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Microscopy-based Assays for High-throughput Screening of Host Factors Involved in Brucella Infection of Hela Cells
Published on: August 5, 2016
[Brucellosis part 1 - etiology, epizootiology, epidemiology, and laboratory diagnosis]
1State Veterinary Institute, Olomouc, e-mail:
Abstract:
Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis characterized by a variable clinical presentation. The disease is endemic in many popular tourist destinations visited by Czech citizens. Approximately 300 cases of brucellosis are reported annually in Europe; in the Czech Republic, only a few cases are recorded each year, all of which are imported. The Czech Republic is free of brucellosis in livestock. However, Brucella suis still occurs in the country's wildlife, particularly in the European hare. Laboratory diagnosis of the disease relies primarily on serological tests, as direct identification of the pathogen from clinical material is less frequently successful. Serology offers a range of tests that differ in their diagnostic value for various stages of the disease and specific pathogen species. Today, the genus Brucella includes numerous species, but four representatives are of significance to human health: B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis, and B. canis. Keywords: zoonosis, imported infections, Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus, Brucella suis Brucella canis.
Insights
Brucellosis, a bacterial zoonosis, is frequently encountered in popular tourist destinations. While rare in the Czech Republic, imported cases highlight the need for awareness of Brucella species in wildlife and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Brucellosis is a significant bacterial zoonosis with diverse clinical manifestations.
- It is endemic in regions frequented by international travelers, including Czech citizens.
- While livestock are free of brucellosis in the Czech Republic, Brucella suis persists in wildlife.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and diagnosis of brucellosis, focusing on imported cases in the Czech Republic.
- To highlight the importance of serological tests for diagnosing brucellosis.
- To discuss the relevance of different Brucella species to human health.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on brucellosis cases in Europe and the Czech Republic.
- Analysis of diagnostic approaches, emphasizing serological tests.
- Discussion of Brucella species significant for human health.
Main Results:
- Most brucellosis cases in the Czech Republic are imported.
- Brucella suis is present in Czech wildlife, specifically the European hare.
- Serological tests are the primary method for laboratory diagnosis, with varying efficacy based on disease stage and species.
Conclusions:
- Imported brucellosis poses a public health concern, necessitating awareness among travelers.
- Effective laboratory diagnosis relies on appropriate serological testing for Brucella species.
- Understanding the prevalence of Brucella in wildlife is crucial for disease control.
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