[relayed from ASM website]  

In 2020, the reclassification of Ochrobactrum species to the genus Brucella based on recent gene-content analysis studies was proposed. There are several implications of adopting the name of Brucella for these organisms. If laboratories report these organisms simply as Brucella species without including additional report comments or education around the name update, clinicians who are unaware of the alternate name may inappropriately treat patients as having brucellosis, which implies disease due to classic Brucella species. Furthermore, cultures of certain species of Brucella are considered select agents and must be handled and shipped as category A infectious substances, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Variability of select agent designation within the genus Brucella can lead to confusion in laboratory handling and reporting.  

This guideline answers frequently asked questions regarding this taxonomic change including impacted species, potential clinical implications and guidance on distinguishing between Brucella (Ochrobactrum) species from agents of brucellosis. 

This guideline was developed on behalf of the American Society for Microbiology Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee, Laboratory Practices Subcommittee. 

[relayed from EUCAST] 

EUCAST will during 2023, based on the work of theEMERGE AST Working Group, strive to publish clinical breakpoints and disk diffusion correlates for Brucella melitensis and Bacillus anthracis.

Through the joint effort of the group and EUCAST, MIC and zone diameter distributions are now available. ECOFFs are under development and will be available soonest.

For more  information: 

Tscherne, A.; Mantel, E.; Boskani, T.; Budniak, S.; Elschner, M.; Fasanella, A.; Feruglio, S.L.; Galante, D.; Giske, C.G.; Grunow, R.; et al. Adaptation of Brucella melitensis Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing to the ISO 20776 Standard and Validation of the Method. Microorganisms 2022, 10, 1470. https://doi.org/10.3390/ microorganisms10071470

MIC EUCAST

[relayed from abstract] This paper reports 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: Brucella amazionensis.

For more information: