Contamination Of Dairy Products Research Articles

Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in buffalo milk from the Campania region (Italy): Decreasing trend and baseline assessment over 10 years (2008–2018)

Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorodibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs) enter the food chain from the environment. In this study, we report the 2008–2018 time-trends in the PCDD/F and DL-PCB contamination of milk from buffaloes fed on local forage in rural areas of the Campania region. Validated according to QA/QC criteria, the dataset (N = 808 on a total of 2068 samples, after excluding follow-up results and outliers) was computed on the upper-bound value pg WHO-TEQ2005 g−1fat. We assessed time-trends and assayed baseline contamination levels, which displayed log-normal distribution. A significant decreasing trend (p < 0.01) was observed from 2008 to 2009 and 2010; the P50–P95 range fell from 2.37–8.48 pg WHO-TEQ2005 g−1fat (N = 393) in 2008 to 1.73–4.61 in 2009 (N = 86) and to 0.67–1.46 in 2010 (N = 42). From 2010 to 2018 (N = 329), no significant variation was found among years and the related dataset fitted a log-normal distribution (p < 0.05). Occurrence descriptors indicated that the baseline contamination of dairy products (mean = 0.54; P50–P95 = 0.47–1.24) in the Campania Region was well below the EU regulatory limit in force (5.5 pg WHO-TEQ2005 g−1fat). Given the Tolerable Weekly Intake of 2 pg WHO-TEQ kg−1 body weight (bw) proposed by the EFSA for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs, this level of baseline contamination is discussed with regard to the orientation of food safety and food security risk connected with buffalo mozzarella cheese production.

The use of molecular diagnostics of BLV in the study of various biological material

It is known that milk is one of the factors in the transmission of susceptible cattle to retroviral infection, in this case, induced bovine leukemia virus (BLV). On the other hand, one of the most important aspects of studying the biological properties of BLV is the potential ability of the virus to infect xenogenic species of animals, including humans, who consume animal products and are in close contact with cattle. Milk may contain leukocytes with integrated proviral DNA, which produce mature BLV virions and the mature virions themselves, which have come from the bloodstream. The use of molecular diagnostics of this biological material will make it possible to more effectively track contaminated dairy products on farms. However, the detection of BLV proviral DNA in milk is important not only for human health, but also for animals. Since some of the products are used directly on farms, for example for feeding young animals. In regard to this, we have undertaken optimization of the methodology for the study of milk for the presence of proviral DNA of BLV. The article presents the results of the analysis of milk from 5 seropositive cows of the Holstein breed by the method of molecular diagnostics real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RT). When optimizing the method of sample preparation of milk, casein and other impurities that are inhibitors of the amplification reaction were removed, in order to reduce their influence, the samples were centrifuged under various conditions. Several nucleic acid isolation techniques were used to extract proviral DNA. Based on the results of the studies, a positive amplification result was recorded in 1 out of 5 animals. At the same time, this positive result was found in test tubes with complementary DNA (cDNA) samples, it means that RNA was isolated both from the "white ring" fraction with white blood cells and monocytes, and from the sediment cells.

Microbial community diversity associated with Tibetan kefir grains and its detoxification of Ochratoxin A during fermentation

Tibetan kefir grains (TKG) are multi-functional starter cultures used in foods and have been applied in various fermentation systems. This study aimed to investigate the microbial community composition of TKG, the detoxification abilities of TKG and their isolates towards common mycotoxins, and the potential for applying TKG and their associated microbial populations to avoid mycotoxin contamination in dairy products. Cultivation-independent high-throughput sequencing of bacterial and fungal rDNA genes indicated that Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Kazachstania turicensis were the most abundant bacterial and fungal taxa, respectively. In addition, 27 total isolates were obtained using cultivation methods. TKG removed more than 90% of the Ochratoxin A (OTA) after 24 h, while the isolate Kazachstania unisporus AC-2 exhibited the highest removal capacity (~46.1%). Further, the isolate exhibited good resistance to acid and bile salts environment. Analysis of the OTA detoxification mechanism revealed that both adsorption and degradation activities were exhibited by TKG, with adsorption playing a major detoxification role. Furthermore, the addition of OTA did not affect the microbial community structure of TKG. These results indicate that TKG-fermented products can naturally remove mycotoxin contamination of milk and could potentially be practically applied as probiotics in fermentation products.

