Animal listeriosis is a sporadic bacterial infection caused by Listeria (L.) monocytogenes and L. ivanovii. In Germany, only listeriosis caused by L. monocytogenes is considered a notifiable disease. The objective of this report is to analyze official surveillance data on animal listeriosis in Germany from 2024 to 2025 to assess the epidemiological situation and the spatiotemporal distribution of this One Health relevant disease. A total of 341 notifications involving 652 affected animals were reported. The highest number of cases occurred in food-producing animals, particularly cattle, followed by sheep and goats. Listeriosis has also been reported in pet animals, wildlife, and poultry. The epidemiological situation and geographical distribution of the disease have remained consistent over the past decade, with the highest incidences in Berlin, Bavaria, and Baden-Wuerttemberg. Listeriae cause disease in a broad range of hosts nationwide. Monitoring listeriosis in animals is crucial for public health and the safety of the food supply. Systematic collection of animal isolates is essential to understand transmission from environmental reservoirs to humans—a currently puzzling link. This knowledge is vital for protecting human health.
Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a major antimicrobial-resistant pathogen of global concern. It has increasingly been reported outside clinical settings, including food products. However, genomic data on food-derived K. pneumoniae in Egypt remain limited. In this study, we investigated the genomic diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility, and phylogenetic relationships of K. pneumoniae isolated from ready-for-consumption foods obtained from Egyptian supermarkets. Eleven isolates were recovered from dairy products (milk and yogurt) and catfish. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and confirmed by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed against a panel of clinically relevant antibiotics. Genomic analyses included multilocus sequence typing (MLST), detection of resistance and virulence associated genes, and SNP based phylogenetic reconstruction. The SNP-based phylogenetic analysis was performed using an additional 77 publicly available Egyptian clinical isolates. Most isolates displayed a predominantly susceptible antimicrobial phenotype. Resistance was largely restricted to piperacillin. All genomes carried intrinsic resistance determinants, including multiple blaSHV alleles and fosA variants. These did not correlate with phenotypic resistance to cephalosporins or fosfomycin. MLST revealed heterogeneous lineages, including clinically relevant sequence types ST37 and ST105, as well as a novel sequence type. Phylogenetic analysis showed that some food-derived isolates clustered closely with the genomes of Egyptian clinical isolates. Others formed genetically distinct lineages, indicating diverse origins within the food chain. These findings show that ready-to-eat foods in Egypt can harbor genetically diverse K. pneumoniae strains. Some populations include lineages related to clinical strains, despite limited phenotypic resistance. The study highlights the importance of integrating phenotypic antimicrobial testing with WGS based surveillance. Such integration can better assess the public health significance of foodborne K. pneumoniae within a One Health framework.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection has a significant impact on public health. Therefore, this study investigates the occurrence of MRSA isolated from cows with subclinical mastitis in Jordan during the period from January 2021 to December 2023. It is also to compare their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics with those of isolates from their associated human strains. To achieve this objective, milk samples were collected aseptically and cultured on mannitol salt agar and blood agar. The isolates were identified based on colony morphology, biochemical tests, and PCR confirmation targeting the nuc and mecA genes. In addition, molecular-based typing techniques (MLST and spa typing) have been applied and supplemented by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 310 bovine S. aureus isolates were identified, of which 52 (16.8%) were MRSA. Besides that, 49 and 33 MRSA strains were isolated from people related to and unrelated to these animals, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance rates to β-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines. Nine distinct spa clusters and 21 different spa types were observed. The most prevalent spa type among the isolates was t386 (38%, n=17). For the first time, two novel spa types were discovered among the isolates examined in this study. The cluster pattern of spa isolates indicates a possible close relationship between human and animal isolates.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a rapidly evolving opportunistic pathogen that has developed strategies to resist multiple antimicrobials and evade the host immune system. Its global emergence as a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen has severely limited treatment options and increased mortality in hospital settings. Virulence factors associated with the cell envelope and outer membrane vesicles play central roles in bacterial survival and pathogenicity. In this context, this review aims to provide a concise overview of the virulence apparatus present on the surface of A. baumannii and evaluate its role in bacterial survival, pathogenicity, and host-pathogen interactions, while also exploring its potential as a therapeutic target. A scoping review of the published literature was conducted to address the structure, function, and host-interaction dynamics of surface-associated virulence factors and secreted outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) along with their translational therapeutic potential. Virulence factors associated with the bacterial cell envelope and OMVs play integral roles in the survival and pathogenicity of A. baumannii. These surface components are involved in biofilm formation, adhesion to both biotic and abiotic surfaces, and modulation of host cell responses. Their surface accessibility and functional conservation make them attractive therapeutic targets and candidate vaccine antigens. The efficacy of subunit vaccines targeting components of the virulence apparatus has also been explored in several studies. Additionally, secreted OMVs perform diverse biological functions and have demonstrated immunogenic potential. However, strategies targeting single virulence determinants have often shown limited efficacy due to functional redundancy and adaptive plasticity, whereas multi-target approaches (utilising combinations of multiple surface-associated virulence factors of A. baumannii) may represent as one of the effective anti-virulence therapy approaches to prevent disease progression caused by MDR strains, ultimately contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes and reducing the burden of hospital-acquired infections.
