Phylogenomics of Brucella abortus isolated from African Buffalo in Kruger National Park: New perspectives on wildlife-cattle disease dynamics

IF 2.4 2区农林科学 Q3 MICROBIOLOGY

Veterinary microbiology Pub Date : 2025-03-26 DOI:10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110493

Carlo Andrea Cossu , Giuliano Garofolo , Anna Janowicz , Fabrizio De Massis , Jeanette Wentzel , Maphuti Betty Ledwaba , Claude Sabeta , Lin-Mari De Klerk , Jacques Godfroid , Gilles Vergnaud , Henriette van Heerden

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In South Africa, Brucella abortus biovar 1 is the primary cause of bovine brucellosis, significantly impacting cattle production and trade. Serological studies have revealed brucellosis in African wildlife, complicating control efforts due to limited epidemiological data. In 1977, B. abortus biovar 1 was isolated from an African buffalo fetus in Kruger National Park (KNP), raising speculation that buffalo may serve as reservoir hosts. This study investigated Brucella spp. in free-ranging buffalo in KNP using serological, molecular, and bacteriological methods. Brucella abortus bv 1 was isolated from lymph nodes and spleens of three sub-adult buffalo in 2022, marking the first documented recurrence in 50 years. Phylogenomic analyses revealed connections between buffalo isolates and cattle strains from South Africa and South America, suggesting spillover and shared origins from Europe. Further genomic and epidemiological surveillance is required to clarify the role of buffalo as reservoir hosts for brucellosis.

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来源期刊

Veterinary microbiology 农林科学-兽医学

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

6.10%

发文量

221

审稿时长

52 days

期刊介绍： Veterinary Microbiology is concerned with microbial (bacterial, fungal, viral) diseases of domesticated vertebrate animals (livestock, companion animals, fur-bearing animals, game, poultry, fish) that supply food, other useful products or companionship. In addition, Microbial diseases of wild animals living in captivity, or as members of the feral fauna will also be considered if the infections are of interest because of their interrelation with humans (zoonoses) and/or domestic animals. Studies of antimicrobial resistance are also included, provided that the results represent a substantial advance in knowledge. Authors are strongly encouraged to read - prior to submission - the Editorials (''Scope or cope'' and ''Scope or cope II'') published previously in the journal. The Editors reserve the right to suggest submission to another journal for those papers which they feel would be more appropriate for consideration by that journal. Original research papers of high quality and novelty on aspects of control, host response, molecular biology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of microbial diseases of animals are published. Papers dealing primarily with immunology, epidemiology, molecular biology and antiviral or microbial agents will only be considered if they demonstrate a clear impact on a disease. Papers focusing solely on diagnostic techniques (such as another PCR protocol or ELISA) will not be published - focus should be on a microorganism and not on a particular technique. Papers only reporting microbial sequences, transcriptomics data, or proteomics data will not be considered unless the results represent a substantial advance in knowledge. Drug trial papers will be considered if they have general application or significance. Papers on the identification of microorganisms will also be considered, but detailed taxonomic studies do not fall within the scope of the journal. Case reports will not be published, unless they have general application or contain novel aspects. Papers of geographically limited interest, which repeat what had been established elsewhere will not be considered. The readership of the journal is global.