitensis (bv. 1, 2, 3 and variant), B. abortus bv. 3/6, and B. suis bv. 1) and were mainly distributed in the northern Shaanxi and Guanzhong regions. Three known STs (ST8, ST2, and ST14) were identified based on MLST analysis. The characteristics that had not changed were that B. melitensis strains belonging to the ST8 population were the dominant species and were observed in all nine regions during the examined periods. Strengthened human and animal brucellosis surveillance and restriction of the transfer of infected sheep (goats) as well as students avoiding drinking raw milk are suggested as optimal control strategies.
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11
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Whole-Genome Sequencing for Tracing the Genetic Diversity of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis Isolated from Livestock in Egypt. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060759. [PMID: 34208761 PMCID: PMC8235727 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis that occurs worldwide. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has become a widely accepted molecular typing method for outbreak tracing and genomic epidemiology of brucellosis. Twenty-nine Brucella spp. (eight B. abortus biovar 1 and 21 B. melitensis biovar 3) were isolated from lymph nodes, milk, and fetal abomasal contents of infected cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats originating from nine districts in Egypt. The isolates were identified by microbiological methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Differentiation and genotyping were confirmed using multiplex PCR. Illumina MiSeq® was used to sequence the 29 Brucella isolates. Using MLST typing, ST11 and ST1 were identified among B. melitensis and B. abortus, respectively. Brucella abortus and B. melitensis isolates were divided into two main clusters (clusters 1 and 2) containing two and nine distinct genotypes by core-genome SNP analysis, respectively. The genotypes were irregularly distributed over time and space in the study area. Both Egyptian B. abortus and B. melitensis isolates proved to be genomically unique upon comparison with publicly available sequencing from strains of neighboring Mediterranean, African, and Asian countries. The antimicrobial resistance mechanism caused by mutations in rpoB, gyrA, and gyrB genes associated with rifampicin and ciprofloxacin resistance were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the epidemiology of Brucella isolates from livestock belonging to different localities in Egypt based on whole genome analysis.
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12
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Whatmore AM, Foster JT. Emerging diversity and ongoing expansion of the genus Brucella. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104865. [PMID: 33872784 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable genetic diversity and breadth of host species has been uncovered in the Brucella genus over the past decade, fundamentally changing our concept of what it means to be a Brucella. From ocean fishes and marine mammals, to pond dwelling amphibians, forest foxes, desert rodents, and cave-dwelling bats, Brucella have revealed a variety of previously unknown niches. Classical microbiological techniques have been able to help us classify many of these new strains but at times have limited our ability to see the true relationships among or within species. The closest relatives of Brucella are soil bacteria and the adaptations of Brucella spp. to live intracellularly suggest that the genus has evolved to live in vertebrate hosts. Several recently discovered species appear to have phenotypes that are intermediate between soil bacteria and core Brucella, suggesting that they may represent ancestral traits that were subsequently lost in the traditional species. Remarkably, the broad relationships among Brucella species using a variety of sequence and fragment-based approaches have been upheld when using comparative genomics with whole genomes. Nonetheless, genomes are required for fine-scale resolution of many of the relationships and for understanding the evolutionary history of the genus. We expect that the coming decades will reveal many more hosts and previously unknown diversity in a wide range of environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M Whatmore
- OIE and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | - Jeffrey T Foster
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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13