Background. Accurate outbreak analysis is essential for effective infectious disease control. While short-read Illumina sequencing is the current gold standard for genotyping pathogens, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) offers advantages such as portability and real-time sequencing. However, the accuracy of ONT for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) detection and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) remains poorly characterized, which is a critical issue when investigating outbreaks of highly dangerous biosafety-level-3 (BSL-3) agents.Aim. This study evaluates the potential of ONT sequencing for outbreak analysis of four BSL-3 bacterial species with low mutation rates: Bacillus (Ba.) anthracis, Brucella (Br.) melitensis, Brucella (Br.) suis and Francisella (F.) tularensis. Strains originating from epidemiologically defined outbreaks, with existing Illumina sequencing data, were selected for analysis. SNP calling was evaluated using three analytical strategies (PACU, clair3 and an assembly-based approach with snippy). The resulting genomic clusters were compared to epidemiologically defined outbreaks that had previously been reproduced using Illumina sequencing. Additionally, cgMLST was performed to evaluate genotyping resolution across the sequencing platforms.Results. Minor discrepancies in strain clustering were observed, particularly for F. tularensis, where homopolymeric regions contributed to false positives in read-based callers. The assembly-based snippy approach achieved the highest F1 score (0.96-0.99) across all species, followed closely by ab initio SNP callers PACU (F1 : 0.88-0.97) and clair3 (F1 : 0.83-0.98). Minor discrepancies in strain clustering were observed, particularly for F. tularensis, where homopolymeric regions contributed to false positives in read-based callers. CgMLST analysis showed high concordance between ONT and Illumina for Brucella spp., but greater variability for Ba. anthracis and F. tularensis.Conclusions. ONT sequencing, particularly when used with ONT assembly-based SNP calling, enables reliable outbreak analysis of highly pathogenic, low-diversity bacteria. While challenges remain for specific species and genomic features, ONT is a promising alternative for high-resolution bacterial genotyping in outbreak scenarios.
Abstract The genus Acinetobacter is recognized for its metabolic versatility, which contributes to environmental persistence, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to elucidate the metabolic pathways, particularly those associated with virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in non-baumannii Acinetobacter species. Genome-scale metabolic prediction of 19 Acinetobacter isolates identified 104 distinct pathways spanning 32 metabolic categories. Ninety-six pathways were conserved across all genomes, whereas a small subset exhibited species- or strain-specific distributions: four pathways occurred in 18 isolates, three were restricted to five A. junii isolates, and one was unique to 14 A. nosocomialis genomes. Amino acid metabolism was the most diverse (29 pathways), followed by lipid metabolism (14 pathways) and energy metabolism (8 pathways). The 96 conserved pathways supported essential cellular functions, including protein synthesis, energy production, and nucleotide metabolism. Notably, 20 pathways were associated with virulence, pathogenicity, and AMR, spanning lipid metabolism, siderophore biosynthesis, and nucleotide metabolism, among others. Eighteen of these pathways were conserved across all isolates and encompassed diverse metabolic functions, including protein N-glycosylation, heme biosynthesis, lipid IVA synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, tRNA maturation, triclosan resistance, and superoxide degradation. Interestingly, all A. junii isolates uniquely encoded siderophore biosynthesis systems. In silico analysis of the whole-genome sequences from the five A. junii isolates revealed the presence of genes sharing > 91% sequence identity with the acinetoferrin biosynthetic cluster (acbABCD) from Acinetobacter haemolyticus. Additionally, genes homologous to the acinetoferrin transport genes (actB, actC, actA, and actD) were identified. However, genes associated with the desferrioxamine E biosynthetic pathway were not detected in these isolates. The high degree of conservation of the acinetoferrin biosynthetic cluster in A. haemolyticus and A. junii suggests that A. junii likely produces acinetoferrin. These findings highlight the high degree of conservation of metabolic pathways in non-baumannii Acinetobacter species and represent the first report of the putative acinetoferrin biosynthetic gene cluster in A. junii.
