Epidemiology and control of brucellosis in China

The paper describes the history and evolvement of brucellosis in China. It presents the variation of epidemic situation, epidemiological characteristics, application of vaccines and control in brief. Before 1980s, human and animal brucellosis was quite severe; during 1980s, the incidence of human and animal brucellosis was relatively low, and seemed to decrease during the decade. During 1990s, there were no obvious changes in the incidence of animal brucellosis, but the incidence of human brucellosis increased, especially from 1995 to 2001. There are not only some common characteristics but also some differences in brucellosis epidemiology relative to that reported in the rest of the world. For the entire country, B. melitensis was the predominant strain associated with outbreaks, and the epidemic peak is from February to June. Several Brucella vaccines have been used in China for prevention and control of brucellosis. such as B. abortus 104 M in humans, B. suis S2 in animals. The introduction of comprehensive measures has allowed great progress in the prevention and control of brucellosis in China. Surveillance points were set-up countrywide to estimate the epidemic situation. In addition, we discussed the new characteristics of brucellosis in China, the influence of the El Nino phenomenon on brucellosis epidemic situation, the phenomenon of antigenic interference between Brucella species and some disadvantages of live Brucella vaccines.     

犬种布鲁氏菌研究进展

犬种布鲁氏菌属于6个经典种布鲁氏菌之一，为天然粗糙型，毒力较弱。长期以来，由于犬种布鲁氏菌对人类致病性较低，其危害一直被忽视。自1966年在美国发现该菌以来，已传播至世界多地。近年来，随着养犬业的不断发展及宠物犬数量的增多，犬布鲁氏菌病发病率不断上升，在某些地区已成为流行性疫病，且对人类公共卫生安全的威胁也日益加重。目前，犬种布鲁氏菌感染导致的犬布鲁氏菌病尚无可靠的诊断方法及有效的疫苗。鉴于此，在查阅相关文献的基础上，笔者对犬种布鲁氏菌的病原学、流行病学、致病机理、检测方法、疫苗研究等方面的相关研究进展进行综述，以期为犬布鲁氏菌病的深入研究和防控提供参考。     

石河子地区宠物犬蜱的种类鉴定及其携带布鲁氏菌的检测

为了解新疆石河子地区宠物犬体表寄生蜱的种类及蜱携带布鲁氏菌情况,本试验在形态学分类的基础上,基于线粒体基因12S rRNA和细胞色素氧化酶Ⅰ（COⅠ）对宠物犬体表采集寄生蜱进行分子生物学检测,使用DNAMAN软件比对分析序列同源性,并应用序列分析软件Mega 7.0邻接法构建蜱种系统发育进化树,分析蜱种的遗传进化关系;基于布鲁氏菌外膜蛋白Omp22基因对宠物犬体表寄生蜱进行布鲁氏菌PCR检测,确定宠物犬蜱布鲁氏菌携带情况。结果显示,宠物犬体表寄生的436只蜱的形态学与线粒体基因（12S rRNA和COⅠ）分子生物学鉴定结果一致,均为新疆优势蜱种之一——图兰扇头蜱（Rhipicephalus turanicus）。基于12S rRNA基因构建的蜱种系统发育树显示,本试验所得宠物犬体表寄生图兰扇头蜱序列与GenBank中已知图兰扇头蜱的序列聚为一大支。基于布鲁氏菌Omp22基因的巢式PCR扩增结果显示,宠物犬体表寄生图兰扇头蜱携带布鲁氏菌的阳性率为4.82%（21/436）,且同源性为100%。BLAST比对显示,本试验所得宠物犬图兰扇头蜱携带的布鲁氏菌与新疆流行株YC31（GenBank登录号：MK201679.1）、QH5（GenBank登录号：MK201678.1）、EM3（GenBank登录号：MK201677.1）和ML9（GenBank登录号：MK201676.1）的同源性均为100%。本研究通过形态学及分子生物学探讨了新疆石河子地区宠物犬体表寄生蜱的种类及携带布鲁氏菌基本情况,为宠物犬体表寄生蜱的种类及蜱传疾病的监测和控制等研究工作提供了基础资料。     

