Bacteria Of Brucella Research Articles

SERS Biosensor Based on Engineered 2D-Aperiodic Nanostructure for In-Situ Detection of Viable Brucella Bacterium in Complex Matrix.

Brucella is a foodborne pathogen globally affecting both the economy and healthcare. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) nano-biosensing can be a promising strategy for its detection. We combined high-performance quasi-crystal patterned nanocavities for Raman enhancement with the use of covalently immobilized Tbilisi bacteriophages as high-performing bio-receptors. We coupled our efficient SERS nano-biosensor to a Raman system to develop an on-field phage-based bio-sensing platform capable of monitoring the target bacteria. The developed biosensor allowed us to identify Brucella abortus in milk by our portable SERS device. Upon bacterial capture from samples (104 cells), a signal related to the pathogen recognition was observed, proving the concrete applicability of our system for on-site and in-food detection.

A Simple Method for Extraction of Lipopolysaccharides from Brucella Melitensis

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic bacterial disease around the world, and its causative agent is Brucella, a gram-negative bacterium. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules are the most significant surface antigen of Brucella bacteria. This antigen is used in a high number of research and diagnostic fields. The present study was designed in order to introduce a simple method to extract LPS from Brucella melitensis. Materials and Methods: Smooth strains of B. melitensis were cultured in large quantity, and LPS was extracted through changes in the hot-phenol method. The LPS concentration was measured by using the dimethyl-methylene blue method. The contamination rates of proteins and nucleic acids were determined using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method and absorbance measurement at 260 nm, respectively. Results: The amount of the extracted LPS was 1.1% of the wet weight of the bacteria. The rate of contamination with nucleic acid was measured to be 0.2% of the LPS. The protein contamination was not detectable through the BCA method. Conclusion: The advantages of our newly-introduced method are considerable decrease in the time required to extract LPS; independence from nucleic acid and protein digestive enzymes; an extraction rate of LPS equivalent to other applied methods; nucleic acid contamination equal or lower than other methods, and no protein contamination; and independence from equipment such as ultracentrifuge and chromatography. [GMJ.2021;10:e1944]

A Simple Method for Extraction of Lipopolysaccharides from Brucella Melitensis

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic bacterial disease around the world, and its causative agent is Brucella, a gram-negative bacterium. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules are the most significant surface antigen of Brucella bacteria. This antigen is used in a high number of research and diagnostic fields. The present study was designed in order to introduce a simple method to extract LPS from Brucella melitensis. Materials and Methods: Smooth strains of B. melitensis were cultured in large quantity, and LPS was extracted through changes in the hot-phenol method. The LPS concentration was measured by using the dimethyl-methylene blue method. The contamination rates of proteins and nucleic acids were determined using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method and absorbance measurement at 260 nm, respectively. Results: The amount of the extracted LPS was 1.1% of the wet weight of the bacteria. The rate of contamination with nucleic acid was measured to be 0.2% of the LPS. The protein contamination was not detectable through the BCA method. Conclusion: The advantages of our newly-introduced method are considerable decrease in the time required to extract LPS; independence from nucleic acid and protein digestive enzymes; an extraction rate of LPS equivalent to other applied methods; nucleic acid contamination equal or lower than other methods, and no protein contamination; and independence from equipment such as ultracentrifuge and chromatography. [GMJ.2021;10:e1944]

Identification, geographic distribution and risk factors of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis infection in cattle in Algeria

Brucellosis is an infectious disease of several terrestrial and marine animals and humans caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. This study aimed to identify Brucella species and biovars circulating in cattle and to analyze their geographic distribution across Algeria. Two hundred ninety eight milk and lymph node samples from 161 seropositive cattle of different local and foreign breeds were collected from 97 dairy farms in 56 towns of 13 wilayas (states/ provinces) of the central, eastern, western and southern regions. The samples were cultured on selective media and the obtained isolates were identified using bacteriological and molecular tests. Eighty-five Brucella isolates (72 B. abortus and 13 B. melitensis) were recovered from 63 animals in 37 dairy farms. In total, 71 (83.5 %) B. abortus bv 3, 11 (12.9 %) B. melitensis bv 2, 2 (2.4 %) B. melitensis bv 3 and 1 (1.2 %) unidentified B. abortus biovar were detected. The identification of B. abortus biovar 3 and B. melitensis biovar 2 is a new finding for Algeria and the Maghreb, respectively. B. abortus (84.7 %) was the main etiological agent of brucellosis. B. abortus showed a scattered distribution across Algeria. The fact that 60 % of the seropositive cattle showed no clinical signs, but 36 % were culture positive is an alarming observation. These data will rise awareness for the current epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in Algeria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first representative countrywide bacteriological investigation of Brucella species and biovars in cattle across Algeria, which is a developing country where resources might be limited and the working conditions might not be very friendly.

