Novel Rickettsia Species Infecting Dogs,United States

In 2018 and 2019, spotted fever was suspected in 3 dogs in 3 US states. The dogs had fever and hematological abnormalities; blood samples were Rickettsia seroreactive. Identical Rickettsia DNA sequences were amplified from the samples. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis showed the dogs were infected with a novel Rickettsia species related to human Rickettsia pathogens.     

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae as Unexpected Cause of Fatal Outbreak in Captive Marmosets,Brazil

After the sudden death of captive marmosets in São Paulo, Brazil, we conducted a histologic and microbiologic study. We found hyperacute septicemia caused by hypermucoviscous sequence type 86 K2 Klebsiella pneumoniae. We implemented prophylactic antimicrobial therapy, selected dedicated staff for marmoset interactions, and sanitized the animals’ fruit to successfully control this outbreak.     

Global Origin of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Midlands,UK

DNA fingerprinting data for 4,207 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were combined with data from a computer program (Origins). Largest population groups were from England (n = 1,031) and India (n = 912), and most prevalent strains were the Euro-American (45%) and East African–Indian (34%) lineages. Combining geographic and molecular data can enhance cluster investigation.     

Tetanus as Cause of Mass Die-off of Captive Japanese Macaques, Japan, 2008

In 2008 in Japan, 15/60 captive Japanese macaques died. Clostridium tetani was isolated from 1 monkey, and 11 had tetanus-specific symptoms. We conclude the outbreak resulted from severe environmental C. tetani contamination. Similar outbreaks could be prevented by vaccinating all monkeys, disinfecting housing areas/play equipment, replacing highly C. tetani–contaminated soil, and conducting epidemiologic surveys.     

Seoul Virus Associated with Pet Rats,Scotland, UK, 2019

We describe a case of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Seoul virus in a woman in Scotland, UK. Whole-genome sequencing showed the virus belonged to a lineage characterized by recent international expansion, probably driven by trade in pet rats.     

Novel Species of Brucella Causing Human Brucellosis,French Guiana

Human brucellosis is a zoonoses caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Infection results in subacute or chronic debilitating disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations and is often associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products. We report 2 cases of brucellosis in male patients who were hospitalized in distinct towns of French Guiana, an overseas territory of France located on the northeastern shore of South America. Both men were citizens of Brazil working as clandestine goldminers in the deep Amazonian rainforest. Characterization of the 2 bacterial isolates revealed that they represent a potential new species of Brucella. Medical practitioners working in contact with wildlife in this region of the world should be aware of the existence of these pathogens and the potential for human infection.     

Investigation of Inhalation Anthrax Case,United States

Inhalation anthrax occurred in a man who vacationed in 4 US states where anthrax is enzootic. Despite an extensive multi-agency investigation, the specific source was not detected, and no additional related human or animal cases were found. Although rare, inhalation anthrax can occur naturally in the United States.     

Red Deer as Maintenance Host for Bovine Tuberculosis,Alpine Region

To estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the Alpine region, we studied the epidemiology of Mycobacterium caprae in wildlife during the 2009–2012 hunting seasons. Free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) were a maintenance host in a hot-spot area, mainly located in Austria.     

Novel Morbillivirus as Putative Cause of Fetal Death and Encephalitis among Swine

Morbilliviruses are highly contagious pathogens. The Morbillivirus genus includes measles virus, canine distemper virus (CDV), phocine distemper virus (PDV), peste des petits ruminants virus, rinderpest virus, and feline morbillivirus. We detected a novel porcine morbillivirus (PoMV) as a putative cause of fetal death, encephalitis, and placentitis among swine by using histopathology, metagenomic sequencing, and in situ hybridization. Phylogenetic analyses showed PoMV is most closely related to CDV (62.9% nt identities) and PDV (62.8% nt identities). We observed intranuclear inclusions in neurons and glial cells of swine fetuses with encephalitis. Cellular tropism is similar to other morbilliviruses, and PoMV viral RNA was detected in neurons, respiratory epithelium, and lymphocytes. This study provides fundamental knowledge concerning the pathology, genome composition, transmission, and cellular tropism of a novel pathogen within the genus Morbillivirus and opens the door to a new, applicable disease model to drive research forward.     

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Blood Donors and Changes after Introduction of Public Health and Social Measures,London, UK

We describe results of testing blood donors in London, UK, for severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG before and after lockdown measures. Anonymized samples from donors 17–69 years of age were tested using 3 assays: Euroimmun IgG, Abbott IgG, and an immunoglobulin receptor-binding domain assay developed by Public Health England. Seroprevalence increased from 3.0% prelockdown (week 13, beginning March 23, 2020) to 10.4% during lockdown (weeks 15–16) and 12.3% postlockdown (week 18) by the Abbott assay. Estimates were 2.9% prelockdown, 9.9% during lockdown, and 13.0% postlockdown by the Euroimmun assay and 3.5% prelockdown, 11.8% during lockdown, and 14.1% postlockdown by the receptor-binding domain assay. By early May 2020, nearly 1 in 7 donors had evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection. Combining results from the Abbott and Euroimmun assays increased seroprevalence by 1.6%, 2.3%, and 0.6% at the 3 timepoints compared with Euroimmun alone, demonstrating the value of using multiple assays.