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.

Abstract

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.

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