Cutaneous Mycobacterial Infections in Returning Travelers

Mexico is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Latin America. In recent years, mycobacterial skin infections in travelers have increased, mainly in Mexico City, Monterrey, Merida, Cancun, and Guadalajara. This study mainly aims to elucidate the modes of transmission and on nonspecific clinical manifestations for making an early diagnosis and preventing severe complications. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria live in our environment. For example, Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium haemophilum are acquired through aquatic exposure; Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis by consumption of contaminated dairy products, fruits, or vegetables, and rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria are associated with medical tourism and, especially, cosmetic surgery, which is more frequent in women with an average age of 35 years. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific; therefore, the lack of improvement makes us suspect that we are facing a mycobacterial infection. PCR is important to identify the species and provide guidance on the treatment. This condition is increasing owing to the low cost of tourism and cosmetic surgeries. However, complications are hardly ever associated with the procedure per se, but with the patient’s misinformation. Patients do not attend centers with an international accreditation and not receive proper follow-up upon return to their country of origin. Regarding tourism, it is important to implement prevention measures when performing aquatic activities and provide information about sanitary measures for consumer’s protection. Currently, only case reports exist, so it is necessary to establish a mandatory notification registry to understand the prevalence and incidence of each species, which will help in future investigations.

A review of microbes and chemical contaminants in dairy products in sub-Saharan Africa.

Animal milk types in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are processed into varieties of products using different traditional methods and are widely consumed by households to support nutritional intake and diet. Dairy products contain several microorganisms, their metabolites, and other chemical compounds, some with health benefits and many others considered as potential health hazards. Consumption of contaminated milk products could have serious health implications for consumers. To access the safety of milk products across SSA, studies in the region investigating the occurrences of pathogens as well as chemical compounds such as heat stable toxins and veterinary drug residues in animal milk and its products were reviewed. This is done with a holistic view in light of the emerging exposome paradigm for improving food safety and consumer health in the region. Herein, we showed that several published studies in SSA applied conventional and/or less sensitive methods in detecting microbial species and chemical contaminants. This has serious implications in food safety because the correct identity of a microbial species and accurate screening for chemical contaminants is crucial for predicting the potential human health effects that undermine the benefits from consumption of these foods. Furthermore, we highlighted gaps in determining the extent of viral and parasitic contamination of milk products across SSA as well as investigating multiple classes of chemical contaminants. Consequently, robust studies should be conducted in this regard. Also, efforts such as development cooperation projects should be initiated by all stakeholders including scientists, regulatory agencies, and policy makers to improve the dairy product chain in SSA in view of safeguarding consumer health.

The inhibitory effect of some chemical food preservatives on the growth of some isolated dairy products fungi

Fungi are an important food borne pathogen involved in a variety of invasive disease so the current study aimed to detect the frequency of contaminated dairy products by fungi. Sixty samples of milk products were collected randomly from different areas in Port-Said governorate namely dry cheese (Romi cheese), shredded cheese (mozzarella cheese), processed cheese (triangle cheese), soft cheese (tallaga cheese) and packed cheese (tetra pack cheese). Fungi were isolated by cultivation on selective media (chloramphenicol yeast extract agar). The isolated fungi included Aspergillus flavus (2.63%), Fusarium oxysporum (13.16%), Mucor circinelloides (2.63%), Penicillium italicum (10.53%), Penicillium freii (2.63%), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (2.63%) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (65.79%). It was also found that Romi cheese is the most contaminated product with fungi with a rate of 47.37%. One of the goals of this study is to determine the effect of the chemical food preservatives used in cheese manufacturing on fungi according to Egyptian standard specifications. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most sensitive one where it had the highest zone of inhibition of 25 mm for Natamycin. While Aspergillus flavus is the most resistant fungus.