NF-κB信号通路调控布鲁氏菌胞内存活分子机制的初步研究

本试验用布鲁氏菌强、弱毒株侵染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,旨在探讨NF-κB信号通路与布鲁氏菌强、弱毒株在胞内生存的关系。采用光滑型牛布鲁氏菌2308、粗糙型牛布鲁氏菌RB51在不同感染复数下侵染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,侵染0、4、8、24 h后,裂解细胞收集蛋白,Western blotting检测布鲁氏菌对激活NF-κB信号通路的影响。利用不同浓度的NF-κB信号通路抑制剂处理小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,然后用布鲁氏菌在不同感染复数下侵染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,ELISA试剂盒检测细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的表达量;同时对胞内菌CFU进行计数。结果显示粗糙型牛布鲁氏菌RB51可以强烈激活NF-κB信号通路,光滑型牛布鲁氏菌2308对其激活作用较弱;同时对NF-κB信号通路的激活具有浓度依赖性,在感染复数为80:1、侵染时间为8 h时光滑型牛布鲁氏菌2308和粗糙型牛布鲁氏菌RB51对NF-κB激活程度最强,且该通路参与产生TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6;NF-κB信号通路抑制剂BAY11-7082影响布鲁氏菌在胞内的生存。因此,粗糙型牛布鲁氏菌RB51胞内存活与NF-κB信号通路密切相关,为进一步研究布鲁氏菌的胞内致病机制奠定基础,也为布鲁氏菌新型药物的研发、家畜布鲁氏菌病预防和治疗提供科学依据。     

Brucellosis in Argentina

Brucellosis has been recognized in Argentina since the 19th century. Several studies demonstrated the presence of the disease in most of the domestic species. Actually, the estimate of prevalence is that between 10 and 13% of the farm animals are infected with bovine brucellosis with an individual rate of 4–5%. The annual economical losses have been estimated at US$ 60,000,000. The control of bovine brucellosis began in 1932 and successive resolutions have been issued since then. The current resolution indicates that B. abortus S19 is mandatory in female calves between 3 and 8 months of age. The vaccine strain B. abortus RB51 was provisionally approved but only for cattle older than 10 months of age. The brucellosis control program consists principally of test and slaughter. This methodology has been successful mainly in the dairy farms that have the incentive due to increased pricing because of obtaining a low prevalence of the disease. Brucellosis has been found in porcine, caprine, ovine and canine species. All Brucella species have been found in the country. Human brucellosis is an important disease and a national coordinated diagnostic net has been formed to better control the disease in man.     

Preliminary Study on NF-κB Signaling Pathway Regulating Brucella Intracellular Survival Molecular Mechanisms

By the infection of Brucella virulent strain and attenuated strain in mice macrophage RAW264.7,the assay was aimed to explore the relationship between NF-κB signaling pathways and Brucella virulent strain and attenuated strain in intracellular survival.Use different MOI Brucella (2308,RB51,16M and M5) to infect mice macrophage RAW264.7,after 0,4,8 and 24 h infected,cracking cell and collecting supernatant,we detected the effect of Brucella on activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by Western blotting.Different concentrations of NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor were incubated with mice macrophage RAW264.7,with different multiplicities of infection (MOI) of Brucella infecting cells,ELISA kits to detect the expressions of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine;At the same time,count the number of intracellular bacteria of CFU.The results showed that rough cattle Brucella strains RB51 could strongly activate NF-κB signaling pathway,smooth cattle Brucella strains 2308 was weak in the activation;At the same time,the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway was concentration dependent.When the MOI was 80,infection time was 8 h,NF-κB activation degrees of rough cattle Brucella strains RB51 and smooth cattle Brucella strains 2308 were the strongest,and this pathway was involved in producing TNF-α and IL-6;NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor BAY11-7082 affected Brucella intracellular survival.So rough cattle Brucella strains RB51 intracellular survival and NF-κB signaling pathway activity were closely related.The results laid the foundation for the further study of Brucella intracellular pathogenesis,also provided scientific basis for the research of new drugs to Brucella,and prevention and treatment of brucellosis.     

