Browsing by Author "Wareth, Gamal"

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Genomic Analysis of Brucella Isolates From Animals and Humans, Türkiye, 2010 To 2020
(Eur Centre Dis Prevention & Control, 2024) Akar, Kadir; Brangsch, Hanka; Jamil, Tariq; Oz, Guelseren Yildiz; Baklan, Emin Ayhan; Eroglu, Buket; Wareth, Gamal
Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis causing severe illness in humans and animals and leading to economic losses in the livestock production in T & uuml;rkiye and other endemic countries. Aim: We aimed at investigating genomic differences of Brucella isolates from animals and humans in T & uuml;rkiye. Methods: We used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to assess the genetic diversity of Brucella isolates from 41 provinces in T & uuml;rkiye and compared with isolates from other countries. We applied allele-based typing and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) determination. Results: Of the 106 Turkish Brucella isolates included, 57 were B. abortus and 49 were B. melitensis. . One B. melitensis and two B. abortus isolates were identified as vaccine strains. Most (n = 55) B. abortus isolates clustered in three major branches, with no spatial discernible pattern. Of the B. melitensis isolates, , 48 were assigned to the Eastern Mediterranean lineage with no discernible patterns between host species, location and sampling date. The Turkish isolates clustered with isolates from neighbouring countries such as Greece and Syria, but some also with isolates from human patients in European countries, like Germany, Norway and Sweden, suggesting that the source may be travel- related. Conclusion: Several B. melitensis and B. abortus lineages are circulating in T & uuml;rkiye. To decrease the prevalence and prevent brucellosis in animals and humans, stricter control measures are needed, particularly in areas where humans and animals have close contact. Furthermore, illegal transportation of animals across borders should be more closely controlled and regulated.
Genotype Diversity of Brucellosis Agents Isolated From Humans and Animals in Greece Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing
(Bmc, 2023) Brangsch, Hanka; Sandalakis, Vassilios; Babetsa, Maria; Boukouvala, Evridiki; Ntoula, Artemisia; Makridaki, Eirini; Wareth, Gamal
BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease whose causative agent, Brucella spp., is endemic in many countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Greece. Although the occurrence of brucellosis must be reported to the authorities, it is believed that the disease is under-reported in Greece, and knowledge about the genomic diversity of brucellae is lacking.MethodsThus, 44 Brucella isolates, primarily B. melitensis, collected between 1999 and 2009 from humans and small ruminants in Greece were subjected to whole genome sequencing using short-read technology. The raw reads and assembled genomes were used for in silico genotyping based on single nucleotide substitutions and alleles. Further, specific genomic regions encoding putative virulence genes were screened for characteristic nucleotide changes, which arose in different genotype lineages.ResultsIn silico genotyping revealed that the isolates belonged to three of the known sublineages of the East Mediterranean genotype. In addition, a novel subgenotype was identified that was basal to the other East Mediterranean sublineages, comprising two Greek strains. The majority of the isolates can be assumed to be of endemic origin, as they were clustered with strains from the Western Balkans or Turkey, whereas one strain of human origin could be associated with travel to another endemic region, e.g. Portugal. Further, nucleotide substitutions in the housekeeping gene rpoB and virulence-associated genes were detected, which were characteristic of the different subgenotypes. One of the isolates originating from an aborted bovine foetus was identified as B. abortus vaccine strain RB51.ConclusionThe results demonstrate the existence of several distinct persistent Brucella sp. foci in Greece. To detect these and for tracing infection chains, extensive sampling initiatives are required.