Abstract
Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with significant public health impacts. It is primarily associated with classic Brucella species in mammals, but recent research has shown atypical Brucella strains in various hosts, including reptiles. Despite the known physiological differences between reptiles and humans, the rise in invasive reptile populations and other factors make reptiles and the pathogens they carry a potential public health concern. This study collected 90 venomous snakes from different regions in Iran and examined their liver samples, buccal, and cloaca cavities for Brucella spp. The samples underwent bacteriological analysis and DNA extraction. PCR amplification of the Omp28 gene and IS711-based PCR were used for the molecular identification of Brucella species. Subsequently, the Omp28 gene sequences were determined, and a phylogenetic tree was created. Brucella abortus was detected in the liver tissue of two snake species, namely Pseudocerastes persicus and Vipera albicornuta, at a prevalence rate of 2.2%. This finding is exceptional, as it has not been previously documented in venomous snake populations in the wild. The study confirms the presence of Brucella spp. in venomous snakes, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. This discovery raises questions about the evolutionary forces shaping Brucella populations in reptiles. Understanding the prevalence and impact of Brucella in snakes is essential for wildlife conservation and assessing zoonotic risks. Proper safety measures are crucial when handling reptiles that may carry Brucella. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps regarding Brucella in these snake species and its potential zoonotic implications.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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The authors would like to thank all the people that help in performing the research.
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This work is based upon research funded by the Iran National Science Foundation (INFS) under project No: 99030922.
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M.D was involved in the conception of the research idea and methodology design, supervision, performed data analysis and interpretation and in the methodology and data analysis; V.N, S.A and H.J was involved in the interpretation and in the methodology and data analysis. M.D prepared and critically revised the manuscript for publication and revision. Each and every author perused and authorized the conclusive version of the manuscript.
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All animals used in our experiment were treated humanely and in accordance with the National Research Council’s Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Animal Care Committee of Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Alborz, Iran, approved all animal experimentation procedures.
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Dadar, M., Nasiri, V., Alamian, S. et al. A molecular and bacteriological survey of Brucella spp. in wild venomous snake in Iran. Eur J Wildl Res 70, 11 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-023-01764-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-023-01764-1