The myth of Brucella L-forms and possible involvement of Brucella penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) in pathogenicity

Brucella spp. L-forms have been proposed to be stationary phase organisms in the evolution of new variants and enduring entities in the host in complicated cases of brucellosis and during latent brucellosis. In vitro formation of Brucella L-forms has been achieved by treating the cells with sub-lethal doses of penicillin. Interestingly, Brucella spp. have classified during the evolution into two groups, penicillin susceptible or penicillin resistant, yet both types grow on 20 μg/ml of methicillin. Strains proven susceptible to penicillin grew in the presence of methicillin as L-forms as demonstrated by light and electron microscopy. In addition, the B. melitensis vaccine strain Rev.1, a penicillin susceptible organism, responded to sheep serum by development of L-form-like structures unlike wild type, strain 16M. The two strains grew normally in sheep macrophages. We propose, for the first time, a model that associates Brucella pathogenicity with the structure and activity of two of their penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). According to the model, PBP1 has evolved as the major cell wall synthesizing enzyme of the genus, capable of responding to host serum growth factor(s) necessary for Brucella survival in the host. This property is associated with high avidity to β-lactam antibiotics. PBP2 complements the activity of PBP1. New β-lactam antibiotics and improved vaccines might be developed based on this property.     

哈萨克绵羊DRB1基因外显子1和4多态性与布鲁氏菌病的相关性研究

试验旨在对哈萨克绵羊DRB1基因外显子1和4多态性与布鲁氏菌病的相关性进行研究。使用虎红平板凝集试验（RBPT）对试羊的血清进行血清学检测，参考GenBank中绵羊MHC ClassⅡ区DRB1基因序列（登录号：NC_040271.1），对其外显子1和4片段设计引物，采用PCR-SSCP和DNA测序技术对230只哈萨克绵羊的DRB1基因进行多态性检测，分析其多态位点与哈萨克绵羊布鲁氏菌易感性之间的关系。RBPT检测发现66只哈萨克绵羊为布鲁氏菌感染阳性，阳性检出率为28.7%。外显子1片段存在一个SNP位点（F1-G22A），测序确定两种基因型（GG、GA），优势等位基因和基因型分别为G、GG，F1-G22A多态位点的易感基因型为GA。卡方检验表明，哈萨克绵羊DRB1基因F1-G22A多态位点与布鲁氏菌易感性的相关性不显著（P>0.05）。通过生物信息学在线软件分析得出，F1-G22A多态位点导致了RNA二级结构的改变和最小自由能的降低，引起了蛋白质二级结构的改变。DRB1基因外显子4片段未发现SNPs。由此得出，哈萨克绵羊DRB1基因F1-G22A多态位点与布鲁氏菌易感性可能存在一定的相关性。     

1种布鲁氏菌微滴式数字PCR检测方法的建立

本研究旨在构建1种布鲁氏菌（Brucella）微滴式数字PCR方法（droplet digital PCR,ddPCR）。以布鲁氏菌BCSP31基因为靶基因,选取保守区域设计引物和探针,构建了布鲁氏菌微滴式数字PCR方法。然后优化了ddPCR反应中的引物、探针浓度及退火温度,并进行方法的灵敏度、特异性和重复性试验。结果表明,ddPCR的最佳引物和探针浓度分别为900 nmol·L^-1和250 nmol·L^-1,最佳的退火温度为58℃。ddPCR的线性良好,最低检测下限为1.12 copies·μL^-1,与大肠杆菌O：157菌株等其他4种细菌无交叉反应,而且批内重复性和批间重复性都较好。综上表明,本研究建立的ddPCR方法灵敏度高、特异性强,可对布鲁氏菌感染的临床样品进行定量检测。     

The Correlation Between Polymorphisms of Exon1 and Exon4 of DRB1 Gene and Brucellosis in Kazakh Sheep

