Distribution of Brucella field strains isolated from livestock, wildlife populations, and humans in Italy from 2007 to 2015

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213689
• Publication Date: 2019-03-22T17:25:35Z
• Authors: Fabrizio De Massis; Katiuscia Zilli; Guido Di Donato; Roberta Nuvoloni; Sandro Pelini; Lorena Sacchini; Nicola D’Alterio; Elisabetta Di Gia...
• Keywords: Biovar; Brucellaceae; Wild boar; Ovis; Zoonosis

Brucellosis is a major public health problem still prevalent as neglected endemic zoonosis requiring proactive attention in many communities worldwide. The present study involved analysis of Brucella field strains submitted for typing to the Italian National Reference Laboratory from 2007 2015. Strains were identified at species and biovar levels by classic molecular techniques according World Organisation Animal Health Manual. In total, 5,784 typed: 3,089 abortus (53.4%), 2,497 B. melitensis (43.2%), 10 ovis (0.2%), 181 suis (3.1%), 7 ceti (0.1%). 2,981 cattle typed biovars 1, 3, 6 (90.1%) 3 (9.9%). 318 water buffalo (95.9%) (4.1%). 2,279 sheep goats 1 (4.3%); (95.3%); (0.4%). 173 wild boar 2 (98.3%) (1.7%). 11 pigs 2. 13 humans 3. two horses while seven dolphins ceti. This additional knowledge on epidemiology brucellosis Italy may be useful formulate policies strategies control eradication disease animal populations. affected, typed, geographical origins, spatial distributions isolates are herein analyzed discussed.