Use of PCR for detection of Burkholderia mallei in Turkey

Abstract

Within the scope of the "National Ruam Eradication Project" carried out between 2000-2001, was eradicated Glanders in our country. Unfortunately, 81 horses were culled in Turkey in December 2019, following the detection of Epidemic in horses in Büyükada. In 2019, Glanders were reported in horses in Uşak and Bolu. No human cases have been reported. Global warming, illegal animal and human movements, regional civil wars, poverty, and e-environmental changes are predisposing factors for the emergence and worldwide spread of zoonotic infections such as glanders. Turkey is at risk for Glanders because of its geography. Therefore, reliable detection of Burkholderia mallei by PCR in a short time will prevent the distribution of unwanted infections that may occur in the future throughout the country. In this study; Burkholderia mallei strains isolated from horses were verified and optimized by PCR. The use of PCR for the detection of Burkholderia mallei was performed for the first time in our country. It has been concluded that the PCR method can be safely used in laboratory analyzes together with serology as a diagnostic method with high reliability and sensitivity for both diagnoses.