Genomic tandem repeat analysis proves laboratory-acquired brucellosis in veterinary (camel) diagnostic laboratory in the United Arab Emirates

Zoonoses Public Health. 2010 Aug;57(5):315-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2009.01258.x. Epub 2009 Nov 18.

Abstract

We report a case of a 64-year-old veterinarian working in a state camel veterinary laboratory who was diagnosed with and treated for acute brucellosis with complicating epididymo-orchitis. Genomic tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16) revealed identical Brucella strains in patient cultures and from different dromedary milk samples positive for Brucella melitensis, thereby confirming the diagnosis of a laboratory acquired infection. The case illustrates the high (airborne) infectivity of brucellosis in laboratory settings and the need to implement vigorous bio-safety measures in veterinary laboratories handling camel specimen diagnostic veterinary laboratory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brucellosis / drug therapy
  • Brucellosis / epidemiology
  • Brucellosis / microbiology
  • Brucellosis / veterinary*
  • Camelus*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Milk / microbiology
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Tandem Repeat Sequences / genetics*
  • United Arab Emirates / epidemiology
  • Zoonoses / epidemiology*
  • Zoonoses / transmission

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents