Genomic analysis of Brucella ovis a strains reveals unique Italian Diversity within a global context
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| Autores: | , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | artículo original |
| Estado: | Versión publicada |
| Data de Publicación: | 2026 |
| Descripción: | Brucella ovis is a non-zoonotic pathogen responsible for ovine brucellosis, a disease that significantly impacts global sheep production through infertility and reproductive losses. Despite its economic importance, B. ovis remains under-monitored in many countries, including Italy, where surveillance and eradication programs are not mandatory. This study aims to fill critical gaps in the understanding of B. ovis population structure by performing a comparative genomic analysis of Italian isolates in a global context. A total of 11 Italian isolates, along with publicly available data, were analysed using Multilocus Variable- Number Tandem Repeat (MLVA); the same set of Italian strains, together with selected publicly available genome sequences, was further investigated through core genome Multilocus Sequence Typing (cgMLST), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analyses. MLVA revealed weak continental clustering but suggested historical transmission links across regions. cgMLST identified two principal sequence types (STs): the globally circulating ST-13 and the emerging, Italy-specific ST-97. Italian isolates exhibited considerable genomic heterogeneity, forming distinct regional clusters with high intra-country allelic diversity. SNP analysis confirmed these patterns, highlighting the presence of three separate Italian genomic clusters and suggesting both regional persistence and multiple introduction events. ST-97 strains were genetically distinct and characterized by btpA gene deficiency and a unique 34-gene deletion, which includes genes potentially linked to prophage elements, indicating possible attenuated virulence or divergent |
| País: | Portal de Revistas UNA |
| Institución: | Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica |
| Repositorio: | Portal de Revistas UNA |
| Idioma: | Inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:www.revistas.una.ac.cr:article/22949 |
| Acceso en liña: | https://www.revistas.una.ac.cr/index.php/veterinaria/article/view/22949 |
| Palabra crave: | Brucella ovis Brucella Genomic Sequencing virulence |