Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of human Brucella in Northeast China

Abstract

IntroductionNortheast China has always been an area with severe brucellosis prevalence. This study will identify Brucella in Northeast China and test its resistance to antibiotics, in order to clarify its resistance mechanism. Brucella is a widespread and highly pathogenic bacteria that poses serious threats to public health and animal husbandry.MethodsIn this study, 61 Brucella isolates were identified by abortus-melitensis-ovis-suis polymerase chain reaction (AMOS-PCR) for biotypes and epidemic potential was clarified by multi-locus sequence analysis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed and the antibiotic susceptibility of the Brucella strains against 13 antibiotics was detected with the use of E-test strips.ResultsThe results showed that all of the isolates were Brucella melitensis ST8, group CC4 with little genetic variation and obvious geographical characteristics. All 61 Brucella isolates were sensitive to doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin, while 24.6%, 86.9%, 65.6%, 27.9%, 3.3%, and 1.6% were resistant to rifampin, azithromycin, cefepime, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefotaxime, and meperidine/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. This is the first report of cephalosporin-resistant B. melitensis in China. The WGS results indicated that about 60% of the antibiotic resistance genes were associated with efflux pumps (mainly the resistance nodulation division family).DiscussionBrucellosis is usually treated with antibiotics for several months, which can easily lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics for treatment of brucellosis, continuous surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility is especially important.

VZV Encephalitis with Brucella coinfection—case report

“…The decision was to use a combination treatment with Rifampin (aminoglycoside), Doxycycline, and Cefotaxime for this patient to reduce the risk of deterioration. However, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) is a combination antibiotic that may be used as an alternative treatment option for brucellosis [ 9 ]. Cefotaxime and TMP-SMZ were equally effective, and no clear preference existed for one.…”

The impacts of animal agriculture on One Health—Bacterial zoonosis, antimicrobial resistance, and beyond

“…In addition, resistance rates to antibiotics, which are the main choice for brucellosis treatment, are on the rise. A recent study found that 24.6% of Brucella isolates collected in northeast China were resistant to rifampicin [ 58 ]. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 84.3% of Brucella isolates sampled from human patients were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [ 59 ].…”