Bovine brucellosis serological survey in small dairy herds in Lushnja district, Albania

Juma, Arla; Gerald, Muça; Koni, Anita; Luigj, Turmalaj; Koleci, Xhelil

doi:10.51585/gjvr.2022.1.0038

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

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“…At present, the here investigated isolates represented the highest local genetic diversity of B. melitensis in this region. Brucellosis is a ubiquitous disease among bovines and small ruminants in Albania [ 54 , 55 ]. Illegal trafficking of animals across borders, e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genotype diversity of brucellosis agents isolated from humans and animals in Greece based on whole-genome sequencing

Brangsch,

Sandalakis,

Babetsa

et al. 2023

BMC Infect Dis

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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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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%