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Brucella papionis sp. nov., isolated from baboons (Papio spp.)
Adrian M Whatmore1, Nicholas Davison2, Axel Cloeckaert3,4
1OIE/WHO/FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK.
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
|September 23, 2014
Summary
Two novel Brucella bacteria, Brucella papionis, were identified in baboons that experienced stillbirths. These bacteria possess unique genetic and phenotypic traits distinguishing them from known Brucella species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Taxonomy
Background:
- Brucella species are known Gram-negative bacteria that cause brucellosis in animals and humans.
- Stillbirths in baboons can be linked to bacterial infections, necessitating identification of causative agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To taxonomically characterize two novel bacterial isolates from stillborn baboon offspring.
- To determine if these isolates represent a new species within the Brucella genus.
Main Methods:
- Polyphasic taxonomic study including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), and whole-genome sequencing.
- Phenotypic characterization involving biochemical profiling, dye sensitivity, and bacteriophage lysis.
- Molecular analysis of omp2 locus genes and IS711 element fingerprinting.
Main Results:
- The two isolates, strains F8/08-60(T) and F8/08-61, were identified as belonging to the genus Brucella.
- Both strains exhibited identical genetic sequences across multiple analyses, indicating a distinct lineage.
- Unique phenotypic profiles and molecular characteristics, including novel omp2b gene copies and IS711 fingerprint, differentiated them from known Brucella species.
Conclusions:
- The isolates represent a novel species within the genus Brucella, named Brucella papionis sp. nov.
- Brucella papionis is proposed as a new species based on distinct phenotypic and molecular properties.
- This finding expands the known diversity of Brucella and highlights potential pathogens in non-human primates.
