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Isolation of Brucella melitensis biotype 3 from epidural empyema in a Bosnian immigrant in Germany

Dennis Tappe1, Falk Melzer2, Gernot Schmoock2

  • 1Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|June 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Brucellosis, a significant infectious disease in Mediterranean regions, is highlighted by a severe B. melitensis biotype 3 case in an immigrant. Genetic analysis revealed minor differences in strains from neighboring areas, indicating regional spread.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Brucellosis is an emerging infectious disease in Mediterranean countries.
  • High morbidity rates are associated with increasing human cases.

Observation:

  • A case of severe Brucella melitensis biotype 3 infection is described.
  • The patient was an immigrant with recent contact with ruminants in Bosnia.
  • The infection led to thoracic spondylodiscitis, epidural empyema, and neurological deficits.

Findings:

  • The isolated B. melitensis strain was characterized.
  • Multiple locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) was used for strain comparison.
  • Minor genetic differences were observed between strains from neighboring Mediterranean geographical areas.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of Brucellosis surveillance in returning travelers.
  • Understanding genetic variations in B. melitensis strains is crucial for tracking disease transmission.
  • Public health strategies may need to consider the regional emergence of specific Brucella strains.

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