The purpose of this experiment was to study the correlation between exon 1 and 4 polymorphisms of DRB1 gene and brucellosis in Kazakh sheep.Using RBPT serological tests to try sheep serum,reference in GenBank sheep MHC Class Ⅱ area DRB1 gene sequences (Accession No.:NC_040271.1),the exon 1 and 4 pieces designed primers,using PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing technology to 230 Kazak sheep DRB1 gene polymorphism detection,analyze its polymorphism loci and the relationship between the Kazak sheep Brucella susceptibility.The results showed that 66 Kazakh sheep were positive for Brucella in RBPT test,and the positive detection rate was 28.7%.There was one SNP locus (F1-G22A) in exon 1 fragment,and sequencing determined two genotypes (GG and GA),the dominant allele and genotype were G and GG respectively,and the susceptibility genotype of the polymorphisms of F1-G22A was GA.Chi-square test showed that there was no significant correlation between the polymorphisms of DRB1 gene F1-G22A and Brucella susceptibility in Kazakh sheep (P>0.05).According to the analysis of bioinformatics online software,the F1-G22A polymorphic sites lead to the change of RNA secondary structure and the decrease of minimum free energy,and lead to the change of protein secondary structure.No SNPs were found in DRB1 exon 4 fragment.Therefore,there might be a certain correlation between the polymorphisms of DRB1 gene F1-G22A and Brucella susceptibility in Kazakh sheep.     

Brucella evolution and taxonomy

The genus Brucella contains alpha-Proteobacteria adapted to intracellular life within cells of a variety of mammals. Controversy has arisen concerning Brucella internal taxonomy, and it has been proposed that the DNA–DNA hybridization-based genomospecies concept be applied to the genus. According to this view, only one species, Brucella melitensis, should be recognized, and the classical species should be considered as biovars (B. melitensis biovar melitensis; B. melitensis biovar abortus; etc.). However, a critical reappraisal of the species concept, a review of the population structure of bacteria and the analysis of Brucella genetic diversity by methods other than DNA–DNA hybridization show that there are no scientific grounds to apply the genomospecies concept to this genus. On the other hand, an enlarged biological species concept allows the definition of Brucella species that are consistent with molecular analyses and support the taxonomical standing of most classical species. Both the host range as a long-recognized biological criterion and the presence of species-specific markers in outer membrane protein genes and in other genes show that B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. ovis, B. canis and B. neotomae are not mere pathovars (or nomenspecies) but biologically meaningful species. The status of B. suis is, however, less clear. These approaches should be useful to define species for the marine mammal Brucella isolates, as illustrated by the grouping of the isolates from pinnipeds or from cetaceans by omp2 gene analysis. It is shown that a correct Brucella species definition is important to understand the evolution of the genus.     

羊种布鲁氏菌wzt基因的原核表达及间接ELISA方法的建立

为建立检测血清中布鲁氏菌抗体的间接ELISA方法,本试验采用PCR技术从羊种布鲁氏菌QY1菌株中扩增得到wzt基因片段,连接到pET-30a载体上,构建质粒pET-30a-wzt,将鉴定正确的质粒转化E.coli BL21（DE3）感受态细胞,经原核表达系统对其进行表达,表达产物用SDS-PAGE和Western blotting进行分析后,用亲和层析镍柱纯化wzt重组蛋白备用。以wzt重组蛋白为检测抗原,逐步优化条件后建立布鲁氏菌间接ELISA检测方法。结果显示,试验成功构建了pET-30a-wzt原核表达载体,并在BL21（DE3）宿主菌中表达;SDS-PAGE和Western blotting结果表明,重组蛋白约为35 ku,表达形式为上清,条带单一、无杂带,有很好的反应原性和特异性。ELISA优化试验确定了最佳包被浓度为15 μg/mL,血清最佳稀释度为1：80,酶标抗体的最佳稀释度为1：5 000;通过检测24份阴性样品确定临界值,当样品D_{450 nm}值≥ 0.30为阳性,样品D_{450 nm}值<0.30时为阴性;特异性试验表明,该方法不与小肠耶尔森菌、大肠杆菌发生交叉反应;批内及批间变异系数均<10%;用该方法对120份血清样本进行检测,并与虎红凝集试验进行相符性验证,符合率为96%。本试验建立的间接ELISA方法为布鲁氏菌病的检测提供了可靠的技术手段。     

