Abstract
BackgroundBrucellosis is an endemic disease in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and Ulanqab exhibits the highest prevalence of brucellosis in this region. Due to the complex nature of Brucellosis, a cure for this disease has proven to be elusive. Furthermore, the reduced susceptibility of Brucella spp. to antimicrobial agents has been reported as a potential cause of therapeutic failure. However, detailed in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns pertaining to Brucella isolates from this region have not yet been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Brucella melitensis clinical isolates from Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, China.MethodsA total of 85 B. melitesis isolates were obtained from humans in Ulanqab of Inner Mongolia, China; the antimicrobial susceptibility of 85 clinical isolates to nine antibiotics was assessed using the E-test method according to the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines.ResultsAll of the tested isolates were susceptible to minocycline, sparfloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and levofloxacin. Resistance to rifampin and cotrimoxazole was observed in 1.0% (1/85) and 7.0% (6/85) of the isolates, respectively. However, rpoB gene mutations were not observed in single isolates exhibiting resistance to rifampin.ConclusionsWe observed that B. melitensis isolates are susceptible to the majority of the tested antibiotics. Furthermore, minocycline and sparfloxacin exhibited extremely high bactericidal effects in relation to the B. melitensis isolates. The sensitivity of commonly used drugs for the treatment of brucellosis should be regularly monitored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of rifampin and cotrimoxazole resistant isolates of B. melitensis in China. In summary, based on the findings from this study, we suggest that antibiotic administration and use should be rationalized to prevent future drug resistance.
Highlights
Brucellosis is an endemic disease in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and Ulanqab exhibits the highest prevalence of brucellosis in this region
In the present study, we investigated the in vitro susceptibility of 85 B. melitensis strains isolated from humans in Ulanqab to a variety of antibiotics that are commonly used in brucellosis treatment including rifampin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, tetracycline
We suggest that sparfloxacin and minocycline can be used as first-line antibiotics for the treatment of relapses and complications pertaining to patients with brucellosis
Summary
Brucellosis is an endemic disease in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and Ulanqab exhibits the highest prevalence of brucellosis in this region. Detailed in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns pertaining to Brucella isolates from this region have not yet been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Brucella melitensis clinical isolates from Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, China. A human brucellosis diagnostic and treatment project was initiated by the Department of Health of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region in 2011. This program aimed to normalize brucellosis diagnosis and treatment, and improve the regimens used to treat brucellosis, thereby ameliorating problems relating to brucellosis chronicity. The project detailed which antibiotics should be chosen to treat the bacterial infective agents that cause brucellosis. It is hoped that this information will provide a platform that will help to elucidate the most optimal regimens for brucellosis treatment, thereby facilitating the discovery of more effective therapeutic drug treatment strategies for brucellosis treatment
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