Analytical measures (tests) recommended before delivery in a labour room for female

The study was conducted at central hospital Saidu Sharif, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from April to September 2020. A total of 100 pregnant women belonging to different regions of district Swat were examined, prior to delivery in the research study. The age of the studied participants was 20-45 years. 3ml of venous blood was taken in a sterile syringe (3cc) from each woman and drained in EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra acetate) tube. The tube was immediately carried to Sheikh-Al-Zahid-bin-Haiyan (casualty) hospital’s laboratory for complete blood count (CBC), Blood sugar (RBS). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HBS-Ag, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), malarial parasites (MP), Brucella and widal test. Urine was also collected in urine bottles for examination and for COVID-19 detection swab samples were taken from nose of the participants. From the recent study it was concluded that pregnant women in the study are susceptible to many diseases and complications. It was found that 12% women were severe anemic while 23% were moderate anemic and 40% were mild anemic. Covid-19 was detected in 12% of the studied women. 2% were observed as HCV positive. 10% of the women had higher blood sugar level (RBS 190mg/dl). 35% of the studied women had a urinary tract infection (UTI). Only 1% of the participant was found to be affected by Brucella bacteria. Malarial parasite was found in almost 5% of the examined participants. HIV was rare and detected in only 1% of the examined one hundred women.

Evaluation of the relationship between human brucellosis and pregnancy loss

Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. The disease causes genitourinary systeminvolvement and abortion, which is the most critical complication of the disease, in cattle. Although it is known to cause spontaneousabortion, preterm birth and intrauterine death in humans, the number of systematic studies on the subject is limited. This studycompared the patients who experienced pregnancy loss and women who carried their pregnancy to term without any problems interms of serology for brucellosis in our region which is an endemic region.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in GaziantepUniversity Hospital between August 2012-June 2013. The study was conducted with 71 patients who experienced intrauterinepregnancy loss and 109 women who carried their pregnancy to term without any problems as the control group, wherein all subjectswere aged between 18 and 40. These two groups were in a similar age group and had a similar gestational age.Results: There were 4 (5,6%) subjects who were brucella-positive in the patient group and 1 (0,9%) subjects who were brucella-positive in the control group according to the serology for brucellosis. C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, aspartateaminotransferase, abortus, and parity were significantly high in women who experienced pregnancy loss (p<0.05). The rate of livingin rural areas as well as the frequency of fever, chills, shivering and lower back pain was significantly high in the patient group.When the patient group was divided into two subgroups according to the serology for brucella, patients with positive serology had asignificantly higher rate of joint pain and animal contact (livestock farming) history. Although there was no significant relationshipbetween brucella agglutination titration and pregnancy loss, the number of the brucellosis patients and agglutination titrations werehigher particularly in the group of women who experienced pregnancy loss.Conclusion: Prospective studies that will be conducted with larger patient groups are required to better reveal the relationshipbetween pregnancy and brucellosis. Moreover, serology for brucella can be used as a screening method to provide early treatmentand prevent complications associated with brucellosis during pregnancy follow-up especially in endemic region.

Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Brucellosis is an infectious and widespread zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and can induce considerable human suffering and huge economic losses in animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in Ethiopia. PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were used to search the articles. All references were screened and articles, which reported seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in Ethiopia were included in the study. Meta-analysis using random-effects models was made to calculate the pooled seroprevalence of brucellosis. This review included 15 papers. The estimated pooled seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 3.0% (95% CI: 2.0, 4.0). The subgroup analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between the disease and geographical location, setting, laboratory technique employed and study years. Also, there was some evidence of publication bias (Egger’s test, p = 0.0003) on studies reporting the prevalence of brucellosis in Ethiopia. This review proves a high seroprevalence of brucellosis in the country and appropriate control strategies are recommended. Moreover, further study on the risk factors is also required to develop cost-effective preventive strategies.

