-
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Some spp. are important pathogens. According to the latest prokaryotic taxonomy, the genus consists of facultative intracellular parasitic species and extracellular...
Some spp. are important pathogens. According to the latest prokaryotic taxonomy, the genus consists of facultative intracellular parasitic species and extracellular opportunistic or environmental species. Intracellular species include classical and nonclassical types, with different species generally exhibiting host preferences. Some classical intracellular species can cause zoonotic brucellosis, including , , , and . Extracellular species comprise opportunistic or environmental species which belonged formerly to the genus and thus nowadays renamed as for example or , which are the most frequent opportunistic human pathogens within the recently expanded genus . The cause of the diverse phenotypic characteristics of different species is still unclear. To further investigate the genetic evolutionary characteristics of the genus and elucidate the relationship between its genomic composition and prediction of phenotypic traits, we collected the genomic data of from the NCBI Genome database and conducted a comparative genomics study. We found that classical and nonclassical intracellular species and extracellular species exhibited differences in phylogenetic relationships, horizontal gene transfer and distribution patterns of mobile genetic elements, virulence factor genes, and antibiotic resistance genes, showing the close relationship between the genetic variations and prediction of phenotypic traits of different species. Furthermore, we found significant differences in horizontal gene transfer and the distribution patterns of mobile genetic elements, virulence factor genes, and antibiotic resistance genes between the two chromosomes of , indicating that the two chromosomes had distinct dynamics and plasticity and played different roles in the survival and evolution of . These findings provide new directions for exploring the genetic evolutionary characteristics of the genus and could offer new clues to elucidate the factors influencing the phenotypic diversity of the genus.
PubMed: 38721599
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1389859 -
Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni Apr 2024Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease endemic in many developing countries, including Türkiye. Among the species that are pathogenic for humans; Brucella melitensis is...
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease endemic in many developing countries, including Türkiye. Among the species that are pathogenic for humans; Brucella melitensis is isolated from livestock animals like sheep and goats, Brucella abortus from cattle and Brucella suis from pigs. Laboratory diagnosis of infection caused by Brucella species with gram-negative coccobacillus morphology; can be made through characteristic culture features, serological tests and molecular methods. Brucellosis, which has a wide distribution of clinical signs and symptoms; can cause various complications by affecting many organs and systems. Among all complications, the probability of thyroid abscess is less than 1%. In this case report; an example of thyroid abscess, one of the rare complications of brucellosis that is not frequently encountered in the literature, was presented. During the physical examination of a 45-year-old female patient who admitted with the complaint of pain in the neck area, fever, neck swelling, redness and pain that increased with palpation were detected. Leukocytosis, lymphopenia, high sedimentation and CRP, low TSH and high T4 values were detected in laboratory tests and subacute thyroiditis was considered as the preliminary diagnosis. Surgical abscess drainage was planned as the patient's clinical findings progressed during follow-up and spontaneous pus discharged from the midline of the neck. The abscess aspirate sample taken during surgical intervention and the blood culture samples taken before were evaluated microbiologically. Microorganisms that did not grow on EMB agar but grew on 5% sheep blood and chocolate agar at the 72-96th hour of incubation of culture plates; were detected to have gram-negative coccobacillus morphology and positive for catalase, oxidase and urease. Although the Wright test was negative with a titer of 1/20, the Rose Bengal test was positive, Coombs test was positive with a titer of 1/160 and the Brucellacapt test was positive with a titer of >1/5120. Microorganisms growing on culture plates were identified as B.melitensis at the species level with specific antisera. As a result of antibiotic susceptibility tests evaluated according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing version 14.0 (EUCAST v14.0), the isolate was susceptible to rifampicin, doxycycline, gentamicin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole at standart dosing regimen and susceptible to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin at increased exposure. The patient, who was started on doxycycline and rifampicin combination treatment, was discharged without any complaints. In the diagnosis of infection due to Brucella species, which is one of the pathogens that early diagnosis and initiation of treatment greatly affects the prognosis; in addition to culture, which is the gold standard method, serological tests are also very important. If diagnosis is delayed, complications may develop due to involvement in almost every part of the body, depending on the affected organs and systems. In areas where brucellosis is endemic, patients with symptoms such as neck swelling, shortness of breath and difficulty in swallowing, thyroid tissue involvement due to brucellosis should definitely be considered etiologically.