Aflatoxins, Dairy Products Contamination in the Incidence and Development of Diseases in Children Population – A Short Systematic Review

Aims: This study aimed to characterize a profile according to a systematic review when addressing the acute effects and side effects on child health and the importance of preventive measures for controlling food in the presence of aflatoxins and mycotoxins.&#x0D; Methods: The method used was a systematic review. We conducted a systematic review of the SCOPUS, PUBMED, COCHRANE databases to identify all potential publications between the years 2005 and 2018. At the same time, short and extended abstracts were excluded. The language of the studies was in English and Portuguese. After this process, the selected articles were examined and the data extracted for analysis were 05 articles.&#x0D; Results: The initial search resulted in 289 randomized experimental articles. the presence of liver cancer is represented as the primary effect of chronic toxicity related to high dose intake in an ordinary matter. The aflatoxins B1 promotes the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma and it can occur with lower doses than the standard established of 30 µg/kg.&#x0D; Conclusion: This systematic review shows the need for food control regarding aflatoxins contamination, especially food targeting children, once the health damages can occur in both acute and chronic exposures, bringing growth and development impairment due to immune system disorders and frequent infections.

Survey of aflatoxin M1 contamination of dairy products in Taiwan

Owing to their nutritional value, dairy products were popular in Taiwan. Aflatoxin M1(AFM1) was the metabolite of potential carcinogen aflatoxin B1 and found in dairy products. An analytical method using immunoaffinty column for extraction and HPLC for quantification was developed for AFM1. The detection limits for fresh milk (pasteurized milk), milk powder and drinking yogurt (0.002, 0.02 and 0.005 ppb, respectively) were 10 times lower than that in the former survey. The recoveries of AFM1 from fresh milk were 83.3 ± 2.9 and 89.5 ± 2.9% at 0.5 and 0.05 ppb spiked levels, respectively. Spiked 5 and 0.5 ppb AFM1 in milk powder, the recoveries were 86.0 ± 1.9 and 88.7 ± 1.9%, respectively. The recoveries of AFM1 from drinking yogurt were 99.9 ± 1.4 and 94.8 ± 3.2% at 0.5 and 0.05 ppb spiked levels, respectively. It was the first time AFM1 was tested in drinking yogurt in Taiwan in this survey, and the performance for detecting AFM1 in drinking yogurt was also evaluated through attending an international proficiency test. Our laboratory got a satisfactory result. In order to survey AFM1 contents in dairy products, 44 samples of fresh milk, 45 samples of milk powder and 24 samples of drinking yogurt were collected from supermarkets, convenience stores and drug stores located in 23 counties of Taiwan from June to August, 2002. The results showed that AFM1 was detected in 40 samples of fresh milk at 0.002∼0.083 ppb level. AFM1 was not found in all milk powders. AFM1 was detected in 3 samples of drinking yogurt, at the level of 0.007, 0.009 and 0.044 ppb. According to the food sanitary standard regulation in Taiwan, the action levels of AFM1 were 0.5 ppb, 5 ppb and not-detectable for fresh milk, milk powder and infant formula products, respectively. The 113 samples collected in this survey all met the regulation requirements.

Impact of intraspecific variability and physiological state on Penicillium commune inactivation by 70% ethanol

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the physiological state and intraspecific variability on the efficacy of 70% ethanol to inactivate conidia of Penicillium commune, used as a representative species of dairy product contaminants. Four physiological states were obtained by modifying the water activity during the production of conidia (0.995 and 0.950) and the harvesting conditions (hydrated and non-hydrated). These conditions were applied to four different P. commune strains isolated from contaminated dairy products. Five minutes exposure to 70% ethanol at ambient temperature allowed total inactivation of conidia (>4 log10) regardless of the physiological state or the strain. For 1 min exposure, regardless of the strains, only dry-harvested conidia produced at aw 0.950 exhibited survivors. Survival after 2 min exposure was observed for this physiological state for P. commune UBOCC-A-116003 only. For this strain, the impact of the physiological state was greater than 1.54 log10 between dry-harvested conidia produced at aw 0.950 that exhibited survivors after 1 min treatment and the 3 other kinds of conidia that were all inactivated. For 1 min exposure, by comparing the more resistant strain to the three other strains, the impact of the intraspecific variability was 2.35 log10. These results demonstrated that the physiological state of the conidia, the representativeness of the tested species and strains should be taken into account to assess the efficacy of disinfectants in dairies.