线粒体融合蛋白2基因干扰与过表达对布鲁氏菌诱导巨噬细胞凋亡的影响

[目的] 试验旨在探究线粒体融合蛋白2（MFN2）基因干扰与过表达对布鲁氏菌诱导小鼠巨噬细胞凋亡的影响。[方法] 利用RNA干扰技术设计3条特异性针对MFN2基因的siRNA序列（siMFN2-450、siMFN2-1661、siMFN2-2275）和1条阴性干扰序列（siMFN2-Negative）;利用空质粒pcDNA3.1-EGFP通过过表达技术构建1个重组质粒pcDNA3.1-EGFP-MFN2。双酶切法鉴定过表达重组质粒pcDNA3.1-EGFP-MFN2,通过实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting检测筛选最佳干扰序列并鉴定重组质粒的过表达效率,使用筛选出的最佳干扰序列和鉴定过表达后的重组质粒分别构建MFN2基因干扰及过表达的转染巨噬细胞模型;用牛种布鲁氏菌疫苗株A19侵染巨噬细胞,按照细菌数：细胞个数=100：1的比例侵染24 h,通过实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting检测B淋巴细胞瘤-2（Bcl-2）相关X蛋白（BAX）的表达情况,用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况。[结果] 双酶切结果显示,pcDNA3.1-EGFP-MFN2过表达重组质粒构建成功;实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting结果显示,siMFN2-1661组MFN2的表达极显著降低（P<0.01）,pcDNA3.1-EGFP-MFN2组MFN2的表达极显著增加（P<0.01）,成功构建干扰及过表达MFN2基因的转染巨噬细胞模型;布鲁氏菌侵染干扰MFN2基因表达的巨噬细胞后,BAX蛋白表达水平显著高于siMFN2-Negative组（P<0.05）,BAX转录水平和细胞凋亡率极显著高于siMFN2-Negative组（P<0.01）;布鲁氏菌侵染过表达MFN2基因的巨噬细胞后,BAX的转录及蛋白表达水平均显著低于pcDNA3.1-EGFP组（P<0.05）,细胞凋亡率极显著低于pcDNA3.1-EGFP组（P<0.01）。[结论] 本试验结果表明,干扰MFN2基因的表达会增强布鲁氏菌诱导细胞凋亡的能力,而过表达MFN2基因则会抑制布鲁氏菌诱导细胞凋亡的能力,结果可为研究MFN2基因的生物学功能提供参考,为进一步解析布鲁氏菌的致病机制提供理论基础。     

Brucellosis in Brazil

This paper reviews the epidemiology of bovine, swine, ovine, caprine, and canine brucellosis in Brazil. The zoonotic aspects of Brucella infection in Brazil is also discussed. Emphasis is given to the new program for the control of brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes that is likely to provide important insights into the prospects and strategies for controlling brucellosis in developing countries.     

Brucellosis and Q-fever seroprevalences of nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in Chad

As a part of a research-and-action partnership between public health and veterinary medicine, the relationships between the seroprevalences of brucellosis and Q-fever in humans and livestock were evaluated in three nomadic communities of Chad (Fulani cattle breeders, and Arab camel and cattle breeders). Nomad camps were visited between April 1999 and April 2000. A total of 860 human and 1637 animal sera were tested for antibodies against Brucella spp., and 368 human and 613 animal sera for Coxiella burnetii. The same indirect ELISA was used for livestock and human sera, and the test characteristics for its use on human sera were evaluated. Twenty-eight people were seropositive for brucellosis (seroprevalence 3.8%). Brucella seroprevalence was higher in cattle (7%) than other livestock, and brucellosis seropositivity was a significant factor for abortion in cattle (OR=2.8). No correlation was found between human brucellosis serostatus and camp proportions of seropositive animals.

Q-fever-seropositive blood samples were taken from 11 Arab camel and 4 Arab cattle breeders (seroprevalence 1%). Being a camel breeder was associated with Q-fever seropositivity in humans (OR=9). Camels had the highest Q-fever seroprevalence (80%) among livestock species.

