Abstract
Background: Brucella species are classified based on their pathogenic and genetic properties and hosts. Considering the significance
of identifying different biotypes of Brucella from the epidemiological point of view and lack of such information in the city of
Kashan, Iran.
Objectives: This study was designed to determine the biotypes and strains of Brucella isolated from patients with brucellosis.
Methods: This was a descriptive study of 206 samples obtained from patients with suspected brucellosis in 2013 in Kashan. BACTEC
9050 culture media was employed to test the samples. Suspected colonies of Brucella were identified through morphology, staining,
and biochemical tests. The biotypes were identified by the Razi Research Institute. Lysis tests with the Tbilisi (Tb) phage were
performed, the need for CO2, SH2 production, sensitivity to basic fuchsin and thionin stains, and the reaction of all the samples to
specific antiserum A and M (monospecific) were tested.
Results: Fifty (24.3%) of the 206 samples were culture positive. SH3 production was not detected in any of the isolates, and none of
the isolated strains required CO2. The results of the sensitivity test to basic fuchsin and thionin staining and specific agglutination
and phage lysis (phage typing) tests indicated that all the isolated strains were biotype 1 B. melitansis.
Conclusions: The cause of human brucellosis in Kashan and its suburbs was biotype 1 B. melitensis. The identification of various
biotypes of Brucella is important. Similar studies should be performed to detect the presence of new biotypes originating from
neighboring countries.