Brucellar cervical epidural abscess - A rare cause of neck pain.

Brucellosis, is a zoonosis infection with a planetary distribution, caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella, thus has a variable clinical presentation. Spinal epidural abscesses are a rare presentation of the disease, and may carry risk of a neurovascular compromise. Here we report a 22-year-old male with spinal brucellosis complicated by a cervical epidural abscess. The diagnosis was based on presenting symptoms and his occupation, confirmed by laboratory investigations, blood culture and magnetic resonance imaging results. Surgical drainage of abscess was performed, followed by 6 weeks of combination antibiotic therapy. The combination of the therapeutic strategies we used lead to a significant clinical improvement in this rare case.

Zoonotic smooth and rough Brucella in dogs: seroprevalence and associated factors in an Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Canine brucellosisis an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, with world wide distribution and zoonotic impact, and in humans and animals is a neglected disease. In the present study, the sero prevalence of B. canis and B. abortus were determined in a probabilistic sample of housed dogs from the Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and the factors associated with sero positivity. A total of 386 dogs over three months of age were used. For the search for anti-B.canis antibodies the agar gel immune diffusion test (IDGA) was used as a screening and IDGA+2ME as confirmatory test, and to search for anti-B. abortus antibodies the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test was used. Apparent and real prevalences were calculated, and robust Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with prevalence. The real prevalence fB. Canis was 12.6% and of B. abortus was 22.8%. The factors associated with sero positivity for B. canis were age greater than 10 years (prevalence ratio; PR = 6.38; P = 0.024) and dogs reared in they ard (PR = 5.20; P = 0.035) and for B. abortus was no treplacement of water of animals everyday (PR = 1.48; P = 0.033). It can be concluded that the prevalence of B. canis and B. Abortus in the region is high, which warns to the adopting of control and prevention measures, as well as greater care in the management of animals, especially for elderly dogs.

Development and Inter-Laboratory Validation of Diagnostics Panel for Detection of Biothreat Bacteria Based on MOL-PCR Assay.

Early detection of biohazardous bacteria that can be misused as biological weapons is one of the most important measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of biological warfare. For this reason, many instrument platforms need to be introduced into operation in the field of biological warfare detection. Therefore the purpose of this study is to establish a new detection panel for biothreat bacteria (Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, and Brucella spp.) and confirm it by collaborative validation by using a multiplex oligonucleotide ligation followed by polymerase chain reaction and hybridization to microspheres by MagPix detection platform (MOL-PCR). Appropriate specific sequences in bacterial DNA were selected and tested to assemble the detection panel, and MOLigo probes (short specific oligonucleotides) were designed to show no cross-reactivity when tested between bacteria and to decrease the background signal measurement on the MagPix platform. During testing, sensitivity was assessed for all target bacteria using serially diluted DNA and was determined to be at least 0.5 ng/µL. For use as a diagnostic kit and easier handling, the storage stability of ligation premixes (MOLigo probe mixes) was tested. This highly multiplex method can be used for rapid screening to prevent outbreaks arising from the use of bacterial strains for bioterrorism, because time of analysis take under 4 h.

Isolation of brucella strains in cattle from sedentary and nomadic communities and its public health implication

