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Published on: May 23, 2021
The first report of Brucella suis biovar 1 isolation in human in Turkey
Murat Kutlu1, Nural Cevahir2, Sevil Erdenliğ-Gürbilek3
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
Background:
Brucella melitensis and B. abortus are the species generally isolated from human samples in Turkey. Several studies have also demonstrated the presence of antibodies against B. canis.
Case Report And Study:
Brucella spp. was isolated from blood culture from a 35-year-old male with clinical signs and symptoms of acute meningitis, including fever lasting for 1 week. Multiplex PCR demonstrated B. suis, and biochemical features indicated biovar 1.
Conclusions:
This report is the first emphasizing that B. suis should be considered among the causes of brucellosis in Turkey.
Insights
Brucella suis, a rare cause of brucellosis in Turkey, was identified in a meningitis patient. This finding highlights the need to consider B. suis in diagnosing brucellosis cases in the region.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Brucella melitensis and B. abortus are the primary causes of human brucellosis in Turkey.
- Antibodies against Brucella canis have also been detected in the region.
- Brucellosis is a significant public health concern globally and in Turkey.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with symptoms of acute meningitis, including prolonged fever.
- Brucella species were isolated from the patient's blood culture.
- Multiplex PCR confirmed the presence of Brucella suis, specifically biovar 1.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of Brucella suis infection in Turkey.
- The identification of B. suis in a meningitis case expands the known spectrum of Brucella species causing human illness in the region.
Implications:
- Brucella suis should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with brucellosis symptoms in Turkey.
- This finding may necessitate a review of diagnostic and epidemiological surveillance strategies for brucellosis in Turkey.
- Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and clinical significance of B. suis in Turkey.

