Brucelosis bovina y humana en el sur de México: una zoonosis desatendida / Bovine and human brucellosis in southern Mexico: a neglected zoonosis

Resumen La brucelosis es una zoonosis desatendida y un problema de salud pública en países en desarrollo, que también causa grandes pérdidas económicas en la ganadería. En México es endémica y Chiapas un estado al sur del país, destaca por la presencia de la enfermedad en humanos. Por medio de la revisión del estado del arte, se encontró que factores como la alta producción de ganado bovino, las limitadas estrategias institucionales de control de la enfermedad en el ganado, la falta de regulación sanitaria del género Brucella en productos lácteos y cárnicos y la ubicación del estado de Chiapas en la frontera con Centroamérica, podrían ser condicionantes para la prevalencia de brucelosis humana en esta región de México.

Abstract Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis and a public health problem in developing countries that also causes great economic losses in livestock. In Mexico it is endemic and Chiapas, a state in the south of the country, stands out for the presence of the disease in humans. Through the review of the state of the art it was found that factors such as the high production of cattle, the limited institutional strategies to control the disease in livestock, the lack of sanitary regulation of the genus Brucella in dairy and meat products and the location of the state of Chiapas on the border with Central America could be determining factors for the prevalence of human brucellosis in this region of Mexico.

An uncommon case of brucellosis with ocular presentation / Um caso incomum de brucelose com apresentação ocular

ABSTRACT We report an unusual case of brucellosis presented with headache, diminished vision, papillitis and multiple peripapillary hemorrhages accompanied by subretinal fluid extending up to macula. Diagnosis of brucellosis was made based on positive polymerase chain reaction of cerebrospinal fluid sample for Brucella species DNA, accompanied by a raised titer of anti-brucella antibodies. Patient showed remarkable improvement on triple drug therapy in form of doxycycline, rifampicin and ceftriaxone.

RESUMO Relatamos um caso incomum de brucelose apresentada com cefaleia, visão diminuída, papilite e múltiplas hemorragias peripapilares acompanhadas por fluido sub-retinal, estendendo-se até a mácula. O diagnóstico de brucelose foi feito com base na reação em cadeia da polimerase positiva de amostra de líquido cefalorraquidiano para DNA de espécies de Brucella, acompanhada por um título elevado de anticorpos antibrucela. O paciente apresentou melhora notável com a terapia tripla com drogas na forma de doxiciclina, rifampicina e ceftriaxona.

Prevalencia de Brucelosis en trabajadores de la industria cárnica en el Perú / Prevalence of Brucellosis in meat industry workers in Peru

La brucelosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por especies de Brucella a través de animales domésticos infectados. En áreas endémicas, ciertas ocupaciones tales como veterinarios, carniceros y trabajadores de mataderos son considerados de alto riesgo en relación con la brucelosis. Evaluamos la seroprevalencia de brucelosis en personas con ocupaciones de alto riesgo en tres mataderos de ganado bovino en Perú. Para cada uno de ellos se completó un cuestionario que incluía datos demográficos, antigüedad en el empleo y uso de equipo de protección personal, luego se obtuvieron muestras de sangre y se analizaron mediante la técnica de ELISA para detectar anticuerpos IgM anti Brucella. En general, 49 de 173 (28,32%) participantes exhibieron serorreactividad para la brucelosis. Cefalea, dolor en las articulaciones, sudores nocturnos, fiebre y anorexia fueron síntomas comunes en los casos seropositivos. Además, el 63,27% de los participantes seropositivos estaban asintomáticos. La prevalencia de brucelosis en estos grupos ocupacionales en relación a la ausencia de manifestaciones clínicas en un número significativo de ellos fue alta, por lo que los exámenes clínicos periódicos en estos grupos parecen ser esenciales para el sistema de vigilancia de la brucelosis. Se debe alentar el uso regular y constante de equipo de protección personal, especialmente anteojos protectores, entre los trabajadores del matadero de ganado para reducir la infección por brucelosis(AU)

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species through infected domestic animals. In endemic areas, certain occupations such as veterinarians, butchers, and slaughterhouse workers are considered high risk for brucellosis. We evaluated the seroprevalence of brucellosis in people with high-risk occupations in three cattle slaughterhouses in Peru. A questionnaire including demographic data, length of employment, and the use of personal protective equipment was completed for each of them, then blood samples were obtained and analyzed using the ELISA test to detect anti-Brucella IgM antibodies. Overall, 49 of 173 (28, 32%) participants exhibited seroreactivity for brucellosis. Headache, joint pain, night sweats, fever, and anorexia were common symptoms in seropositive cases. Furthermore, 63.27% of seropositive participants were asymptomatic. The prevalence of brucellosis in these occupational groups in relation to the absence of clinical manifestations in a significant number of them was high, thus periodic clinical examinations in these groups appear to be essential to the brucellosis surveillance system. Regular and consistent use of equipment should be encouraged of personal protection, especially goggles, among cattle slaughterhouse workers for reduce brucellosis infection(AU)

Antibody prevalence of Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in domestic cats from Araguaína, Tocantins, North Region of Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos para Leptospira spp. e Brucella Abortus em gatos domésticos de Araguaína, Tocantins, Região Norte do Brasil

Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus are bacterial pathogens that can infect humans and animals. The present study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira and anti-B. abortus antibodies and verified the presence of factors associated with seropositivity in cats. One hundred and eighty serum samples were collected from domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) from the urban area of the municipality of Araguaína-Tocantins by phlebocentesis of the cephalic and jugular veins. The samples were subjected to detection of anti-Leptospira and anti-B.abortus antibodies, respectively, by microscopic seroagglutination and buffered acidified antigen testing, followed by confirmation by the 2-mercaptoethanol test and slow seroagglutination in tubes. Data from the epidemiological questionnaire (the age, sex, origin, breed, and presence of clinical signs) were analyzed using Epi Info® software with seropositivity data found to search for associated factors using the chi-square test. In the present study, the prevalence of Leptospira spp. was 5.56% (10/180). However, no sample was reactive to B. abortus. None of the studied variables were associated with seropositivity for the pathogens evaluated. Therefore, there is contact between Leptospira spp. and the feline population of the municipality, indicating the possibility of the circulation of pathogenic serovars and that the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies does not depend on the variables analyzed.

Leptospira spp. e Brucella abortus são patógenos bacterianos que podem infectar humanos e animais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo detectar anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B.abortus e verificar a presença de fatores associados com a soropositividade em gatos. Foram coletadas 180 amostras de soro de gatos domésticos (Felis silvestris catus) da zona urbana do município de Araguaína-Tocantins por flebocentese das veias cefálica e jugular. As amostras foram submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B. abortus, respectivamente, por soroaglutinação microscópica e teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado, seguido de confirmação pelo teste de 2-mercaptoetanol e soroaglutinação lenta em tubos. Os dados do questionário epidemiológico (idade, sexo, procedência, raça e presença de sinais clínicos) foram analisados no software Epi Info® com os dados de soropositividade encontrados para pesquisa de fatores associados pelo teste do qui-quadrado. No presente estudo, a prevalência de Leptospira spp. foi de 5,56% (10/180). No entanto, nenhuma amostra foi reativa para B. abortus. Nenhuma das variáveis estudadas foi associada com a soropositividade para os patógenos avaliados. Portanto, há contato entre Leptospiraspp. e a população felina do município, indicando a possibilidade de circulação de sorovares patogênicos e que a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira independe das variáveis analisadas.

Morphological and molecular diagnosis of diseases of free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) / [Diagnóstico morfológico e molecular de doenças de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) de vida livre]

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of diseases in free-ranging wild canids that were roadkill on highways in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. PCR tests were performed for the detection of Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. in the spleen. Morphological evaluation and identification of parasites was performed in the liver and lung. Twenty specimens of C. thous were necropsied at the Animal Pathology Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Tissue samples were processed for histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. There was no PCR amplification of genomic DNA sequences of Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. using DNA extracted from the spleen as template. Histologically, lesions associated with parasitism by Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. were observed in the liver and lung, respectively. This is the first report of Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. parasitism in C. thous in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Therefore, this study demonstrated parasitism of crab-eating foxes by Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. Importantly, no evidence of infection with Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. was obtained by PCR analysis.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de doenças em canídeos silvestres de vida livre que foram atropelados em rodovias no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Testes de PCR foram realizados para a detecção de Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. no baço. A avaliação morfológica e a identificação de parasitas foram realizadaa no fígado e no pulmão. Vinte espécimes de C. thous foram necropsiados no Setor de Patologia Animal do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Amostras de tecido foram processadas para exame histopatológico e análise de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Não houve amplificação por PCR das sequências de DNA genômico de Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. usando-se DNA extraído do baço como modelo. Histologicamente, lesões associadas ao parasitismo por Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. foram observadas no fígado e no pulmão, respectivamente. Este é o primeiro relato de Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. parasitismo em C. thous no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Portanto, este estudo demonstrou parasitismo de cachorro-do-mato por Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. É importante detacar que não há evidências de infecção por Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. por análise de PCR.(AU)

Estudio de casos confirmados de brucelosis humana en Puebla, México / Study of confirmed cases of human brucellosis in Puebla, Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN: La brucelosis humana es un problema zoo-sanitario global. México es uno de los principales países que se ven afectados, el diagnóstico oportuno y las pruebas serológicas confirmatorias son la base para la detección. OBJETIVO: Conocer la frecuencia de casos confirmados de brucelosis en diferentes Unidades de Medicina Familiar del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social en el estado de Puebla, México. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal en pacientes de ambos sexos, adultos y pediátricos, con manifestaciones clínicas sugestivas de brucelosis; se realizaron pruebas serológicas para el diagnóstico confirmatorio. RESULTADOS: De un total de 77 pacientes, se obtuvieron 39 (50,6%) casos positivos, 21 (27,3%) casos saliendo de la infección, 9 (11,7%) negativos y 8 (10,4%) con memoria inmunológica; de los casos positivos, 32 (82,1%) eran adultos y 30 (76,9%) fueron del género femenino. CONCLUSIÓN: Del total de muestras, la mitad tuvo diagnóstico de brucelosis, las manifestaciones clínicas de los pacientes estudiados fueron inespecíficas, lo cual resalta la importancia del diagnóstico de laboratorio.