Topics: Brucella melitensis; Brucellosis; Humans; Female; Abscess; Middle Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drainage; Thyroiditis, Subacute; Thyroid Diseases
PubMed: 38676588
DOI: 10.5578/mb.20249810 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Brucellosis is a worldwide extended zoonosis caused by pathogens of the genus . While most , , and biovars grow slowly in complex media, they multiply intensely in...
Brucellosis is a worldwide extended zoonosis caused by pathogens of the genus . While most , , and biovars grow slowly in complex media, they multiply intensely in livestock genitals and placenta indicating high metabolic capacities. Mutant analyses and in infection models emphasize that erythritol (abundant in placenta and genitals) is a preferred substrate of brucellae, and suggest hexoses, pentoses, and gluconeogenic substrates use in host cells. While sugar and erythritol catabolic pathways are known, growth on 3-4 carbon substrates persists in Fbp- and GlpX-deleted mutants, the canonical gluconeogenic fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6bP) bisphosphatases. Exploiting the prototrophic and fast-growing properties of biovar 5, we show that gluconeogenesis requires fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (Fba); the existence of a novel broad substrate bisphosphatase (Bbp) active on sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate (S1,7bP), F1,6bP, and other phosphorylated substrates; that Fbp unexpectedly acts on S1,7bP and F1,6bP; and that, while active in and , GlpX is disabled in biovar 5. Thus, two Fba-dependent reactions (dihydroxyacetone-phosphate + glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate ⇌ F1,6bP; and dihydroxyacetone-phosphate + erythrose 4-phosphate ⇌ S1,7bP) can, respectively, yield fructose 6-phosphate and sedoheptulose 7-phosphate for classical gluconeogenesis and the Pentose Phosphate Shunt (PPS), the latter reaction opening a new gluconeogenic route. Since erythritol generates the PPS-intermediate erythrose 4-phosphate, and the Fba/Fbp-Bbp route predicts sedoheptulose 7-phosphate generation from erythrose 4-phosphate, we re-examined the erythritol connections with PPS. Growth on erythritol required transaldolase or the Fba/Fbp-Bbp pathway, strongly suggesting that Fba/Fbp-Bbp works as a PPS entry for both erythritol and gluconeogenic substrates in . We propose that, by increasing erythritol channeling into PPS through these peculiar routes, brucellae proliferate in livestock genitals and placenta in the high numbers that cause abortion and infertility, and make brucellosis highly contagious. These findings could be the basis for developing attenuated brucellosis vaccines safer in pregnant animals.
PubMed: 38601913
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1328293 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jun 2024Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting animals and subsistence harvesters in the circumarctic. We investigated recent trends (2015-2022) of brucellosis...
Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting animals and subsistence harvesters in the circumarctic. We investigated recent trends (2015-2022) of brucellosis seropositivity in caribou () and muskoxen () in the Central Canadian Arctic by using data from community-based wildlife health surveillance programs. The overall sample prevalence of a antibodies was 10.0% ( = 271) in muskoxen and 15.5% ( = 277) in caribou. Sample seroprevalence in muskoxen varied geographically with an increasing trend of exposure on NW Victoria Island (from 0% to 36.8% between 2016 and 2022; Kendall tau = 0.283, = 0.001). The presence of biovar 4 was confirmed by culture from clinical cases in this area. Our results indicate that biovar 4 continues to circulate in the Central Canadian Arctic in caribou and muskoxen and may be now circulating in muskoxen independently from caribou. These findings highlight the need to better understand the ecology and drivers of brucellosis emergence in Arctic multi-host systems.
PubMed: 38590630
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100712 -
Veterinary Sciences Mar 2024Bovine and bubaline brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy. Although control and eradication measures have been implemented for several years, the...
Bovine and bubaline brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy. Although control and eradication measures have been implemented for several years, the brucellosis situation remains problematic in the Campania region. The infection is present in the provinces of Salerno and Caserta, with the latter experiencing a drastic increase in the prevalence and incidence of infection in buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis) in recent years. The brucellosis eradication plan in Italy is subject to the European co-financing system, and failure to achieve the objectives of the plan has resulted in economic cuts for the Campania Region for years. This study aimed to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with the spread and persistence of brucellosis infection on buffalo farms in the Province of Caserta. The results of official controls carried out from 2015 to 2020 on the buffalo farms of the Province were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the R software (version 4.1.0) on a final dataset consisting of 4583 observations. The possible association between covariates and outcome (presence/absence of infection) was evaluated (T-Fisher and Wilcoxon). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. The study shows that the risk of infection is statistically associated with the density of farms per square km and previous notifications of abortions on the same farms. Furthermore, animal movements constitute a risk factor for the permanence of infection over time (OR > 1), and herds already infected prior to 2015 were seen to have an almost three-fold higher risk of developing the disease (OR = 3.35).
