# First isolation and molecular confirmation of Brucella canis in dogs from Egypt

## TL;DR

This study reports the first isolation of Brucella canis in dogs from Egypt, highlighting its public health significance and using molecular tools to distinguish it from other Brucella species.

## Contribution

The first isolation and molecular confirmation of Brucella canis in dogs from Egypt, emphasizing its public health relevance.

## Key findings

- Brucella canis was first isolated in Egypt from stray dogs, not previously reported in the region.
- Molecular tools like Suis-ladder PCR and ERIC-PCR effectively characterized Brucella isolates.
- B. canis was found only in stray dogs, while B. melitensis occurred in both stray and owned dogs.

## Abstract

Brucellosis, a disease of major veterinary and public health concern, remains widespread in several regions, including Egypt. This study reports the isolation and molecular confirmation of Brucella canis from dogs in Egypt and provides genetic relatedness of Brucella melitensis and Brucella canis in dogs to evaluate their public health significance.

A total of 785 dogs (both stray and owned) in Cairo and Giza (Feb–Dec 2024) were examined for Brucella spp.; all blood samples were examined using serological tests only (RBPT, SAT with 2-ME) however, 365 reproductive tissue samples including 215 and 150 from testicular and uterine samples respectively were collected from animals undergoing surgical procedures and were used for bacteriological isolation. Molecular confirmation was achieved via AMOS-PCR and Suis-ladder multiplex PCR for B. canis. Genetic relatedness was assessed by ERIC-PCR fingerprinting and cluster analysis, with Simpson’s diversity index used to evaluate typing discrimination.

Twelve Brucella spp. isolates (3.28%) recovered, comprising 8 isolates for B. melitensis biovar 3 and 4 for B. canis. B. melitensis occurred in both stray and owned dogs while B. canis was found only in strays marking its first isolation in Egypt. Suis-ladder PCR reliably distinguished B. canis from B. suis, and ERIC-PCR showed moderate genetic diversity. Temporal–spatial data revealed low, but the detection occurred across several districts in both owned and stray dog populations.

Molecular tools like Suis-ladder PCR and ERIC-PCR proved effective for precise characterization of isolates in addition, this study documents the first isolation of B. canis from dogs in Egypt emphasizing their role as potential public health relevance of canine brucellosis.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-026-04787-1.