Proteomics of Brucella: Technologies and Their Applications for Basic Research and Medical Microbiology

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.

Detection of harmful foodborne pathogens in food samples at the points of sale by MALDT-TOF MS in Egypt

“…Although PCR protocols are used broadly, it is limited and identifies only the expected pathogen based on the chosen primers. MALDI-TOF is now widely used for pathogen identification in routine diagnosis [ 41 ]. It can identify microorganisms from pure colonies in minutes versus conventional methods based on culture and biochemical assays [ 42 ].…”

“…It can identify microorganisms from pure colonies in minutes versus conventional methods based on culture and biochemical assays [ 42 ]. MALDI-TOF reliability and accuracy were demonstrated in numerous studies [ 41 , 43 , 44 ], and its use in the control of microbiological hazards in food materials will reduce the cost of consumables and time spent on other conventional diagnostics tools, giving a chance to the rapid choice of an appropriate antimicrobial therapy during food poisoning outbreaks. MALDI-TOF–MS identification is speedy, and only 2 h are required to examine a full target plate, which is considered an essential factor for food quality and safety, principally during outbreaks of food poisoning that need fast detection.…”

Proteomics-based screening and antibiotic resistance assessment of clinical and sub-clinical Brucella species: An evolution of brucellosis infection control

“…MALDI-TOF has emerged as a quick approach for Brucellae identification in standard diagnostic laboratories over the last two decades. To increase the accuracy of Brucella species identification, however, robust standard databases require a lot of strains from various species and biovars [ 64 ].…”

A Combination of MALDI-TOF MS Proteomics and Species-Unique Biomarkers’ Discovery for Rapid Screening of Brucellosis

“…A live attenuated B. melitensis Rev 1 vaccine strain has been frequently applied to control the disease in small ruminants. Nevertheless, this vaccine strain has various drawbacks, such as abortions in animals vaccinated in late gestation, and it remains virulent for humans. , …”

“…Nevertheless, this vaccine strain has various drawbacks, such as abortions in animals vaccinated in late gestation, and it remains virulent for humans. 1,8 Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and prevention of complicated clinical outcomes. Moreover, discrimination between vaccine and field strains is of great epidemiological importance, to help to manage disease outbreaks, treat patients effectively and minimize the risk of laboratory-acquired infection, as well.…”