PubMed: 38535853
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11030119 -
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Mar 2024Monitoring disease among wildlife is critical to preserving health in both domestic animals and wildlife, and it becomes much more critical when the diseases cause...
Monitoring disease among wildlife is critical to preserving health in both domestic animals and wildlife, and it becomes much more critical when the diseases cause significant economic damage to the livestock industry or threaten public health. Given the continuous increase in populations and its role as a reservoir for several infections, wild boar (Sus scrofa) requires special attention regarding disease surveillance and monitoring. In this study, we investigated the molecular prevalence of selected pathogens in the wild boar population of Campania, southern Italy. The prevalence of pathogens causing reproductive problems in pigs (Sus domesticus), including porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine circovirus types 2 and 3 (PCV-2 and PCV-3), pseudorabies virus (PRV), Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella suis, was evaluated by testing the reproductive organs collected from 63 wild boars with polymerase chain reaction. The most common pathogens were PPV (44.4%) and two porcine circoviruses (14.3%). PRV and C. burnetii, on the other hand, showed a significantly lower prevalence (1.6%). No reproductive organs tested were positive for B. suis. Risk factor analysis revealed a correlation between age and PCV-2 positivity, with animals less than 12 months old having significantly higher prevalence rates.Our findings suggest that wild boars hunted in the Campania region harbour several infections potentially transmissible to other mammals' reproductive tracts. Furthermore, our results emphasized the importance of strict adherence to biosecurity protocols on domestic swine farms, especially on free-range farms, to avoid interactions between domestic and wild animals.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Brucella suis; Italy; Sus scrofa
PubMed: 38443949
DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00731-3 -
Cureus Jan 2024Brucellosis is an infectious illness contracted by humans through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy items. organisms are diminutive, gram-negative,...
INTRODUCTION
Brucellosis is an infectious illness contracted by humans through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy items. organisms are diminutive, gram-negative, non-motile, and non-spore-forming facultative intracellular, aerobic intracellular coccobacilli residing within the reproductive organs of host animals, leading to conditions such as abortions and sterility. Numerous species of have been identified, with the following four exhibiting varying degrees of pathogenicity in humans: (originating from sheep), (associated with pigs), (linked to cattle), and (found in dogs). and demonstrate the highest level of pathogenicity, while and exhibit a more moderate degree of pathogenicity. The illness can progress to systemic involvement, with the musculoskeletal system being particularly susceptible to complications. Spinal epidural abscess is an infrequent complication that may occur during spondylitis caused by species. Epidural abscesses most commonly affect the lumbar vertebrae, while their involvement in the cervical spine is relatively rare.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we explore spine brucellosis, covering its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, and evolving treatments. We aim to enhance early detection, timely intervention, and patient outcomes.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This retrospective chart analysis was conducted by revising all medical files for patients in whom spinal brucellosis was diagnosed and managed.
RESULTS
This study was conducted at King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC), Jordan, and included a total of 20 patients who were diagnosed with spine brucellosis during the study period. Within the final cohort, 65% of the patients were male (13/20), with an average age at diagnosis of 47.53±14.98 years (ranging from 4 to 61 years). The female group, on the other hand, had an average age at diagnosis of 51.12±15.55 years (ranging from 3 to 58 years). Statistical analysis of the data revealed no significant demographic differences between the two groups. Regarding the co-morbidities, no statistical differences were observed between the two groups. Examining the occupational status of the two groups, no differences were observed. Also, no differences were observed between the two groups regarding the residence place, or the spinal segment involved.
CONCLUSION
Spine brucellosis, although uncommon, poses a complex clinical challenge. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for effective management. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines for spine brucellosis.
PubMed: 38318596
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51761 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Human brucellosis causes serious public health concerns in Ningxia, China.
OBJECTIVE
Human brucellosis causes serious public health concerns in Ningxia, China.
METHODS
This study employed epidemiological, bacteriological, and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) methods to conduct an epidemiological investigation, which is necessary for devising tailored control strategies.
