Application of Bruce-Ladder Multiplex PCR for Identification of Brucella abortus Isolated from Cattle in Kachia Grazing Reserve and Jos Plateau

Abstract

A study was carried out to isolate Brucella strains from cattle in Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR) and some communities on Jos Plateau and to carry out phenotypic and molecular characterization of the isolates along with other isolates obtained from field submissions and those in the archive of National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. A total of 63 vaginal swabs, 36 milk samples, and 2 hygroma fluids were collected from KGR while 70 vaginal swabs, 50 milk samples and 2 hygroma fluids were collected on the Jos Plateau for Brucella isolation. They were cultured for Brucella isolation according to standard Brucella isolation protocol. Three Brucella abortus strains were isolated from KGR while 4 Brucella abortus strains were isolated from the Jos Plateau respectively. Eight isolates from field submissions and 5 from the archive were collected and resuscitated. Comprehensive characterization of the isolates in this study revealed that they were all Brucella abortus. Similarly, characterization of archived isolates and those from field submissions showed that they were Brucella abortus. The classical biotyping of all the isolates revealed that they were Brucella abortus biotype 3. Molecular characterization of all the isolates by Bruce-ladder multiplex Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed bands consistent with Brucella abortus. This is the first molecular characterization of Brucella isolates from Nigeria using the Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR and the first study that established that Brucella abortus biotype 3 is the predominant Brucella strain in Nigeria. The study established the endemicity of brucellosis due to Brucella abortus, in the two study areas. These findings have great veterinary and public health implications. There is therefore an urgent need for the institution and implementation of brucellosis control measures in these areas.

Molecular detection and geospatial distribution of <em>Brucella</em> infections in horses in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

“…The documentation of geospatial distribution of B. abortus infection in horses in the study area as produced in this study seems to be the first of such documentation to the best of our knowledge in the area. Similar documentations of the distribution of Brucella infection in animals in Nigeria were those by Bertu, 2014;Kaltungo, (2018a) andBuhari et al (2020) who documented the distribution of Brucella infections in cattle and small ruminants in Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Sokoto States, Nigeria.…”

“…The finding of higher seroprevalence in this study might be that different horses might have been used by the two researchers. Other reports of Brucella infection in Nigeria include those of Esuruoso (1974); Bale & Kwanashie (1984); Ehizibolo et al (2011); Bertu (2014); Baba (2016), andYakubu (2016). A report of Brucella seroprevalence in rodents in Nigeria has similarly earlier on been made (Avong, 2000).…”

“…This is possible through injury of the mouths of the horses with bridle, injury of the body of the horse through the use of coarse grooming tools and such other materials that can initiate tear of the skin. Bertu (2014) Jalil (2008) has reported human brucellosis acquired through horses and that the risk is real. The exchange of grooming tools by grooms as reported by Baba, (2016) could also lead to the spread of the disease, should any of the horses groomed be infected with Brucella species and has bruises or tears on the skin.…”

“…Molecular techniques have also been used in the identification of Brucella species. (Fekete et al, 1990;Bricker & Halling, 1994;Huber et al, 2009;Bertu, 2014). Similarly, Ohtsuki et al (2008) used loop-mediated isothermal amplification method to detect Brucella spp.…”

Serological survey of Brucella infection in horses in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

“…The SAT-EDTA was used on the samples that were positive by mRBPT as the mRBPT was used as a screening test. For Bale (1980) as modified by Bertu (2014) was used. Briefly, the stored serum samples were removed from the freezer and placed on the working bench and allowed to thaw.…”