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Schaeffer J, Revilla-Fernández S, Hofer E, Posch R, Stoeger A, Leth C, Schmoll F, Djordjevic V, Lakicevic B, Matovic K, Hufnagl P, Indra A, Allerberger F, Ruppitsch W. Tracking the Origin of Austrian Human Brucellosis Cases Using Whole Genome Sequencing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:635547. [PMID: 33718408 PMCID: PMC7943447 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.635547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. and a major concern for livestock. Most human cases are caused by B. melitensis and clinical presentation is usually a mild febrile illness. However, treatment failure is frequent and more severe complications can occur. In Austria, every human brucellosis is investigated to determine whether it was imported from endemic areas or is the sign of an undetected autochthonous transmission. For this study, 21 B. melitensis strains isolated in Austria between 2005 and 2019 were collected, 17 strains from 15 different patients and four strains from cattle. Whole genome sequencing combined with core-genome MLST analysis was used to characterize these strains. A cluster of seven isolates from 2018 (three human and four cattle isolates) was identified, with fewer than two allelic differences. They corresponded to the only Austrian B. melitensis outbreak that happened over the past 15 years. The other 12 Austrian brucellosis cases were single cases, and geographical origins were available for 8/12. Genomic data was used to locate probable geographical origins and compared with the results of the epidemiological investigations. Austrian strains were compared with 67 published B. melitensis sequences available on NCBI. The result of genomic analysis matched for 7/8 cases with documented conclusion of the epidemiological investigation. Genome analysis also pointed to the geographical origin for three of the four cases with missing epidemiological data. Strains from six cases were grouped together (<40 allelic differences) with 4/6 cases imported from the Balkans. Additional B. melitensis isolates from Serbian animals were analyzed and grouped with this branch, suggesting frequent importation from Balkan countries to Austria. Overall, this study highlights the specificities of human brucellosis in Austria. It also underlines the value of whole genome sequencing as a tool to investigate brucellosis cases, allowing to identify and investigate outbreaks but also to support epidemiological investigation of imported cases. However, the reliability of such methods depends on the number of strains for comparison, which can be challenging in low incidence countries. Increasing the availability of published sequences with documented geographical origins would help establishing genomic-based methods for investigating brucellosis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Schaeffer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria.,EUPHEM Fellowship, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Revilla-Fernández
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Erwin Hofer
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Romana Posch
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Anna Stoeger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Leth
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Friedrich Schmoll
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Vesna Djordjevic
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Brankica Lakicevic
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Kazimir Matovic
- Department for Laboratory Diagnostic, Veterinary Specialized Institute, Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Ruppitsch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
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14
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Assessment of Seroprevalence and the Risk Factors of Sheep Brucellosis in Basrah (Southern Iraq): A Challenge to Prospectively Control Brucellosis. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.14.4.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is one of the most important foodborne infectious diseases distributed widely in low- and middle-income countries. The current study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and risk factors that influence the distribution of Brucella in sheep. A structured questionnaire was prepared and introduced to a total of 60 resident owners from five counties, and 400 sheep blood samples were randomly collected from the selected herds. The sera of isolated sheep were tested for Brucella spp. using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT). A univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors linked to animal management and husbandry practices at the farm level. The overall prevalence estimated for brucellosis was 31% (95% confidence interval [Cl]: 26.5–35.8). The odds of seroprevalence in sheep >1 year were significantly higher than those in sheep ≤1 year (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% Cl: 1.41–3.44). The logistic regression outcomes revealed that two variables related to the management and practices at the farm level were significantly associated with the seroprevalence of brucellosis. These variables were sheep sheep grazing with other flocks (OR: 5.8, 95 Cl% Cl: 1.53–22.67) and the practice of lending ram among sheep owners (OR: 9.3, 95% Cl: 1.05–83.82). Unconfined domesticated dogs, improper handling of aborted ewes, introduction of new animals in a herd, (purchased), and lack of knowledge about brucellosis among owners were underlined to be further important factors that could influence the spread of brucellosis. This study concluded that brucellosis is an endemic disease in Basrah, and the animal vaccination control program with an integrated health education program for sheep owners are obligatory elements of the prevention measures needed to be established to minimize the risk of brucellosis in Basrah.