RESULTS
Between 1958 and 2022, 29,892 cases were reported, with an average annual number of cases and incidence of 467 and 7.1/100,000, respectively. The epidemic situation gradually worsened, with cases escalating from 26 cases in 2005 to 6,292 in 2022, with the incidence rate rising from 0.441 in 2005 to 86.83 in 2022. Geographically, the disease spread from a single affected county in 2004 to encompass all 22 counties in 2022. Yanchi County had the highest incidence, followed by the Hongsibao and Tongxin counties. These data suggest that infection has become a rampant regional concern in human brucellosis. Between 1958 and 2019, a total of 230 strains were identified across four studied hosts. These strains comprised four species with 12 biovars, including bv. 1, bv. 2, bv. 3, bv. 1, bv. 3, bv. 4, bv. 5, bv. 6, bv. 7, bv. 1 and bv. 3, and . These data highlight the high species/biovars and host diversity of the population, posing a substantial challenge to brucellosis surveillance. There was an apparent transition from multiple species/biovars historically to the current dominance of a single species, , emphasizing the requirement for strengthening surveillance of . Genotypes 42 and 116, constituting 96.2% of the total number of genotypes, predominated in panel 1 and , indicating that all strains belong to the East Mediterranean lineage. cluster analysis revealed persistent transmission of dominant circulating genotypes, presenting an epidemic pattern characterized primarily by epidemiologically related cases with a few sporadic cases. Strains in this study exhibited high genetic homogeneity with strains from the Northwest, and those from Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
CONCLUSION
The epidemic situation of human brucellosis has gradually worsened; the rampant epidemic of the disease has become a regional concern. The present study highlights that implementing the of targeted surveillance and intervention strategies is urge.
PubMed: 38314436
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1320845 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023Brucella is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen that causes infection in sheep and goats (); can also infect other animals. Sheep and goat brucellosis is...
Brucella is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen that causes infection in sheep and goats (); can also infect other animals. Sheep and goat brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy, including Campania, and causes considerable economic losses and health threats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors influencing the spread of brucellosis among sheep and goat farms in the Campania region in order to provide the local veterinary services with practical support in evaluating and planning diagnostic, preventive and control interventions. The results of official controls for brucellosis carried out from 2015 to 2020 in the sheep and goat farms of the Campania Region were analyzed. Data were extracted from the National Veterinary Information Systems and the Laboratory Management System of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy. Statistical analysis was carried out through the software R version 4.1.0; the dataset consisted of 37,442 observations, and 9 qualitative and quantitative variables were evaluated on 8487 farms, 248 of which were positive. The association between covariates and the outcome (presence/absence of the disease) was evaluated (Fisher and Wilcoxon tests). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. This study confirmed that brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Campania region mostly occurs through contact with infected animals imported from other farms (OR = 3.41-IC 95% [1.82-6.41]). Farms with a greater number of animals were seen to be at the greatest risk of infection (OR = 1.04-IC 95% [1.03-1.05]); previous suspension of healthy status also proved to be a risk factor (OR = 55.8-IC 95% [26.7-117]).
PubMed: 38004635
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112623 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Brucellosis remains an important zoonotic disease in several parts of the world; in Greece, although it is declining, it is still endemic, affecting both the financial...
Brucellosis remains an important zoonotic disease in several parts of the world; in Greece, although it is declining, it is still endemic, affecting both the financial and public health sectors. The current study was undertaken to investigate the presence and distribution of virulence-associated genes among spp. clinical strains isolated during 2001-2022. Species identification was performed using conventional methodology and Bruce-ladder PCR. The presence of the virulence genes N, A, A, A, 19, , and B was investigated using PCR. During the study period, a total of 334 isolates were identified, of which 328 (98.2%) were detected from positive blood cultures; 315 (94.3%) of the isolates were identified as , whilst the remaining 16 (4.8%) and 3 (0.9%) were identified as and , respectively. Notably, two of the were assigned to the REV-1 vaccine strain type. The presence of the 19, A, N and A genes was confirmed in all 315 isolates, while , A, and B genes were detected in all but 9, 2, 1 and 1 of the isolates, respectively. All eight virulence genes were amplified in all and isolates. The detection rate of virulence genes did not differ significantly among species. In conclusion, brucellosis is still considered a prevailing zoonotic disease in Greece, with the majority of the isolates identified as . The eight pathogenicity-associated genes were present in almost all isolates, although the gene was absent from a limited number of isolates.
PubMed: 38003739
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111274