Anthrax is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases in Albania due to its endemic presence in livestock, the potential for occupational exposure, and human cases. Although the implementation of risk-based livestock immunization, animal movement restrictions, and appropriate carcass disposal, the efficacy of targeted management remains limited in certain outbreaks due to insufficient enforcement of these measures. Their efficacy is specifically diminished by insufficient disinfection, the absence of grazing bans in contaminated pastures, and the absence of designated burial sites for the safe disposal of dead animals. District-level data on animal anthrax control programs were collected and analyzed for the period 2021-2025. In addition, a retrospective analysis of national datasets covering the same period was conducted using data from the national surveillance system, alongside a review of the relevant scientific and grey literature and aggregated program and routine surveillance data. Analysis showed that anthrax affected 149 animals in 97 farms, and the average number of animals per infected farm declined from 1.70 to 1.08, indicating a slight reduction within-farm outbreak. Hotspots for human anthrax were aligned with the animal cases and persisted particularly in the southern districts. The peak of outbreaks was in 2023, primarily driven by cattle (n = 32) and sheep (n = 24). Equine cases appeared only in 2024, with small clusters of 3 cases in both 2024 and 2025. Caprine cases remained consistently low throughout the period. Nevertheless, the number of outbreaks and within-herd cases are decreasing due to more rapid identification and response. Targeted surveillance on animal outbreaks provides critical insights into disease spread and links among affected farms in Albania. Therefore, One Health genomic surveillance and antibiotic susceptibility testing of Bacillus anthracis isolates are essential for understanding its epidemiology, transmission routes, and for tracing the sources of infection across humans, animals, and the environment.
Background The emerging threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter (A.) species, coupled with limited data on its prevalence, resistance mechanisms, and genomic profiles in Nigeria, necessitates immediate study. Aim This investigation characterized the microbial traits and genetic variation of Acinetobacter species isolated from human, animal, and environmental sources, with emphasis on resistance dynamics, virulence, inter-source relatedness and diversity in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods From April 2023 to March 2024, 2835 samples were collected (1410 human, 1020 animal, and 405 environmental), processed, and the isolates were identified by classical microbiological methods. Further identification was carried out by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was assessed by the microdilution method using the MICRONAUT system. WGS data were utilized for analyzing virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, and phylogenetic lineages. Results Nineteen isolates were confirmed as Acinetobacter by MALDI-TOF and WGS, of which 14 were A. nosocomialis and five were A. junii. The AST results revealed that both Acinetobacter species exhibited 100% resistance to cefotaxime and fosfomycin, while 100% of A. nosocomialis were resistant to chloramphenicol. Genomic analysis revealed that all A. nosocomialis isolates harbored 21 intrinsic AMR genes, including four distinct blaADC variants and 17 efflux-related genes, which were all absent in A. junii. Moreover, A. nosocomialis harbored 68 virulence genes spanning seven mechanisms, compared to six virulence genes spanning five mechanisms in A. junii, with the absence of exotoxin and biofilm formation mechanisms. Both species have six conserved virulence-associated genes [ompA, ACICU_RS00500, bfmR, pilG, pilT, and vgrG/tssI], and two distinct plasmids were exclusively detected in A. nosocomialis. Phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that both species formed distinct sub-clusters from different sources, suggesting shared evolutionary or transmission contexts. For example, five isolates (three A. nosocomialis from cattle nasal swab, human sputum, and abattoir effluent) and two A. junii from cattle rectal swab, and cattle nasal swab) form a distinct cluster differing by 15 SNP, indicating potential cross-species dynamics warranting deeper investigation. Conclusion This study revealed the existence of A. nosocomialis and A. junii resistant to cefotaxime and fosfomycin in the One Health sector in Lagos. Both species were found to exhibit six conserved virulence genes linked to pathogenicity. Advanced molecular diagnostics is needed to monitor the emergence and spread of virulence and antibiotic-resistance in Acinetobacter species in Nigeria.