High-Throughput 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing of Butter Microbiota Reveals a Variety of Opportunistic Pathogens.

Microbial contamination of dairy products with a high fat content (e.g., butter) has been studied insufficiently. No studies using modern molecular methods to investigate microbial communities in butter have been conducted so far. In this work, we used high-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing of individual bacterial colonies to analyze microbial content of commercially available butter brands. A total of 21 samples of commercially available butter brands were analyzed. We identified a total of 94 amplicon sequence variants corresponding to different microbial taxa. The most abundant lactic acid bacteria in butter were Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus parakefiri, Lactococcus taiwanensis and Lactococcus raffinolactis. A large amount of Streptococcus spp. bacteria (87.9% of all identified bacteria) was found in one of the butter samples. Opportunistic pathogens such as Bacillus cereus group, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cronobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, Citrobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumonia were detected. The analyzed butter samples were most strongly contaminated with bacteria from the Bacillus cereus group, and to a lesser extent - with Cronobacter spp. and Enterococcus spp. The plating and Sanger sequencing of individual colonies revealed the presence of Enterobacter cloacae and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The Sanger sequencing also showed the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii in butter which can be dangerous for children under the age of 1 year. We demonstrated that butter is a good growth medium for opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Our data indicate that despite the fact that butter is a dairy product with a long shelf life, it should be subjected to quality control for the presence of opportunistic bacteria.

Analysis of RASFF notifications on contaminated dairy products from the last two decades: 2000-2020

Analysis of RASFF notifications on contaminated dairy products from the last two decades: 2000-2020

Antimicrobial Effects of Zataria multiflora and Ocimum basilicum on Escherichia coli O157:H7 During Ripening of Traditional Lighvan Cheese

Background: Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the most common causes of contamination in Lighvan cheese processing. Using from natural antimicrobial essential oils is applied method to decrease the rate of microbial contamination of dairy products. The present investigation was done to study the antimicrobial effects of Z. multiflora and O. basilicum essential oils on survival of E. coli O157:H7 during ripening of traditional Lighvan cheese. Methods: Leaves of the Z. multiflora and O. basilicum plants were subjected to the Clevenger apparatus. Concentrations of 0, 100 and 200 ppm of the Z. multiflora and 0, 50 and 100 ppm of O. basilicum essential oils and also 103 and 105 cfu/ml numbers of E. coli O157:H7 were used. The numbers of the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria were analyzed during the days 0, 30, 60 and 90 of the ripening period. Results: Z. multiflora and O. basilicum essential oils had considerable antimicrobial effects against E. coli O157:H7. Using the essential oils caused decrease in the numbers of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in 90th days of ripening (P &lt;0.05). Using from Z. multiflora at concentration of 200 ppm can reduce the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in Lighvan cheese. Conclusion: Using Z. multiflora and O. basilicum essential oils as good antimicrobial agents can reduce the risk of foodborne bacteria and especially E. coli O157:H7 in food products.

Occurrence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in buffalo bulk tank milk and the farm workers in Italy

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of MRSA in buffalo dairy farms and in buffalo tank milk from Italy, and to provide information about the antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular characteristics of the isolates. We collected 75 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 75 farms and 24 nasal swabs from 24 farm operators. Three (4%) of the 75 BTM samples and 1 (4%) of the 24 human nasal swabs tested positive for MRSA. The milk isolates belonged to the genotypes ST1/t127/Va and ST72/t3092/V, while the human isolate was characterized as ST1/t127/IVa. All isolates were multidrug resistant but vancomycin susceptible; they carried the icaA gene but tested negative for the pvl and ses genes. ST72 is a CA-MRSA commonly found in South Korea, and this is the first report of its detection in Europe. Although we found a low prevalence of MRSA in the farms we surveyed, this study clearly demonstrates, for the first time in Europe, that MRSA can be found in dairy buffalo farms and in raw buffalo milk. Therefore, the risk of human colonization/infection with MRSA linked to the handling of raw milk or consumption of contaminated dairy products should not be ruled out.

Branded milks – Are they immune from microplastics contamination?

