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Brucella classification and regional distribution
Insights
Advances in Brucella classification utilize specific phages to identify smooth and rough strains. Brucellosis remains a global concern in livestock and wildlife, necessitating ongoing control efforts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Brucella classification has seen significant advancements.
- Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease affecting livestock and wildlife.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in Brucella classification using bacteriophages.
- To highlight the global distribution and impact of brucellosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on Brucella phages and brucellosis distribution.
- Analysis of phage lysis capabilities against different Brucella species and strains.
Main Results:
- Berkeley phages, particularly BK2, can lyse smooth Brucella melitensis and other smooth strains.
- New phages have been identified that lyse rough strains of Brucella abortus, Brucella canis, and Brucella ovis.
- Brucellosis persists globally in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and wild animals, except where eradicated.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage typing offers a refined method for Brucella classification.
- Effective control of brucellosis requires continued global vigilance and intervention strategies.
Abstract:
The most significant advances in the field of Brucella classification since the last meeting have been in the field of Brucella phages reviewed by Corbel & Morgan (1980) Handbuch der Bakteriellen Infektionen bei Tieren, 4, Ed Blobel & Schliesser) and Corbel & Morgan (Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. In press). The Berkeley phages, especially the BK2 variant has been found to be able to lyse smooth B. melitensis, as well as smooth strains of the other species. A further advance has been the isolation of phages which lyse rough strains of B. abortus as well as B. canis and B. ovis. The most recent comprehensive account of the world-wide distribution of brucellosis has been given by Hansen and Müller (1982. Tierarztl Umschau 37, 564-570), supplemented by recent reviews by Morgan, Hellman, Weber, Meyer, and Wundt (1980) in Handbuch der Bakteriellen Infektionen bei Tieren 4). Except in those countries where B. abortus infection has been eradicated in cattle, the disease still remains a world-wide problem in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as well as in wild animal reservoirs in certain parts of the world.