The study investigates the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii in healthy ruminants and poultry from rural Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. The objective is to understand its distribution across body systems and assess antibiotic resistance patterns to aid in surveillance and control strategies. A total of 104 samples were collected from healthy livestock (ruminants and poultry) across digestive, respiratory, excretory, reproductive, udder and urogenital systems. Microbiological identification and MALDI-TOF MS confirmed A. baumannii isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method against multiple antibiotic classes, including penicillin, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, and tetracyclines. A prevalence rate of 66% (69/104) was observed. The highest prevalence was in the udder system (~43%), followed by the excretory (~17%), reproductive (~17%), urogenital (8.7%), digestive (~7%) and respiratory (5.8%) systems. Isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and lincosamides, with intermediate to fluoroquinolones, meropenem, and vancomycin and susceptible to tetracyclines according to CLSI guidelines. The detection of multi-drug resistance A. baumannii in healthy livestock is alarming to human health highlights its zoonotic potential and the urgent need for antimicrobial surveillance. This pioneering study emphasizes the importance of monitoring animal populations to mitigate the risk of transmission to humans and the environment.
Listeria (L.) ivanovii is a Gram-positive, facultatively intracellular rod-shaped bacterium. It is predominantly associated with animal infections, particularly in ruminants. Unlike L. monocytogenes, which is widely recognised as a major zoonotic and foodborne pathogen, L. ivanovii is often overlooked, despite documented cases of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal septicemia in sheep, goats, and cattle. This review provides an overview of L. ivanovii taxonomy, microbiological characteristics, virulence determinants, host adaptation, epidemiology, transmission routes, diagnostic challenges, antimicrobial susceptibility, and preventive measures in animal husbandry. Available evidence suggests that infections with L. ivanovii tend to be sporadic, with occasional outbreaks of abortions in small ruminant flocks. Large-scale epizootics and sustained interregional spread have not been documented. Human infections are rare and predominantly occur in immunocompromised individuals, which supports the assumption that the zoonotic potential is limited under normal conditions. Underdiagnosing and missing awareness likely contribute to the perception of rarity, as routine laboratory workflows often do not differentiate Listeria species beyond the genus level. The increasing use of molecular confirmation and whole-genome sequencing may improve species-level detection and clarify epidemiological patterns. Overall, L. ivanovii should be regarded as a specialised pathogen predominantly associated with ruminants and of veterinary relevance. Improved diagnostics and integration into existing surveillance frameworks could enhance our understanding of its true epidemiological role and prevent it from being endemic.
The One Health approach has emerged as a critical framework for addressing zoonotic diseases and infections during outbreaks worldwide. By recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, One Health promotes cross-sector collaboration essential to early detection, prevention, and response. However, translating this concept into practice requires more than policy endorsement; it demands operational integration, shared data platforms, and equitable partnerships that prioritize local leadership. From this point, we are delighted to announce the launch of the One Health Microbiology & Infection (One Health Microbiol. Infect.) journal, a dedicated platform for advancing research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination in the rapidly evolving fields of microbiology and infection within One Health insights.
Background: Enterococcus species present significant health risks due to their widespread presence in humans, animals, and the environment. This study examined the patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterococcus species from various sources. Methods: Between November 2023 and February 2024, 500 samples were collected in Lagos State, including 350 clinical human samples, 50 environmental samples, and 100 animal samples. The samples were processed, and Enterococcus isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) by standard methods. Furthermore, carbapenemase (blaKPC and oxa-48) and virulence genes (gelE) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods using specific primers. Results: The overall prevalence of Enterococcus isolates was 4.6% (23/500), including 18 E. faecalis and 5 E. faecium. The source prevalence was 24% (12/50) from the environmental samples, 5% (5/100) from animal sources, and 1.7% (6/350) from the clinical samples. All Enterococcus isolates were 100% resistant to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, imipenem, vancomycin, and ampicillin. However, 91% were susceptible to gentamicin. Six (6) distinct resistance profiles were observed, with the pattern AMP-ERY-TGC-CIP-TS-VA-CHL-AUG-MEM-IMI being the most frequent in 12 E. faecalis (4 isolates from humans, 2 from animals, and 6 from the environment). Notably, 39.1% (9/23) of multiple-drug resistant Enterococcus isolates harbored the gelE virulence gene, including seven E. faecalis (five environmental and two human) and two E. faecium from animal sources. The E. faecalis strains HB003 and HB050, from human bacteremia cases carrying gelE, were the first in Nigeria to produce blaKPC and oxa-48 carbapenemase genes. Conclusions: This study revealed the emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterococcus species in our environment. A one-health approach and further molecular studies are essential to mitigate the spread and understand the transmission dynamics.
Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative bacterium, is a public health threat due to its role in nosocomial infections and increasing antibiotic resistance. In Nigeria, data on the molecular epidemiology of A. baumannii is scarce. This study investigates the genetic diversity and the presence of antimicrobial resistance determinants and virulence-related genes in whole-genome sequencing data of 189 Nigerian A. baumannii isolates deposited in public repositories. Genotypes were determined in-silico by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome MLST (cgMLST). Further, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence-related genes were analyzed. Most isolates (57.67
Brucellosis in small ruminants, primarily caused by B. melitensis, remains a significant threat to public health in many regions. Although early-age vaccination of breeding stocks was expected to facilitate infection control, this approach did not meet expectations, while in some cases, late vaccination of animals has been associated with an increased number of human cases. Therefore, in this field study, we investigated the immune response and bacteremia cases in ten apparently healthy hoggets vaccinated at the age of nine months. Before vaccination, the hoggets were seronegative and negative in blood cultures, although B. melitensis DNA was detected in three animals using PCR. After vaccination, twelve Brucella spp. strains were isolated from the blood cultures of nine hoggets at different time points. Whole genome analysis identified eleven of them as identical to three B. melitensis strains previously isolated in Greece. The tested animals completed their gestation without any adverse outcomes. According to our results, late vaccination, despite extending animal exposure to B. melitensis, apparently protects against disease and abortion but not against infection. The onset of post-vaccination immune response may be influenced by transient infections by field strains.
Listeriosis is a serious zoonotic disease caused by the genus Listeria, with Listeria monocytogenes being the most pathogenic species for humans and various animal species. This bacterium is commonly found in the environment and poses significant health risks. We analysed official surveillance data detailing animal listeriosis in Germany over the last decade to unravel its host diversity and spatiotemporal distribution. Altogether, 1.629 notifications involving 3.326 various animal species were reported. Listeriosis has a broad host range in farm animals and wildlife, with a consistently striking incidence reported nationwide. Addressing this issue is crucial for public health and the safety of our food supply.
Bovine brucellosis and neosporosis are reported as potential abortifacient infections in cattle worldwide. Brucellosis is additionally a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by numerous Brucella species. Meanwhile, neosporosis is a protozoan parasitic disease that is implicated in causing high economic losses in the cattle industry. Herein, we attempted to investigate the seroprevalence of specific antibodies to Brucella spp. and Neospora caninum using commercially available ELISAs. In addition, we conducted risk factor analysis and estimated the correlation of seropositivity of both pathogens with the recorded abortions in the tested herds. Serum samples from cattle (n = 460) collected from various governorates in the Delta region, northern Egypt, were targeted in this study. Overall, a seroprevalence of 5.4%, 33.3%, and 1.3% was revealed for Brucella spp., N. caninum, and mixed seropositivity, respectively. The location (Kafr El Sheikh vs. Dakahlia vs. Al-Qalyubiya vs. Damietta governorates) and a history of abortion (yes vs. no vs. unknown) were analyzed as risk factors of infection. Kafr El Sheikh governorate (57.7%, p = < 0.0001) and a history of abortion (54.1%, p = < 0.0001) were considered risk factors for Brucella spp. seropositivity compared to the reference factors Al-Qalyubiya (1.1%) and unknown abortion history (0.6%). In the case of N. caninum, the location was also considered a risk factor because the seropositive rates were significantly higher in Damietta (51%, p = 0.001) and Dakahlia (33.4%, p = 0.026) compared to Kafr El Sheikh (11.3%, set as a reference). Conversely to Brucella, animals without a history of abortion exhibited a higher seropositive rate for N. caninum (47.6%, p = 0.009) compared to those with a history of abortion (21.6%, set as reference). For further investigations into the association between abortion and the obtained seropositive rates, we also analyzed the reactivity by comparing samples of animals with, without, and unknown history of abortion. We detected high seroreactivity for Brucella spp. in samples collected from animals with a history of abortion, as demonstrated in the recorded antibody levels and correlation coefficient (Pearson r = 0.919). Based on our data, despite the higher seroprevalence of N. caninum compared to that of Brucella species, Brucella spp. might be the primary cause of abortion in our tested cattle population.