The widespread dispersal of microplastic (plastic particle <5 mm) contamination in human food chain is gaining more attention in the public arena and scientific community. Better assessment of diversified consumer products is a key for combating problems related to microplastic contamination. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted on dairy milk products, and the current research status of microplastics is lacking. Here, a total of 23 milk samples (22 adult and 1 kid) from 5 international and 3 national brands of Mexico was collected and tested for the occurrence of microplastics. Results confirmed the ubiquity of microplastics in the analyzed samples and showed variability ranging between 3 ± 2–11 ± 3.54 particles L−1 with an overall average of 6.5 ± 2.3 particles L−1 which are lower than any reported levels in liquid food products. Microplastic particles exhibited variety of colors (blue, brown, red and pink), shapes (fibers and fragments) and sizes (0.1–5 mm). Among which, blue colored fibers (<0.5 mm) were predominant. Micro-Raman identification results revealed that thermoplastic sulfone polymers (polyethersulfone and polysulfone) were common types of microplastics in milk samples, which are highly used membrane materials in dairy processes. Thus, this study findings developed a baseline outlook for microplastics contamination in dairy products and posed a great deal to take necessary controls and preventive measures to avoid them.

Transmission of Coxiella burnetii by ingestion in mice

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is widely present in dairy products around the world. It has been isolated from unpasteurised milk and cheese and can survive for extended periods of time under typical storage conditions for these products. Although consumption of contaminated dairy products has been suggested as a potential route for transmission, it remains controversial. Given the high prevalence of C. burnetii in dairy products, we sought to examine the feasibility of transmitting the major sequence types (ST16, ST8 and ST20) of C. burnetii circulating in the United States. We delivered three strains of C. burnetii, comprising each sequence type, directly into the stomachs of immunocompetent BALB/c mice via oral gavage (OG) and assessed them for clinical symptoms, serological response and bacterial dissemination. We found that mice receiving C. burnetii by OG had notable splenomegaly only after infection with ST16. A robust immune response and persistence in the stomach and mesenteric lymph nodes were observed in mice receiving ST16 and ST20 by OG, and dissemination of C. burnetii to peripheral tissues was observed in all OG infected mice. These findings support the oral route as a mode of transmission for C. burnetii.

Formation of microbial biofilms on stainless steel with different surface roughness

The physical essence of the formation and influence of bacteria on the surface of technological equipment in the dairy industry is considered as an essential factor leading to contamination of dairy products and is a major hygienic problem. The ability of microorganisms on the surfaces of technological equipment to form biofilm forms and requirements for steel grade, relief, and its roughness were analysed. The effect of surface roughness on promoting or preventing adhesion and reproduction of biofilm forms of bacteria, which reduce the efficiency of sanitary processing of dairy equipment and thereby increase the microbial contamination of dairy products with shortened shelf life, is substantiated. Research about the process of bacterial adhesion to the surface of metals with different roughness depending on the size and shape is presented. It is found that on the surface of stainless steel with roughness 2.687 ±0.014 micron film formation process in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are similar from 3 to 24 hours and does not depend on the size of the bacteria, and accordingly allows us to argue that rod-shaped and coccid bacteria attach freely in the hollows of the roughness are the beginning of the process of the first stage of biofilm formation. It is found that on the surface of stainless steel with roughness 0.95 ±0.092 micron film formation process in S. aureus is more intense than in E. coli. Thus, within 3 hours of incubation, the density of biofilms formed S. aureus was 1.2 times bigger than biofilms E. coli, by the next 15 hours of incubation formed biofilms S. aureus were, on average, 1.3 times denser. It is established that S. aureus due to its spherical shape is able to fit in the hollows of the roughness 0.95 ±0.092 μm and faster to adhere to the surface at the same time. E. coli, due to its rod-like shape, with such surface roughness, can adhere to the cavities only over its entire length. It is proved that by surface roughness 0.63 ±0.087 μm film intensity S. aureus was, on average, 1.4 times faster than E. coli, for roughness 0.16 ±0.018 micron film formation process took place equally for S. aureus and E. coli, but biofilms were lower in density than those formed on roughness 0.63 ±0.087 micron. Studies suggest that the use of equipment in the dairy industry with a roughness of less than 0.5 microns will reduce the attachment of microorganisms to the surface and reduce the contamination of dairy products.