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15
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Janowicz A, De Massis F, Zilli K, Ancora M, Tittarelli M, Sacchini F, Di Giannatale E, Sahl JW, Foster JT, Garofolo G. Evolutionary history and current distribution of the West Mediterranean lineage of Brucella melitensis in Italy. Microb Genom 2020; 6. [PMID: 33030422 PMCID: PMC7725330 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovine and caprine brucellosis, caused by Brucella melitensis, is one of the world’s most widespread zoonoses and is a major cause of economic losses in domestic ruminant production. In Italy, the disease remains endemic in several southern provinces, despite an ongoing brucellosis eradication programme. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing to detail the genetic diversity of circulating strains, and to examine the origins of the predominant sub-lineages of B. melitensis in Italy. We reconstructed a global phylogeny of B. melitensis, strengthened by 339 new whole-genome sequences, from Italian isolates collected from 2011 to 2018 as part of a national livestock surveillance programme. All Italian strains belonged to the West Mediterranean lineage, which further divided into two major clades that diverged roughly between the 5th and 7th centuries. We observed that Sicily serves as a brucellosis burden hotspot, giving rise to several distinct sub-lineages. More than 20 putative outbreak clusters of ovine and caprine brucellosis were identified, several of which persisted over the 8 year survey period despite an aggressive brucellosis eradication campaign. While the outbreaks in Central and Northern Italy were generally associated with introductions of single clones of B. melitensis and their subsequent dissemination within neighbouring territories, we observed weak geographical segregation of genotypes in the southern regions. Biovar determination, recommended in routine analysis of all Brucella strains by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), could not discriminate among the four main global clades. This demonstrates a need for updating the guidelines used for monitoring B. melitensis transmission and spread, both at the national and international level, and to include whole-genome-based typing as the principal method for identification and tracing of brucellosis outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Janowicz
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Massis
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Zilli
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Ancora
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Manuela Tittarelli
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Giannatale
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Jason W Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Foster
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Giuliano Garofolo
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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16
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Wareth G, El-Diasty M, Melzer F, Schmoock G, Moustafa SA, El-Beskawy M, Khater DF, Hamdy ME, Zaki HM, Ferreira AC, Ekateriniadou LV, Boukouvala E, Abdel-Glil MY, Menshawy AM, Sancho MP, Sakhria S, Pletz MW, Neubauer H. MLVA-16 Genotyping of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis Isolates from Different Animal Species in Egypt: Geographical Relatedness and the Mediterranean Lineage. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060498. [PMID: 32580472 PMCID: PMC7350383 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease in Egypt. However, there are limited data available on the genetic diversity of brucellae circulating in Egypt and other Mediterranean areas. One hundred and nine Brucella (B.) strains were isolated from different animal species in thirteen Egyptian governorates. Multi-locus variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) analysis (MLVA-16) was employed to determine the geographical relatedness and the genetic diversity of a panel of selected Egyptian strains (n = 69), with strains originating from Italy (n = 49), Portugal (n = 52), Greece (n = 63), and Tunisia (n = 4). Egyptian B. melitensis strains clustered into two main clusters containing 21 genotypes. Egyptian B. abortus strains clustered into three main clusters containing nine genotypes. The genotypes were irregularly distributed over time and space in the study area. Egyptian strains of B. melitensis showed MLVA-16 patterns closer to that of Italian strains. Egyptian B. abortus strains isolated from cattle share the same genotype with strains from Portugal and similar to strains from Italy with low genetic diversity. Strains with similar MLVA patterns isolated from different governorates highlight the movement of the pathogen among governorates. Hence, it may also reflect the long endemicity of brucellosis in Egypt with earlier dispersal of types and great local genetic diversity. Open markets may contribute to cross-species transmission and dissemination of the new types nationwide. The presence of West Mediterranean lineages of B. melitensis and relatedness of B. abortus strains from the studied countries is a result of the socio-historical connections among the Mediterranean countries. Transnational eradication of brucellosis in the Mediterranean basin is highly demanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Wareth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.M.); (G.S.); (M.Y.A.-G.); (H.N.)
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +4936418042296
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Department of Brucellosis, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (D.F.K.); (H.M.Z.)
| | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.M.); (G.S.); (M.Y.A.-G.); (H.N.)
| | - Gernot Schmoock
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.M.); (G.S.); (M.Y.A.-G.); (H.N.)
| | - Shawky A. Moustafa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed El-Beskawy
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh 51744, Egypt;
| | - Dali F. Khater
- Department of Brucellosis, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (D.F.K.); (H.M.Z.)
| | - Mahmoud E.R. Hamdy
- Department of Brucellosis, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (D.F.K.); (H.M.Z.)
| | - Hoda M. Zaki
- Department of Brucellosis, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264-Giza, Cairo 12618, Egypt; (M.E.-D.); (D.F.K.); (H.M.Z.)
| | - Ana Cristina Ferreira
- National Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV, IP), 157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Edificio TecLabs, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Loukia V. Ekateriniadou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization- DEMETER, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (L.V.E.); (E.B.)
