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Tracking melioidosis in Iran: Utilizing abattoir-based surveillance as a One Health approach
Nader Mosavari1, Mohsen Bashashati1, Mahdi Dehghanpour1
1Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
Background:
Burkholderia pseudomallei, an environmental saprophyte bacterium, causes melioidosis in humans and animals. It was first discovered in Iran between 1967 and 1976 in small ruminants, equines, environments and humans. No subsequent studies have been conducted to determine the existence and prevalence of this pathogen in the country.
Objectives:
The present study aims to monitor the presence of B. pseudomallei in the ruminant population of the Golestan province of Iran, which largely depends on pastures. The ruminants can serve as sentinels to indicate the presence of the bacteria in the environment and its potential impact on human health in the One Health triad.
Methods:
Liver and lung abscesses from domestic sheep, cattle and goats in three industrial and three conventional slaughterhouses were sampled and analysed using 23S ribosomal DNA polymerase chain reaction (rDNA PCR) with primers CVMP 23-1 and CVP-23-2 for B. pseudomallei, Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia vietnamiensis, as well as B. pseudomallei-specific TTS1 real-time PCR, along with microbiological and biochemical assays.
Results:
Out of the 97 animals sampled, only 14 (15%) tested positive for 23S rDNA PCR. However, the follow-up evaluation using TTS1 real-time PCR and microbiological and biochemical assays did not confirm the presence of B. pseudomallei in the samples.
Conclusions:
Although B. pseudomallei was not detected in the current survey, conducting abattoir-based surveillance of ruminants is a cost-effective One Health approach to monitor pathogenic Burkholderia. Developing standards of clinical and laboratory good practices for Burkholderia infections is crucial for One Health surveillance.
Insights
Burkholderia pseudomallei was not detected in Iranian ruminants, despite initial PCR screening. Abattoir surveillance in ruminants offers a cost-effective approach for monitoring Burkholderia pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- One Health Surveillance
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidiosis in humans and animals.
- The pathogen was previously identified in Iran (1967-1976) but lacks recent prevalence data.
- Ruminants can act as sentinels for environmental B. pseudomallei and potential human health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor the presence of B. pseudomallei in ruminants in Iran's Golestan province.
- To assess ruminants as sentinels within the One Health framework.
- To investigate the potential impact on human health.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of liver and lung abscesses from sheep, cattle, and goats at slaughterhouses.
- Analysis using 23S ribosomal DNA polymerase chain reaction (rDNA PCR) and B. pseudomallei-specific TTS1 real-time PCR.
- Confirmation through microbiological and biochemical assays.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 97 (15%) animals initially tested positive via 23S rDNA PCR.
- Subsequent TTS1 real-time PCR and microbiological/biochemical tests did not confirm B. pseudomallei presence.
- No definitive detection of B. pseudomallei in the sampled ruminant population.
Conclusions:
- B. pseudomallei was not detected in this survey of Iranian ruminants.
- Abattoir-based surveillance of ruminants is a viable, cost-effective One Health strategy for monitoring Burkholderia.
- Establishing clinical and laboratory standards for Burkholderia infections is vital for effective One Health surveillance.
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