Background: Brucellosis is a highly infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus brucella affecting animals leading to high economic loss and an impediment to livestock exportation. It also infects man with serious public health consequences. The disease is one of the world's most important neglected tropical zoonoses. Brucellosis is considered endemic in Nigeria and current information on isolation in sedentary and nomadic cattle is required. We carried out an active surveillance in sedentary cattle in Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR), Kaduna State and in nomadic communities on the Jos Plateau to isolate brucella organisms and carry out phenotypic and molecular characterization of the isolates to species level. Methods & Materials: A total of 63 vaginal swabs, 36 milk samples, and 2 hygroma fluids were collected from cattle in KGR while 70 vaginal swabs, 50 milk samples and 2 hygroma fluids were collected from cattle on the Jos Plateau using a purposive sampling technique. Only animals that had history of abortion or infertility were sampled. They were cultured on serum dextrose agar with addition of antibiotic supplement (Oxoid) and incubated at 37 °C for 3 days in 5% CO2 atmosphere. Brucella strains isolated were biotyped along with eight archived isolates according to classical Brucella biotyping method. Isolates were further subjected to Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR according to established protocol. Results: Three and four B. abortus strains were isolated from KGR and Jos Plateau respectively. Biotyping revealed that all the 15 isolates were B. abortus biotype 3. Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR showed bands consistent with B. abortus. Conclusion: The study established the endemicity of brucellosis due to B. abortus biotype 3 in the two study areas. These findings have great veterinary and public health implications as healthy animals and the farmers are at high risk of infection due to contact with infected animals, consumption of raw milk and other products. Farmers were advised to boil their milk before consumption, isolate infected animals, maintain good level of hygiene and use protective wears in handling their animals as preventive measures. The study recommends vaccination of cattle against brucellosis in the areas.

Brucellosis: Current Status Of The Disease And Future Perspectives

Abstract Brucellosis is a transmissible bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative coccobacillus bacteria of the genus Brucella. The disease severely hinders the livestock industry and human health. In several instances, infected animals act as carriers for the cross-species transmission of brucellosis. Social issues, poor husbandry practices, irregularities in the marketing and movement of domestic animals, and lack of coordination between veterinary and human health services are some of the key factors responsible for the transmission and prevalence of Brucellosis. Human contact with infected domestic animals is often the transmission route of Brucellosis infection. Therefore, human brucellosis could be eradicated globally by eradicating animal brucellosis. This review describes the current status of brucellosis and the risk factors of the disease in animals and the human population. In addition, there is a further discussion of the various issues related to the control and prevention of brucellosis in domestic animals and humans. 1. Introduction. 2. Historical background of Brucellosis. 3. Prevalence of brucellosis 4. Taxonomy 5. Epidemiology of Brucellosis 6. Risk factors for brucellosis 7. Transmission. 8. Clinical Symptoms. 9. Human brucellosis. 10. Diagnosis of brucellosis 11. Detection of Brucella organisms. 12. Serological tests. 13. Molecular diagnostic methods. 14. Control and prevention of brucellosis

Relative importance of the bacteria Brucella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and other indicator bacteria in some mountain farm waters in West-Cameroon (Central Africa) and the potential role of some environmental factors

A bacteriological and physicochemical study was conducted in the waters of farms in mountainous regions of Cameroon. The different water samples were collected during two campaigns in December 2018 and February 2019. Ten stations representing the drinking water supply points in our study area were identified. The results showed that these waters contained both pathogenic and commensal fecal bacteria. The highest abundances reached 10x103 CFU/100mL for Salmonella sp., 72x103 CFU/100mL for Staphylococcus aureus, 102x103 CFU/100mL for Brucella suis and 40x103 CFU/100mL for Brucella abortus. These abundances were subject to space-time fluctuations. Water contamination by tweezers was not general and was present only in surface waters (rivers and ponds). The water in the ponds, rivers and wells analyzed were all basic, with low mineralization on average. The dissolved oxygen ranged from 37.5 to 70.6%, nitrate from 3.7 to 19.8 mg/L and iron from 0.01 to 3.5 mg/L. Most of the physicochemical parameters were relatively stable during the two campaigns. The degree of correlation between the physicochemical parameters and the abundance dynamics of the isolated bacteria was heterogeneous. This was clearly more pronounced with Salmonella sp. and Brucella suis. This would be due to the fraction of metabolically active cells present when the bacteria are exposed to unfavorable conditions. Correlations with the abiotic factors were less marked with Staphylococcus aureus and Brucella abortus; this would be due to their tolerance to environmental stresses.