Although there was high-risk human behaviour for the acquisition of brucellosis and Q-fever from livestock through raw-milk consumption (98%) and contact with placentas of livestock (62%), we concluded that seroprevalences in humans were relatively low (likely due to limited active foci in livestock).     

Identification of Brucella abortus, B. canis, B. melitensis, and B. suis by carbon substrate assimilation tests

By using the results of seven carbon substrate assimilation tests from the Biotype 100 system (bioMérieux, Marcy-l’Etoile, France), we correctly identified 79 (85.9%) of 92 Brucella strains tested. The specificity of the method varied from 97.4 to 100% depending on the species. Although a biological safety cabinet must be used, this method represents an easy and fast alternative for the identification of Brucella species.     

Major outer membrane proteins of Brucella spp.: past,present and future

The major outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Brucella spp. were initially identified in the early 1980s and characterised as potential immunogenic and protective antigens. They were classified according to their apparent molecular mass as 36–38 kDa OMPs or group 2 porin proteins and 31–34 and 25–27 kDa OMPs which belong to the group 3 proteins. The genes encoding the group 2 porin proteins were identified in the late 1980s and consist of two genes, omp2a and omp2b, which are closely linked in the Brucella genome, and which share a great degree of identity (>85%). In the 1990s, two genes were identified coding for the group 3 proteins and were named omp25 and omp31. The predicted amino acid sequences of omp25 and omp31 share 34% identity. The recent release of the genome sequence of B. melitensis 16 M has revealed the presence of five additional gene products homologous to Omp25 and Omp31. The use of recombinant protein technology and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has shown that the major OMPs appear to be of little relevance as antigens in smooth (S) B. abortus or B. melitensis infections i.e. low or no protective activity in the mouse model of infection and low or no immunogenicity during host infection. However, group 3 proteins, in particular Omp31, appear as immunodominant antigen in the course of rough (R) B. ovis infection in rams and as important protective antigen in the B. ovis mouse model of infection. The major OMP genes display diversity and specific markers have been identified for Brucella species, biovars, and strains, including the recent marine mammal Brucella isolates for which new species names have been proposed. Recently, Omp25 has been shown to be involved in virulence of B. melitensis, B. abortus and B. ovis. Mutants lacking Omp25 are indeed attenuated in animal models of infection, and moreover provide levels of protection similar or better than currently used attenuated vaccine strain B. melitensis Rev.1. Therefore, these mutant strains appear interesting vaccine candidates for the future. The other group 3 proteins identified in the genome merit also further investigation related to the development of new vaccines.     

Construction of Brucella ClpS Gene Mutant Strain and Its Effect on Virulence

The present study aimed to determine the role of ClpS gene,and to analyse the impact of ClpS mutation on the virulence of Brucella.A ClpS gene mutant strain,named ΔClpS was constructed by homologous recombination technology.The bacterial growth kinetics,the LPS synthesis ability and the survival ability of bacterial within macrophages as well as the virulence in mouse model were measured.In addition,the difference between parent strain 2308 and the mutant strain ΔClpS were compared.The results showed that under the same culture conditions,no difference in bacterial concentration was observed between 2308 and ΔClpS strains.The silver staining examination showed that the expression level of LPS extracted from two strains were similar,indicating ClpS gene mutation did not alter the growth rate and LPS synthesis ability of Brucella. In the cell infection assay,the survival ability of ΔClpS strain in cells was extremely significantly lower than that of 2308 strain at 72 h after infection (P<0.01).The results of mouse infection experiment showed that in the first week after infection,no significant difference in spleen weight and bacterial concentration between 2308 and ΔClpS strains infected mice was observed.However,at 4 weeks after infection,the bacterial concentration in spleen of ΔClpS infected mice was 10^3.93 CFU/g spleen,which was significantly lower than that of 2308 strain (10^6.68 CFU/g spleen,P<0.01).The spleen weight of ΔClpS infected mice was also remarkably lower than that of 2308 strain (P<0.01).In summary,the results suggested that the ClpS gene of Brucella did not play a role in Brucella growth rate and ability of LPS synthesis,whereas ClpS gene mutation decreased the ability of Brucella colonization in mouse spleen.