Brucellosis and coxiellosis/Q fever are bacterial infections caused by Brucella species and Coxiella burnetii, respectively; camels are highly susceptible to both pathogens. Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by various Trichinella nematode species. Reportedly, camels are susceptible to experimental infection with Trichinella spp., but information on this potential host species is scarce. All three infections are of zoonotic nature and thus of great public health concern. The current study aimed to determine antibodies against the three pathogens in recently imported camels (n = 491) from Sudan at the two main ports for the entrance of camels into southern Egypt using commercial indirect ELISAs. Samples were collected in two sampling periods. The seropositivity rates of Brucella spp., C. burnetii, and Trichinella spp. were 3.5%, 4.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. Mixed seropositivity was found in 1% for Brucella spp. and C. burnetii. Marked differences were found between the two study sites and the two sampling periods for Brucella. A higher rate of seropositivity was recorded in the Red Sea/older samples that were collected between 2015 and 2016 (4.3%, 17/391; odds ratio = 9.4; p < 0.030) than in those collected in Aswan/recent samples that were collected between 2018 and 2021 (0/100). Concerning C. burnetii, samples collected during November and December 2015 had a significantly higher positivity rate than the other samples (13%, 13/100; OD = 4.8; p < 0.016). The same effect was observed for antibodies to Trichinella spp., with samples collected during November and December 2015 showing a higher positivity rate than the other samples (7%, 7/100; OD = 10.9; p < 0.001). This study provides valuable information on the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and additional novel information on C. burnetii and Trichinella spp. in recently imported camels kept in quarantine before delivery to other Egyptian regions. This knowledge can be utilized to reduce health hazards and financial burdens attributable to brucellosis, Q fever, and trichinellosis in animals and humans in Egypt.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an ESKAPE pathogen that can quickly develop resistance to most antibiotics. This bacterium is a zoonotic pathogen that can be found in humans, animals, foods, and environmental samples, making it a One-Health concern. P. aeruginosa threatens the poultry industry in Egypt, leading to significant economic losses. However, the investigation of this bacterium using NGS technology is nearly non-existent in Egypt. In this study, 38 isolates obtained from broiler farms of the Delta region were phenotypically investigated, and their genomes were characterized using whole genome sequencing (WGS). The study found that 100% of the isolates were resistant to fosfomycin and harbored the fosA gene. They were also resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, although only one isolate harbored the sul1 gene. Non-susceptibility (resistant, susceptible with increased dose) of colistin was observed in all isolates. WGS analysis revealed a high level of diversity between isolates, and MLST analysis allocated the 38P. aeruginosa isolates into 11 distinct sequence types. The most predominant sequence type was ST267, found in 13 isolates, followed by ST1395 in 8 isolates. The isolates were susceptible to almost all tested antibiotics carrying only few different antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Various AMR genes that confer resistance mainly to ß-lactam, aminoglycoside, sulfonamide, and phenicol compounds were identified. Additionally, several virulence associated genes were found without any significant differences in number and distribution among isolates. The majority of the virulence genes was identified in almost all isolates. The fact that P. aeruginosa, which harbors several AMR and virulence-associated factors, is present in poultry farms is alarming and threatens public health. The misuse of antimicrobial compounds in poultry farms plays a significant role in resistance development. Thus, increasing awareness and implementing strict veterinary regulations to guide the use of veterinary antibiotics is required to reduce health and environmental risks. Further studies from a One-Health perspective using WGS are necessary to trace the potential transmission routes of resistance between animals and humans and clarify resistance mechanisms.
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.