Relative importance of the bacteria Brucella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and other indicator bacteria in some mountain farm waters in West-Cameroon (Central Africa) and the potential role of some environmental factors

Relative importance of the bacteria Brucella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and other indicator bacteria in some mountain farm waters in West-Cameroon (Central Africa) and the potential role of some environmental factors

DETECTION OF BRUCELLOSIS IN IMPORTED DAIRY CATTLE DURING ANIMAL QUARANTINE

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease and caused by the bacterium Brucella sp. This disease is one of the infectious diseases that has spread throughout the world. Brucellosis is still an endemic disease in Indonesia with varying prevalence in various regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 500,000 new cases of brucellosis appear every year so that it is considered the most common zoonotic disease in the world. Transmission to humans occurs mainly through direct contact with infected animals, drinking milk from infected animals, and breathing air contaminated by bacteria that cause brucellosis. The data used for the analysis is a report on income and quarantine actions on imported Australian cattle imported through Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Quarantine measures for 200 Frisian Holstein (FH) imported dairy cows were carried out from October 16, 2018, to November 15, 2018. Based on the Certificate of Health to Accompany Animals or Animal Reproductive, all cows were vaccinated with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD). On examination of brucellosis with the rose bengal test (RBT) method 3 positive samples were obtained so that the examination was continued with the complement fixation test (CFT) method. On CFT examination all samples showed negative results. Supervision and inspection of imported dairy cows against brucellosis are very important in order to anticipate the possibility of entry and spread of the disease from abroad. Animal Quarantine Technical Implementation Unit at the entrances must carry out supervision, inspection, and quarantine actions on the traffic of animals and their processed products which can act as a source of zoonotic transmission.

Occurrence of Brucella ceti in stranded bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus coincides with calving season.

Brucellosis is a disease caused by the Gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium Brucella spp. In terrestrial species, this zoonotic bacterium is a global public health risk, but there is also concern over the zoonotic potential of marine forms, such as B. ceti, which affects cetaceans. Due to the detection of B. ceti in samples from bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus during the 2010-2014 Gulf of Mexico Unusual Mortality Event, a long-term study of the prevalence of Brucella in stranded bottlenose dolphins from South Carolina, USA, was conducted. From 2012 through 2017, 282 stranded bottlenose dolphins were tested for B. ceti via real-time PCR. Nearly 32% of the dolphins tested positive in at least one sample (brain, lung, blowhole swab). Very little information exists in the literature on the occurrence of Brucella spp. in marine mammals, though in terrestrial species, such as cattle and elk, higher prevalence is often reported in spring. Similar results were found in this study with the peak occurrence being between March and June, a known period of calving in South Carolina. Results from this study provide important insights into the occurrence of the marine bacterium B. ceti.

The role of fluoroquinolones for the treatment of brucellosis: An overview

The gram negative, non motile, intercellular bacterium is the Brucella bacterium which is named after the micro-biologist, David Bruce. Globally, brucellosis is a common zoonotic infection caused by the genus Brucella, which is transmitted to human from infected animals especially goats, sheep, and cattle. It is an ancient condition linked to the consumption of fluid-derived products, such as unpasteurized milk and milk products. As a systemic disease, it can affect any host body organ or organ system. Human brucellosis exhibits multiple clinical signs and making it difficult to diagnose. Therapeutic options for brucellosis are predominantly based on uncontrolled, non-randomized, non-blinded trials. Brucella sp. changes the level of pH in the intracellular environment and the first approach for the treatment is to prescribe antibiotics that have an acidic activity. Although anti-brucellosis treatment regimens include quinolones (fluoroquinolone) which are remarkable drug which may be able to act intracellularly under acidic conditions. So, the present review has undertaken to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient tolerability of fluoroquinolone regimens Based on the outcomes, the potential role of fluoroquinolone as an anti-brucellosis has been established.

Histopathological Differential Diagnosis of Meningoencephalitis in Cetaceans: Morbillivirus, Herpesvirus, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella sp., and Nasitrema sp.

