Exploration of the Molecular and Phylogenetic Aspects of Brucella intermedia (Ochrobactrum intermedia)

Brucella bacteria are among the oldest known zoonotic pathogens and they have become iconic case studies in infectious diseases. Genome comparisons have led to the reclassification of the genus Ochrobactrum, with its individual species now being categorized as Brucella. This study aims to isolate and molecularly identify Ochrobactrum intermedia from Iraqi patients. One hundred seventy urine samples were collected from patients with various conditions suspected of brucellosis. Based on identification by the VITEK compact system, two of the bacterial isolates were identified as Brucella intermedia (Ochrobactrum intermedia) species. This was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using genus-specific primers for the 16S rRNA and recA genes which are specific for B.intermedia. The 16S rRNA gene sequences were aligned using BLAST and the BioEdit program. It was observed that there was a remarkable 99% similarity among the Brucella intermedia sequences. The affiliation of the two novel strains of B. intermedia, identified as Brucella intermedia strain BC-TCC 16S ribosomal RNA gene (OP415407) and Brucella intermedia strain Baghdadies 16S ribosomal RNA gene (OP415409), was confirmed through the analysis of both 16S rRNA and recA genes. These findings suggest that the use of 16S RC-PCR and sequencing in clinical settings can improve patient care by increasing the sensitivity of detection and identification of bacterial pathogens, resulting in more diagnoses of bacterial infections. By studying novel strains in a phylogenetic tree, researchers can learn more about the diversity of a species and can identify potential new threats to human and animal health.