Overseas Online Shopping Consumer Risk Perception Mechanism and Risk Aversion Strategy Research

This paper studies the overseas online shopping phenomenon from the perspective of consumer behavior. The methods of literature review, the research present situation of consumers' risk perception, the adoption of questionnaire and interview method to collect overseas online shopping consumer perception of risk dimension data, the relevant data processing method is adopted to build overseas online shopping consumer perceived risk impact on consumer buying behavior model, from overseas online shopping consumer perspective to explore the risk perception of consumers the internal influence mechanism of consumer purchase decisions and avoid risk strategy is put forward. Overseas online shopping refers to the online shopping behavior in which consumers browse and select commodities on overseas commercial websites through the Internet, submit electronic orders and complete the payment through electronic payment, deliver the goods directly through international express, or transfer companies collect the goods on behalf and forward them to consumers. Chinese consumers' overseas online shopping behavior originated from the 2008 Chinese dairy products contamination incident. With the development of economy, the demand for foreign products also increases, and overseas online shopping comes into being. With the help of Internet technology, payment means and logistics technology, overseas shopping becomes more and more convenient, and more Chinese consumers begin to "overseas online shopping".

Superhydrophobic Wax Coatings for Prevention of Biofilm Establishment in Dairy Food.

Microbial contamination of dairy products caused by biofilm-forming bacteria is of great concern to the dairy industry, a leading sector impacted by food loss. Previous reports have emphasized that preventing biofilm formation on work surfaces of dairy equipment would be a more desirable option than treating it. However, there is currently no available technology that could completely prevent such biofilm formation without causing detrimental side effects. Here, we demonstrate that a bioinspired approach, exploiting superhydrophobic paraffin/fluorinated wax surfaces, can be efficiently employed to prevent dairy-associated biofilm formation. Our results showed that under conditions relevant to dairy food production (continuous flow of milk in the presence of substrates relevant to the dairy industry), biofilm development by strong biofilm-forming dairy Bacillus isolates was effectively mitigated (up to 97-99% inhibition) on the tested wax surfaces. This, coupled with the ability of these wax surfaces to retain their structure and functionality after prolonged exposure to milk, without producing any negative effects on milk quality, makes the technology potentially applicable in the dairy industry.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Paraclinical Evaluation of Recorded Cases with Brucellosis in Kermanshah Province Health Center 2012 - 2016

Background: Brucellosis is a major problem in many parts of the world, including Iran, where livestock are an important source of income and employment. Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-correlational) study enrolled individuals diagnosed with brucellosis from 2012 to 2016 and their information was available in the health center of Kermanshah province. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21). Results: From all the patients with brucellosis (2714), 55.3% were male and 44.7% were female. Most of them were living in Kermanshah province, their mean age was 35.05 ± 17.35 years and the most common age group was 21 - 30 years. The most common route of transmission was consumption of contaminated dairy products (99.1%) and contact with livestock (99.71%). Musculoskeletal and back pain were the most commonly observed clinical signs (89.8%). There was a statistically significant difference between years of incidence and livestock vaccination history (P < 0.001). The highest number of patients wright test was in titer 1:160 (33.1%) and 2 ME test 1:80 (36.8%). Regarding the use of medication for treatment, most patients were prescribed combination of rifampin and co-trimoxazole (12.97%). Conclusions: Timely diagnosis, livestock vaccination, training and refraining from unpasteurized dairy products can be effective in preventing outbreaks of brucellosis.

Catatonic State as a Rare Presentation of Neurobrucellosis: A Case Report

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic endemic disease, which is transmitted to the human through occupational exposure or ingestion of contaminated dairy products. Neurobrucellosis has been detected in 5% - 10% of patients with diverse manifestations. Case Presentation: In this study, an atypical case of neurobrucellosis is reported. The patient was a 28-year-old man suffering from psychiatric symptoms and catatonic states. The CSF analysis was unremarkable but the diagnosis was made according to Enzyme-linked Immune Sorbent Assay, other serology tests, and brain MRI findings. Conclusions: It should be mentioned, one of the differential diagnoses in patients with unexplained neurological and psychiatric symptoms in endemic areas is neurobrucellosis and a multidisciplinary approach to these patients is essential.