Molecular Detection and Genotyping of <i>Brucella</i> Species in Cattle and Goat by High Resolution Melt Analysis in Tanzania

Abstract

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease causing significant public health and economic burden in Tanzania. Even though research on brucellosis have been conducted still there is inadequate information describing Brucella species which are circulating in the country that contributes to failure of disease control. The objective of the study was to detect and differentiate Brucella species circulating in bovine and goat by testing serum samples submitted at Central Veterinary Laboratory from different parts of the country. A total of 619 samples received for molecular detection of Brucella between year 2017 and 2018. 17.4% of total sample amplified positive using PikoReal Real-Time PCR System. Twenty samples were placed on High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis for Brucella species genotyping with specific primers to detect Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, Brucella
canis, Brucella suis, and Brucella neotoma. Out of 17.4% positive sample (n=619), only 20 samples were subjected on HRM analysis for genotyping, 5% of samples detected B. abortus, 5% B.neotoma and 70% was multi-infection of either B.abortus or ovis, B. melitensis or B. neotoma while B. canis and B. suis were not detected. 20% of positive Brucella samples could not be genotyped by species specific primers used in the study. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to find other Brucella species that may be circulating in the country.

Keywords: HRM Analysis, Genotyping, Strains, Primers, zoonosis.