BACKGROUND: Human brucellosis is a global health problem. Mexico is one of the main countries affected; timely diagnosis and serological tests are the basis for detection. AIM: To know the frequency of confirmed cases of brucellosis in different of Family Medicine Units of the Mexican Social Security Institute in the state of Puebla, Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in patients of both genders, adults and pediatrics, with clinical manifestations suggestive of brucellosis; serological tests were performed for the confirmatory diagnosis. RESULTS: Out of a total of 77 patients, 39 (50.6%) were positive, 21 (27.3%) cases coming out of infection, 9 (11.7%) were negative and 8 (10.4%) were defined with immunological memory; of positive cases, 32 (82.1%) were found in the adult group and 30 (76.9%) were female. CONCLUSION: Around half of samples were confirmed as brucellosis, the clinical manifestations of the patients studied were non-specific, which highlights the importance of laboratory diagnosis.

Inquérito sorológico de brucelose em machos e fêmeas bovinas em fazendas do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul / Serological survey of brucellosis in males and females of cattle in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul

Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de animais soro reagentes à brucelose bovina em fazendas localizadas no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, por meio de exame sorológico utilizando o Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT) e discutir as possíveis diferenças entre as soroprevalências de fêmeas e machos. Foram avaliados, a partir do teste de triagem com Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT), 724 bovinos da raça Nelore, sendo 274 machos e 450 fêmeas, provenientes de oito propriedades com histórico de problemas reprodutivos. O teste foi procedido conforme o protocolo determinado pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Os resultados demonstraram baixa soroprevalência da doença nos bovinos testados, sendo detectada prevalência para a doença de 1,10% nos machos e 2,88% nas fêmeas.Quando se considera o touro isoladamente nos rebanhos, pode-se perceber que a fertilidade é muito mais importante nos machos do que nas fêmeas individualmente, uma vez que os touros podem se acasalar com um número muito maior de fêmeas, seja na monta natural ou na inseminação artificial, demonstrando a importância do inquérito epidemiológico na população geral, principalmente nos machos. A maior frequência da doença foi encontrada nas fêmeas podendo estar relacionada à infecção por Brucella spp. no ambiente decorrente de parto ou aborto tornando as fêmeas transmissoras permanentes da doença.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of seroreactive animals to bovine brucellosis in farms located in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, by means of a serological examination using the Acidified Buffered Antigen (AAT) and to discuss the possible differences between the seroprevalence of females and males. A total of 724 Nellore cattle, 274 males and 450 females, from eight farms with a history of reproductive problems, were evaluated using the screening test with Acidified Buffered Antigen (AAT). The test was carried out according to the protocol determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA).The results showed a low seroprevalence of the disease in the tested cattle, with a prevalence of 1.10% in males and 2.88% in females.When considered the bull alone in herds, it can be shown that fertility is much more important in males than in females individually, since bulls can mate with a much larger number of females, either in natural mating or in artificial insemination, demonstrating the importance of epidemiological survey in the general population, especially in males. The highest frequency of the disease was found in females and may be related to infection by Brucella spp. in the environment from childbirth or abortion making females permanent transmitters of the disease.

Primer caso confirmado de brucelosis humana por Brucella melitensis, una zoonosis presente en Colombia / First confirmed case of human brucellosis by Brucella melitensis, a zoonosis present in Colombia

Resumen La brucelosis, principal zoonosis a nivel mundial tiene alta prevalencia en varios países de Latinoamérica. Se asocia con la exposición a ganado infectado por distintas especies del género Brucella. B. melitensis la más virulenta para el humano, causa con frecuencia complicaciones de predominio osteoarticular. En Colombia se cree que la infección por B. melitensis es una entidad ausente, a pesar de su plausibilidad biológica en nuestro contexto; sin embargo, son escasos los estudios sobre su ocurrencia y mínimo el índice de sospecha de la enfermedad, por lo cual creemos está subdiagnosticada. Presentamos el primer caso confirmado de brucelosis por B. melitensis en Colombia en una joven embarazada, con diagnóstico incidental, en quien el análisis retrospectivo de su cuadro clínico alertó sobre puntos clave que pueden impactar en el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de la enfermedad. Se plantean preguntas de prevalencia real de esta entidad en Colombia.

Summary Brucellosis, the principal zoonoses globally is highly prevalent in different countries of Latin America. It is associated with the exposition of livestock infected with different Brucella species, being B. melitensis the most virulent for humans, and frequently causing osteoarticular complications. In Colombia it is believed that B. melitensis infection is an absent entity, despite its biological plausibility in our context; however, there are few studies on its occurrence and a minimum index of suspicion of the disease, which is why we believe it is underdiagnosed. We present the first confirmed case of brucellosis by B. melitensis in Colombia diagnosed in a young pregnant patient, with an incidental diagnosis, in whom a retrospective analysis of her clinical outcome warned of key points that may impact on the diagnosis and timely treatment of the disease. We present several questions surrounding the real prevalence of this entity in Colombia.