| | - Evridiki Boukouvala
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization- DEMETER, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (L.V.E.); (E.B.)
| | - Mostafa Y. Abdel-Glil
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.M.); (G.S.); (M.Y.A.-G.); (H.N.)
| | - Ahmed M.S. Menshawy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Shamlaa Street, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt;
| | - Marta Pérez Sancho
- Centro VISAVET, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n, PC 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Sakhria
- Institute of Veterinary Research of Tunisia, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1006, Tunisia;
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.M.); (G.S.); (M.Y.A.-G.); (H.N.)
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Wareth G, Pletz MW, Neubauer H, Murugaiyan J. Proteomics of Brucella: Technologies and Their Applications for Basic Research and Medical Microbiology. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050766. [PMID: 32443785 PMCID: PMC7285364 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a global zoonosis caused by Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella (B.). Proteomics has been used to investigate a few B. melitensis and B. abortus strains, but data for other species and biovars are limited. Hence, a comprehensive analysis of proteomes will significantly contribute to understanding the enigmatic biology of brucellae. For direct identification and typing of Brucella, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI - TOF MS) has become a reliable tool for routine diagnosis due to its ease of handling, price and sensitivity highlighting the potential of proteome-based techniques. Proteome analysis will also help to overcome the historic but still notorious Brucella obstacles of infection medicine, the lack of safe and protective vaccines and sensitive serologic diagnostic tools by identifying the most efficient protein antigens. This perspective summarizes past and recent developments in Brucella proteomics with a focus on species identification and serodiagnosis. Future applications of proteomics in these fields are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal Wareth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-364-1804-2296
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Jayaseelan Murugaiyan
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Centre for Infectious Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM University AP, Neerukonda, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh 522502, India
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Fero E, Juma A, Koni A, Boci J, Kirandjiski T, Connor R, Wareth G, Koleci X. The seroprevalence of brucellosis and molecular characterization of Brucella species circulating in the beef cattle herds in Albania. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229741. [PMID: 32134953 PMCID: PMC7058276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brucellosis is a ubiquitous zoonotic disease globally. It is endemic among bovines, sheep, and goats in Albania. The national control and eradication programs for brucellosis has been applied on sheep and goat farms as well as large dairy cattle farms, i.e., those with more than ten milking cows. The current study aims at estimating the herd and average individual animal prevalence of brucellosis in the national beef cattle herds, the missing information that was essential to propose the most appropriate control measures for this sub-population. Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were used as serological tests and classical bacteriology for isolation. Results were also used to investigate the difference in sensitivity between the assays used. Methodology In total, 655 animals from 38 beef cattle herds from six southern districts of Albania were sampled. Sera were tested using RBT, FPA, and ELISA. Fifteen positive cows and a bull from eight high-prevalence positive herds were slaughtered, and particular tissue samples were collected for bacteriology. Results The overall herd seroprevalence in the tested beef cattle population was 55%, while the overall average within-herd prevalence (including only positive herds) was 38.3%, 42.7%, and 45.6% determined by the RBT, ELISA, and FPA, respectively. FPA was used for the first time in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in Albania, and its sensitivity was higher than RBT and ELISA. Three B. abortus strains were identified, two from the supra-mammary lymph node of two cows and one from the epididymis of a seropositive bull. Conclusion Brucellosis was highly prevalent in beef cattle in the southern part of Albania, and B. abortus was isolated from this subpopulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first statistically based survey of bovine brucellosis in beef herds in Albania. Using the FPA in parallel with other serological tests improved overall diagnostic sensitivity. Test and slaughter policy is not a rational approach for the control of brucellosis in beef cattle in Albania, and vaccination is only applicable, including strict control of the movement of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edi Fero
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Arla Juma
- Animal Health Laboratory, Food Safety and Veterinary Institute, Tirana, Albania
| | - Anita Koni
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Jonida Boci
- Animal Health Laboratory, Food Safety and Veterinary Institute, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Robert Connor
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
- Animal Health Expert, ISUV, Tirana, Albania
| | - Gamal Wareth
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Xhelil Koleci
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
- * E-mail:
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