Marine MammalBrucellaGenotype Associated with Zoonotic Infection

Adrian M Whatmore,Claire Dawson,Annette H Sohn,Wendy L Mcdonald,Stephen J Shankster,Pauline Groussaud,Amanda King,Will S Probert,Mark S Koylass

doi:10.3201/eid1403.070829

Abstract

Marine Mammal<i>Brucella</i>Genotype Associated with Zoonotic Infection

Highlights

An additional naturally acquired case was recently reported from New Zealand, where extensive molecular testing characterized the strain involved as a marine mammal type [3]
The laboratory-acquired infection was mild and uncomplicated [4]. We have characterized these isolates by a variety of molecular approaches in conjunction with ongoing studies, which examine genetic diversity within Brucella species isolated from marine mammals
It is clear from these findings that the 3 cases of naturally acquired infection with Brucella species originating from marine mammals reported to date were caused by closely related organisms

Summary

Introduction

Address for correspondence: Ruwen Jou, Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Research and Diagnostic Center, Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control, 161 Kun-Yang St, Nan-Kang, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Republic of China; email: rwj@cdc.gov.tw To date there are 3 reports in the literature of naturally acquired infection of humans with Brucella species originating from marine mammals [2,3] One other case, representing infection of a laboratory worker, has been reported [4]. An additional naturally acquired case was recently reported from New Zealand, where extensive molecular testing characterized the strain involved as a marine mammal type [3].

Results

Conclusion