Infectious and inflammatory processes are among the most common causes of central nervous system involvement in stranded cetaceans. Meningitis and encephalitis are among the leading known natural causes of death in stranded cetaceans and may be caused by a wide range of pathogens. This study describes histopathological findings in post-mortem brain tissue specimens from stranded cetaceans associated with five relevant infectious agents: viruses [Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV) and Herpesvirus (HV); n = 29], bacteria (Brucella sp.; n = 7), protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii; n = 6), and helminths (Nasitrema sp.; n = 1). Aetiological diagnosis was established by molecular methods. Histopathologic evaluations of brain samples were performed in all the cases, and additional histochemical and/or immunohistochemical stains were carried out accordingly. Compared with those produced by other types of pathogens in our study, the characteristic features of viral meningoencephalitis (CeMV and HV) included the most severe and frequent presence of malacia, intranuclear, and/or intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, neuronal necrosis and associated neuronophagia, syncytia and hemorrhages, predominantly in the cerebrum. The characteristic features of Brucella sp. meningoencephalitis included the most severe and frequent presence of meningitis, perivascular cuffing, cerebellitis, myelitis, polyradiculoneuritis, choroiditis, ventriculitis, vasculitis, and fibrinoid necrosis of vessels. The characteristic features of T. gondii meningoencephalitis included lymphocytic and granulomatous encephalitis, tissue cysts, microgliosis, and oedema. In the case of Nasitrema sp. infection, lesions are all that we describe since just one animal was available. The results of this study are expected to contribute, to a large extent, to a better understanding of brain-pathogen-associated lesions in cetaceans.

Prevalence of Brucella species in unpasteurized dairy products consumed in Shiraz province using PCR assay.

The consumption of milk and unpasteurized dairy products contaminated with Brucella bacteria is one of the most important ways of brucellosis transmission to humans. The principal goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of Brucella abortus (B. abortus) and Brucella melitens (B. melitens) in unpasteurized dairy products consumed in Shiraz province. In this study conducted in 2016, 238 unpasteurized dairy products including 48 raw milk, 48 yogurt, 46 cheeses, 48 dough and 48 ice cream samples, were purchased from the retail market in Shiraz province and were examined by a specific PCR assay. This study showed positive 5/04% out of 238 unpasteurized dairy products including 9 out of 48 (18/75%) raw milk samples and 3 out of 48 (6.25%) yogurt samples). Contamination was not detected in samples of dough, cheese and traditional ice cream. The results also showed that among 12 positive samples, 6 samples were contaminated with B. abortus (including 4 milk samples and 2 yogurt samples), 2 samples were contaminated with B. melitensis (including 2 Milk samples) and 4 samples were contaminated simultaneously with B. abortus and B. melitensis (including 3 milk samples and 1 yogurt sample). The present study suggests the unpasteurized dairy products as the major sources of brucellosis in Shiraz province, South of Iran; thus, to prevent brucellosis in human, the consumption of pasteurized milk and dairy products is highly recommended.

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Animal Brucellosis in Central Punjab, Pakistan.

Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease of animals and humans caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Brucellae are Gram-negative intracellular bacteria which infect a wide variety of animals including goats, sheep, buffaloes, cows, pigs, and wildlife. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of brucellosis in Central Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1083 blood samples of goats, sheep, buffaloes, and cows were collected from 38 villages of four districts (Kasur, Faisalabad, Lahore, and Okara) of Punjab, Pakistan, and screened for brucellosis by Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and PCR confirmed. Epidemiological, demographic data and GPS coordinates for every sample were collected. By using interpolation of the Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (Arc GIS), a surface plot was generated applying inverse distance weight (IDW). It was found that 35 (3.23%) serum samples were positive for brucellosis. In eight (61.5%), six (75%), seven (87.5%), and eight (89%) villages, positive goats, sheep, buffaloes, and cattle were detected, respectively. In general, older animals are more often positive for brucellosis. In goats bucks were more often RBPT positive than females while in sheep, buffaloes, and cattle more females were positive. The spatial distribution of brucellosis shows that it is widely distributed in the western region of the study area in goats and in the South-West region in sheep. Similarly, for buffaloes it is restricted to the south-east and north-west regions, and in cattle brucellosis is present in western region of study area only. Reflected by this study, brucellosis poses a risk for livestock in developing countries due to lack of awareness by officials, owners, and consumers, and control measures are missing. A risk map of brucellosis was generated to develop effective strategies for awareness rising and to improve the quality of control programs in Pakistan.