Meta-analysis of brucellosis vaccinology in natural hosts / Meta-análise da vacinologia de brucelose em hospedeiros naturais

Brucellosis is a relevant zoonotic disease for which the most important tool for control is vaccination of susceptible animals. Assessment of vaccine efficacy in natural hosts is based on prevention of abortion and Brucella infection in organs of immunized animals. A meta-analysis of experimental vaccination of Brucella spp. natural hosts was performed, including 45 PubMed and/or Scopus-indexed publications, representing 116 individual experiments. Difference of risk was calculated as an indicator of protection, and a temporal analysis (1980-2016) demonstrated that experimental vaccines tested on natural hosts provided levels of protection that were stable over the past decades. The meta-regression model developed in this study included different vaccine categories (attenuated, inactivated, mutant, subunit, and vectored) considering the difference of risk as the dependent variable. The subcutaneous route of vaccination provided better protection when compared to the intramuscular and oral routes of vaccination. Surprisingly, inactivated vaccines provided better protection than live naturally attenuated vaccine strains (spontaneous mutations) that were considered the reference, whereas subunit vaccines provided lower levels of protection. This is the first meta-analysis of Brucella vaccinology in the natural hosts. These results are useful for the development of new vaccination protocols for controlling animal brucellosis.(AU)

Brucelose é uma doença zoonótica relevante, para a qual a vacinação de animais susceptíveis é a ferramenta mais importante de controle. Avaliação da eficácia vacinal em hospedeiros naturais é baseada na prevenção de aborto e da colonização de órgãos pela Brucella spp. em animais imunizados. Foi realizada meta-análise de estudos de vacinação experimental de Brucella spp. em hospedeiros naturais, incluindo 45 publicações indexadas pela PubMed e/ou Scopus, representando 116 experimentos individuais. Diferença de risco foi calculada como indicador de proteção e uma análise temporal (1980-2016) demonstrou que vacinas experimentais testadas em hospedeiros naturais promoveram níveis de proteção que foram estáveis ao longo das últimas décadas. O modelo de meta-regressão desenvolvido neste estudo incluiu diferentes categorias de vacinas (atenuada, inativada, mutante, subunidade e vetorial) considerando a diferença de risco como variável dependente. A via de vacinação subcutânea promoveu melhor proteção quando comparada às vias intramuscular e oral. Surpreendentemente, vacinas inativadas promoveram melhor proteção que vacinas vivas atenuadas (com mutações espontâneas) que foram consideradas como referência, enquanto vacinas de subunidades promoveram menor proteção. Este é o primeiro estudo de meta-análise da vacinologia de Brucella em hospedeiros naturais. Estes resultados são úteis para o desenvolvimento de novos protocolos vacinais para controle de brucelose animal.(AU)

A real-time quantitative PCR based on molecular beacon for detecting Brucella infection / PCR quantitativo em tempo real, baseado em guia molecular para detecção de infeção por Brucella

O objetivo deste comunicado é desenvolver um método quantitativo PCR em tempo real, baseado em guia molecular (MB) (MB-qPCR) para detecção de infecção por espécies de Brucella, e avaliar seu potencial de utilização clínica. Os primers e as sondas MB foram desenhados para amplificação específica e determinação de sequência conservada do código do gene para os primeiros 58-aa da proteína de membrana externa OMP-2a, que é compartilhada em cinco espécies de Brucella epidêmicas. A avaliação metodológica foi realizada por análise de sensibilidade, especificidade, coeficiente de variação intra e inter, e a linearidade do qPCR. O potencial diagnóstico foi avaliado comparando-se o método qPCR desenvolvido com ensaios de exames bacteriológicos convencionais, incluindo os testes de soroaglutinação convencionais (SATs) e os testes do Rosa Bengala (RBPTs). O método exibiu alta sensibilidade (tão baixo quanto 50 cópias) e grande faixa de linearidade (102-108 cópias). Nenhuma reação cruzada foi encontrada com bactéria clínica comum. A sensibilidade diagnóstica foi superior ao exame bacteriológico, e a especificidade diagnóstica foi superior ao SAT ou ao RBPT. Um método MB-qPCR altamente sensível e específico para DNA de Brucella foi estabelecido com sucesso, provando ser uma ferramenta útil no diagnóstico molecular de brucelose.(AU)

Marcadores moleculares para la taxonomía e identificación del género Brucella (Alphaproteobacteria) / Molecular markers for the taxonomy and identification of the genus Brucella (Alphaproteobacteria)

Introducción: El género Brucella está incluido en la familia Brucellaceae que pertenece al orden Rhizobiales y es reconocido por su alto grado de patogenicidad. Las bacterias de este género son responsables de la brucelosis, enfermedad que ha sido reportada como una de las zoonosis más importantes a nivel mundial por su incidencia en el ganado y el hombre. Los estudios previos para la clasificación taxonómica del género, se han basado fundamentalmente en el análisis del gen 16S ARNr. Sin embargo, pocas investigaciones se han dirigido a la identificación de marcadores moleculares que distingan a sus miembros de otros grupos de bacterias. Objetivo: Identificar inserciones en secuencias de proteínas conservadas, que pudieran ser utilizados como marcadores moleculares para la taxonomía y diagnóstico de especies del género Brucella. Métodos: Las secuencias homólogas de las proteínas analizadas fueron obtenidas de bases de datos internacionales y, posteriormente, alineadas con el programa ClustalX2, para ello fueron considerados los parámetros sugeridos en la literatura. Resultados: Se identificaron inserciones en las proteínas oxoglutarato deshidrogenasa (componente E1) y ADN ligasa A específicas del género Brucella. Conclusiones: Las inserciones halladas pueden ser empleadas como complemento a los métodos tradicionales de clasificación taxonómica y para el diagnóstico molecular de bacterias incluidas en el género Brucella(AU)

