Brucellosis: A Current Review Update on Zoonosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is an infectious, contagious zoonotic disease which is spread worldwide, caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Brucellae are facultative intracellular parasites of the reticuloendothelial system and is characterised by wave-like variations in the body temperature of afflicted victims. It was formerly known as Mediterranean fever, Malta fever or undulant fever. Its modern name bears tribute to Sir David Bruce, the military physician who discovered the aetiologic agent, Brucella melitensis. The disease primarily affects cattle, sheep, goats, swine and dogs. The different Brucella spp. includes B. melitensis, Brucella abortus, Brucella canis and Brucella suis, and their preferential hosts are sheep/goats, cattle/bison, dogs and pigs, respectively. However, cross-species infections can occur; for example cattle can be affected by both B. abortus and B. melitensis at the same time [Abdussalam and Fein (1976). Developments in Biological Standardization, 31:23]. Hence, from epidemiological evidence, the three species (B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis) have distinct host preferences, and the organisms are capable to cause an infection in a wide range of host species, including humans. Cross transmission of brucellosis can occur between cattle, swine, sheep and goats and other species including dogs, horses, feral swine, bison, rein deer and camels [Than (2007). Prevalence survey of bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus) in dairy cattle in Yangon, Myanmar. A Thesis Submitted to Chiang Mai University and Freie University at Berlin in a Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Veterinary Public Health].