Isolation of Brucella microti from Soil
2008
Isolation of Brucella microti from Soil
Sample size: 15
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Scholz Holger C., Hubalek Zdenek, Nesvadbova Jirina, Tomaso Herbert, Vergnaud Gilles, Le Flèche Philippe, Whatmore Adrian M., Al Dahouk Sascha, Krüger Monika, Lodri Csilla, Pfeffer Martin
Primary Institution: Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology
Hypothesis
This Brucella species might also have a reservoir in soil.
Conclusion
B. microti could still be isolated from the same soil samples 6 months after storage at 4°C, indicating long-term survival in soil.
Supporting Evidence
- Five out of 15 soil samples tested positive for B. microti.
- Three positive samples were from surface soil near mouse burrows.
- Two positive samples were from an unaffected area.
- Isolates showed 100% identity with known B. microti sequences.
- Multilocus sequence analysis confirmed the identity of the strains.
Takeaway
Scientists found a type of bacteria called B. microti in soil, showing it can live there for a long time.
Methodology
Soil samples were collected and tested using PCR to detect B. microti, followed by direct cultivation on Brucella agar.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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