Introduction: Brucella is a genus from the Brucellaceae family, Rhizobiales order. This genus is recognized for its high pathogenicity. Brucella bacteria cause brucellosis, a disease reported as one of the most important zoonoses worldwide due to its incidence in cattle and people. Previous studies on taxonomic classification of the genus have been mainly based on the analysis of gene 16S rDNA. However, few studies have been aimed at identification of molecular markers distinguishing its members from other groups of bacteria. Objective: Identify insertions in preserved protein sequences which could be used as molecular markers for the taxonomy and diagnosis of species from the Brucella genus. Methods: The homologous sequences for the proteins analyzed were obtained from international databases and aligned with the software ClustalX2, considering the parameters suggested in the literature. Results: Insertions were identified in the proteins oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (component E1) and DNA ligase A, specific of the genus Brucella. Conclusions: The insertions found may be used as complements to the traditional methods for taxonomic classification and for the molecular diagnosis of bacteria from the genus Brucella(AU)

Values of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Fractional Anisotropy in the Diagnosis of Brucella Spondylitis / 中国医学科学院学报

To compare the differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) between brucella spondylitis (BS) groups at different stages before treatment and the normal control group and to evaluate the change trend of ADC value and FA value at different time points before and after treatment. Totally 53 patients suspected of BS by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and later confirmed as BS patients by serological tests were enrolled in this study. These patients underwent conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging scans,and the ADC value and FA value were measured. Independent sample test was used to compare the ADC value and FA value between the BS group and the control group,the ADC value and FA value between the BS group at each stage. Repeated measurement ANOV was used to compare the ADC values and FA values at different time points before and after treatment. FA imaging showed that the color code of BS was different from that of the normal control group,and the color code of FA imaging showed increased singal. The ADC values of BS in the acute,subacute,and chronic stages [(1.45±0.02)×10 mm /s,(1.35±0.03)×10 mm /s,(1.26±0.05)×10 mm /s,respectively] were significantly higher than those in the control group [(1.06±0.09) ×10 mm /s](=2.538,=0.009;=1.998,=0.032;=1.575,=0.004),and the FA value (0.55±0.02,0.65±0.03,0.71±0.04,respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.78±0.02) (=2.440,=0.012; =1.847,=0.041;=2.102,=0.003). Repeated measurement analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in ADC values and FA values at different time points before and after treatment in the acute,subacute,and chronic stages (ADC:=12.100,<0.001;=8.439,=0.005;=9.704,=0.004,respectively;FA:=7.080,=0.002;=6.607;=0.003;=8.868,=0.001,respectively). The ADC values at different time points after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment or at a previous time point after treatment (=332.14,<0.001),and the FA values were significantly higher than those before treatment or at a previous time point after treatment (=134.26,<0.001). FA color code can intuitively display differences in BS and normal vertebral bodies and show change of color code before and after treatment. Also,the ADC values and FA values can quantitatively reveal differences between BS and normal vertebral body in different time points and quantify BS vertebral lesion changes before and after treatment. In particular,in BS patients who are recovering from treatment,it can quantify microscopic edema. Therefore,diffusion tensor imaging may be useful objective indicator in evaluating the effectiveness of a specific treatment for BS.

Clinical features of 9 cases of Brucella endocarditis / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with Brucella endocarditis. Methods: The clinical data of 9 patients with Brucella endocarditis admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital from October 2008 to August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Through the electronic medical record system of the hospital. Through assessing the electronic medical record system of the hospital, demographic data, main symptoms, vital signs, blood culture, Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination Test, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, chest imaging and other clinical data of included patients were inquired and recorded. Patients were followed up by telephone for medication, operation and outcome. Results: The 9 patients were all Han nationality, aged from 25 to 66 years, 7 out of 9 patients were male, and they came from Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Beijing. Of the 9 patients, 5 were farmers, 2 were self-employed, 1 was a technician, and 1 was unemployed. Of the 9 cases, 8 had a history of close contact with cattle and sheep, and 5 had a history of eating beef and mutton. Rose-Bengal Plate Agglutination Test and blood culture were positive in all 9 patients. Aortic valve was involved in 7 out of 9 patients, mitral and tricuspid valve was involved in 1 patient, respectively, and aortic dissection occurred in 1 patient. Condition of 1 patient rapidly deteriorated after admission and finally died during hospitalization despite antibiotic therapy, the remaining patients received long-term antibiotic treatment. A total of 7 patients who underwent valve replacement were followed up. One patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 6 months after operation, and the remaining 6 patients recovered well after valve replacement. Heart failure occurred in all 9 patients, and pericardial effusion occurred in 8 patients. Electrocardiogram showed low voltage of the QRS complex in the limb in 3 cases and poor R-wave progression in V(1)-V(3) lead in 2 cases, and sinus tachycardia in 2 cases. One patient developed non-specific ST-T abnormalities. All patients had fever, 7 patients complained of weakness, and 6 patients complained of palpitations. Among the 9 patients, 7 cases had anemia, 7 patients had pneumonia, 6 had bilateral pleural effusion, 4 had thrombocytopenia. Creatinine was above normal in 4 patients, urine protein was positive in 3 patients, Delta Bilirubin was higher in 3 cases. Conclusions: Patients with Brucella endocarditis often suffer from heart failure and have severe complications. Adequate antibiotic therapy in combination with valve replacement is effective for the treatment of patients with Brucella endocarditis.

Occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in donkeys of São Paulo state / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em asininos no estado de São Paulo

Among the diseases that affect equines, bacterial diseases play an important role from a health and economic point of view, especially leptospirosis and brucellosis. The study aimed to provide information on the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. and anti-Brucella abortus antibodies in donkeys of São Paulo state. We found a frequency of 62.4% (53/85) antibodies against Leptospira spp. The donkeys were not seropositive for Brucella spp.(AU)

Entre as doenças que acometem os equídeos, as enfermidades bacterianas assumem um papel importante do ponto de vista sanitário e econômico, destacando-se a leptospirose e a brucelose. O estudo teve como objetivo fornecer informações sobre a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. e anti-Brucella abortus em jumentos no estado de São Paulo. Estimou-se que 62,4% (53/85) dos animais apresentavam anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. Os jumentos estudados não foram sororreagentes contra a Brucella spp.(AU)

Interaction between Brucella melitensis 16M and small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 and E2 conjugating enzyme 9 in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages

Brucella is an intracellular pathogen that invades a host and settles in its immune cells; however, the mechanism of its intracellular survival is unclear. Modification of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) occurs in many cellular activities. E2 conjugating enzyme 9 (Ubc9) is the only reported ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that links the SUMO molecule with a target protein. Brucella's intracellular survival mechanism has not been studied with respect to SUMO-related proteins and Ubc9. Therefore, to investigate the relationship between Brucella melitensis 16M and SUMO, we constructed plasmids and cells lines suitable for overexpression and knockdown of SUMO1 and Ubc9 genes. Brucella 16M activated SUMO1/Ubc9 expression in a time-dependent manner, and Brucella 16M intracellular survival was inhibited by SUMO1/Ubc9 overexpression and promoted by SUMO1/Ubc9 depletion. In macrophages, Brucella 16M-dependent apoptosis and immune factors were induced by SUMO1/Ubc9 overexpression and restricted by SUMO1/Ubc9 depletion. We noted no effect on the expressions of SUMO1 and Ubc9 in B. melitensis 16M lipopolysaccharide-prestimulated mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, intracellular survival of the 16M△VirB2 mutant was lower than that of Brucella 16M (p < 0.05). VirB2 can affect expression levels of Ubc9, thereby increasing intracellular survival of Brucella in macrophages at the late stage of infection. Collectively, our results demonstrate that B. melitensis 16M may use the VirB IV secretion system of Brucella to interact with SUMO-related proteins during infection of host cells, which interferes with SUMO function and promotes pathogen survival in host cells.

A Case of Catabacter hongkongensis and Alistipes indistinctus Isolated from Blood Cultures of a Patient with Acute Appendicitis

Catabacter hongkongensis is an anaerobic gram-positive coccobacillus that was first isolated in Hong Kong. It is infectious and causes high mortality in patients with rare but underlying diseases. Alistipes indistinctus is an anaerobic gram-negative coccobacillus. This bacterium is a common member of the human intestinal microbiota. We report a case of C. hongkongensis and A. indistinctus isolated from blood cultures of a patient with acute appendicitis. A 35-year-old female patient with no specific medical history was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea experienced on the day before admission. On admission, laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis, neutropenia, and elevated C–reactive protein and procalcitonin levels. Following an abdominal computed tomography showing acute appendicitis with suspected perforation, emergency surgery was performed. Growth was observed in two anaerobic blood culture bottles after four days. After further culturing of the bacteria on Brucella Blood Agar, two types of bacteria were obtained. The two bacterial isolates, one gram-positive and one gram-negative, were unable to be identified using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Thus, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was performed, resulting in identification of the bacteria as C. hongkongensis and A. indistinctus. The patient was administered antibiotics and discharged two days after surgery. Although MALDI-TOF MS enables fast and accurate identification of bacteria, C. hongkongensis and A. indistinctus were not listed in the spectral library, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was useful for identifying the two bacteria.

Prevalência de brucelose bovina na região noroeste do estado do Paraná de 2014 á 2016 / Bovine brucellosis prevalence in the northwest region of the state of Paraná from 2014 to 2016 / Prevalencia de brucelosis bovina en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná de 2014 a 2016

Dentre as zoonoses responsáveis pelas maiores perdas socioeconômicas na bovinocultura brasileira, a brucelose possui significativo destaque, sendo considerada uma antropozoonose causada pelas bactérias do gênero Brucella spp. Essas bactérias possuem potencial para infectar diversos mamíferos, inclusive, existem registros de brucelose em cetáceos (baleias e golfinhos). Nos bovinos, as principais maneiras de transmissão se dão pelas descargas bacterianas presentes nos restos de materiais provenientes de abortos de vacas positivas para brucelose, mas também pode ser transmitida pelo leite, cópula, fômites, solo e até a água. As vacas continuam liberando as bactérias por cerca de 30 dias após o parto ou aborto. Para diagnóstico são utilizados testes diretos ou indiretos preconizados pelo Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e da Tuberculose Animal (PNCEBT). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil epidemiológico de Brucelose bovina na região noroeste do estado do Paraná de 2014 a 2016. Entre os anos de 2014 a 2016, foram utilizados dados de exames realizados por Médico Veterinário devidamente registrado e habilitado para a realização do diagnóstico. Entre bovinos machos e fêmeas foram testados 12.640 animais, na região noroeste do estado Paraná, sendo o teste utilizado o do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). 26 animais foram positivos para brucelose, perfazendo um percentual de 0,2 % do rebanho analisado. Apesar dos baixos índices de animais infectados pela Brucella spp. apresentados nessa pesquisa o controle e uma possível erradicação da brucelose se tornam indispensáveis devido à fácil transmissão e às perdas econômicas provocadas, principalmente pelos abortos ocorridos nos últimos trimestres das gestações.(AU)

Brucellosis features among the zoonoses responsible for greatest socioeconomic losses in the Brazilian cattle farming. Considered an anthropozoonosis, its etiological agents are bacteria of the Brucella spp genus. Such bacteria have the potential to infect several mammals, with records of brucellosis even in cetaceans (whales and dolphins). In cattle, it is mainly transmitted through bacterial discharges present in the remains of materials coming from abortions tested positive for brucellosis. Nevertheless, it can also be transmitted by milk, copulation, blood transfusions, fomites, soil and even water. Cows continue releasing the bacteria for about 30 days after calving or abortion. Direct or indirect tests as recommended by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) can be used for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiological profile of bovine brucellosis in the northwestern region of the State of Paraná from 2014 to 2016. Between 2014 and 2016, data from examinations performed by a veterinarian duly registered and qualified to perform the diagnosis were used. A total of 12,640 animals in the northwest region of the state of Paraná were tested, both male and female, using the acidified buffered antigen (ABA). A total of 26 animals tested positive for brucellosis, which corresponds to 0.2% of the studied herd. Despite the low rates of animals infected with Brucella spp. presented in this study, the control and possible eradication of brucellosis is essential due to its easy transmission and extensive economic losses mainly caused by abortions occurring during the last quarters of pregnancies.(AU)

Entre las zoonosis responsables por las mayores pérdidas socioeconómicas en la bovinocultura brasileña, la brucelosis posee significativo destaque, es considerada una antropozoonosis causada por bacterias del género Brucella spp. Esas bacterias poseen potencial para infectar diversos mamíferos, incluso, existen registros de brucelosis en cetáceos (ballenas y delfines). En los bovinos, las principales formas de transmisión se dan por las descargas bacterianas presentes en los restos de materiales provenientes de abortos de vacas positivas para brucelosis, también puede ser transmitida por la leche, cópula, fómites, suelo e incluso el agua. Las vacas continúan liberando las bacterias durante unos 30 días después del parto o aborto. Para el diagnóstico se utilizan pruebas directas o indirectas preconizadas por el Programa Nacional de Control y Erradicación de Brucelosis y de la Tuberculosis Animal (PNCEBT). El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido evaluar el perfil epidemiológico de Brucelosis bovina en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná de 2014 a 2016. Entre los años de 2014 a 2016 se utilizaron datos de exámenes realizados por Médico Veterinario debidamente registrado y habilitado para la realización del diagnóstico. Entre bovinos machos y hembras se probaron 12.640 animales, en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná, la prueba utilizada fue antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). 26 animales atestaron positivos para brucelosis, lo que significó el 0,2% del rebaño analizado. A pesar de los bajos índices de animales infectados por Brucella spp. presentados en esa investigación, el control y una posible erradicación de la brucelosis se vuelven indispensables debido a su fácil transmisión y las pérdidas económicas provocadas, principalmente por los abortos ocurridos en los últimos trimestres de las gestaciones.(AU)

Detección molecular de Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. y Brucella spp. en queso artesanal fresco comercializado en Barranquilla: un estudio piloto / Molecular detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Brucella spp. in fresh artisanal cheese marketed in the city of Barranquilla: A pilot study

Introducción. Cada año mueren, aproximadamente, tres millones de personas como consecuencia de las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos. El queso artesanal fresco que se produce y distribuye en la región Caribe colombiana es un producto autóctono de los departamentos de Córdoba, Sucre, Bolívar, Atlántico, Magdalena, Cesar y La Guajira. Su consumo masivo aumenta el riesgo de infección con salmonelosis, listeriosis y brucelosis debido a que es elaborado con una tecnología muy rústica, con leche de vaca no pasteurizada, sin procedimientos estandarizados e higiénicos, y a que su almacenamiento no es adecuado. Objetivo. Detectar la presencia de Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. y Brucella spp. en muestras de queso artesanal costeño fresco procedente de los departamentos de la región Caribe colombiana. Materiales y métodos. Mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (qPCR), se analizaron 27 muestras de queso proveniente de cinco departamentos de la región Caribe: Atlántico (n=6), Bolívar (n=2), Córdoba (n=1), Magdalena (n=16) y Sucre (n=2). Del total de las muestras, 17 eran de queso blando, cinco de queso semiduro y cinco de queso duro. Resultados. En el 62,9 % de las muestras se detectó Salmonella spp. (17/27), en el 70,4 %, Listeria spp. (19/27), y en el 22,2 %, Brucella spp. (6/27). Las muestras provenían principalmente del departamento del Magdalena y, en 62,5 % (10/16) de ellas, se encontró Salmonella spp. y Listeria spp., en tanto que en el 50 % (3/6) de las muestras del departamento del Atlántico se detectó Brucella spp. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron la presencia de estos microorganismos en todas las muestras de queso costeño blando.

Introduction: Each year approximately 3 million people die as the result of foodborne diseases. The fresh artisan (handmade) cheese produced and distributed in the Colombian Caribbean region is a native product from the departments of Córdoba, Sucre, Bolívar, Atlántico, Magdalena, Cesar, and La Guajira. Its mass consumption increases the risk of infection with Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Brucella spp., as it is made with a very rustic technology, with unpasteurized cow milk, without standardized and hygienic procedures and its storage is inadequate. Objective: To detect the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Brucella spp. in samples of fresh artisan cheese from the Colombian Caribbean region. Materials and methods: Twenty-seven samples of cheese from five departments of the Caribbean Region (Atlántico (n=6), Bolívar (n=2), Córdoba (n=1), Magdalena (n=16), and Sucre (n=2)) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Seventeen of the samples corresponded to soft cheese, five to semi-hard cheese and five to hard cheese. Results: In 62.9% (17/27) of the samples we detected Salmonella spp., in 70.4% (19/27), Listeria spp., and in 22.2% (6/27), Brucella spp., mainly from the department of Magdalena. In 62.5% (10/16) of the samples we detected Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. while in the department of Atlántico, 50% (3/6) of the samples corresponded to Brucella spp. Conclusion: The results confirmed the presence of these microorganisms in all the samples of soft cheese from the Colombian Caribbean region.

La técnica de polarización fluorescente para el diagnóstico de Brucella en Chaetophractus villosus / Technique of fluorescence polarization for the diagnosis of Brucella in Chaetophractus villosus / A técnica de polarização fluorescente para o diagnóstico de Brucella em Chaetophractus villosus

La brucelosis es una enfermedad muy extendida por todo el mundo. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante el uso de diferentes técnicas, entre ellas el aislamiento del agente etiológico o por serología detectando anticuerpos específicos. Todos estos métodos están estandarizados y validados en general para las distintas especies animales de interés zootécnico. En animales silvestres pueden utilizarse los mismos procedimientos serológicos, pero cada uno debe ser validado para la especie animal estudiada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprobar si la técnica de Polarización Fluorescente (FPA) utilizada para la determinación de anticuerpos contra Brucella en bovinos puede ser usada para el diagnóstico de Brucella en el armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus). Para ello se tomaron 150 muestras de sangre de Chaetophractus villosus. Veinticuatro muestras fueron positivas por medio de las técnicas de antígeno bufferado en placa, seroaglutinación lenta en tubo, 2-mercaptoetanol y fijación del complemento. Las mismas muestras resultaron positivas a la técnica de Polarización Fluorescente, estableciéndose un límite de corte de 82 mP. El índice Kappa registrado fue de 1 para todos los tests de diagnóstico comparados con FPA (IC: 0,84-1).

Brucellosis is a disease widespread throughout the world. The diagnosis is made through the use of different techniques including the isolation of the etiological agent or by serology detecting specific antibodies. All these methods are standardized and validated in general for animal species of zoo-technical interest. In wild animals, serological procedures may be used, but each should be validated for the particular animal species studied. The objective of this work was to verify if the technique of Fluorescent Polarization used for the determination of antibodies against Brucella in ruminants can be used for the diagnosis of Brucella in Chaetophractus villosus. To this aim, s 150 blood samples of Chaetophractus villosus were taken. Twenty-four samples were positive by the techniques of Antigen Buffered in Plate, serum agglutination test (SAT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) agglutination test and complement fixation test (CFT). The same samples were also positive by Fluorescent Polarization, and a cut-off limit of 82 mP was established. The KAPPA index was 1 for all diagnostic tests compared to FPA (CI: 0.84-1).

A brucelose é uma doença muito espalhada pelo mundo. O diagnóstico é feito por meio de diferentes técnicas, incluindo o isolamento do agente etiológico ou por sorologia detectando anticorpos específicos. Todos esses métodos são padronizados e validados em geral para diferentes espécies animais de interesse zootécnico. Em animais silvestres podem ser utilizados os mesmos métodos serológicos, mas cada um tem de ser validado para a espécie de animal estudada. O objectivo deste estudo foi testar se a técnica de Polarização Fluorescente utilizada para a determinação de anticorpos contra Brucella em bovinos pode ser utilizada para o diagnóstico de Brucella em tatu (Chaetophractus villosus). Para isso, 150 amostras de sangue de Chaetophractus villosus foram coletadas. Vinte e quatro amostras foram positivas por técnicas de antígeno bufferado em placa, soroaglutinação lenta em tubo, 2-mercaptoetanol e fixação do complemento. As mesmas amostras foram positivas para a técnica de Polarização Fluorescente, estabelecendo um limite de corte de 82 mP. O índice Kappa registrado foi de 1 para todos os testes de diagnóstico em comparação com FPA (CI: 0,84-1).

Periprosthetic knee infection with Brucella species - a case report

A 63-year-old female patient presented for infected total knee prosthesis by brucella spp. several years after undergoing knee replacement arthroplasty. She underwent a two-stage revision surgery and was treated wih gentamicin, rifampicin and doxycycline for a total duration of four months