Abstract
Brucella canis infects dogs and humans. In dogs, it can cause reproductive failure; in humans, it can cause fever, chills, malaise, peripheral lymphadenomegaly, and splenomegaly. B. canis infection in dogs is underrecognized. After evaluating serologic data, transmission patterns, and regulations in the context of brucellosis in dogs as an underrecognized zoonosis, we concluded that brucellosis in dogs remains endemic to many parts of the world and will probably remain a threat to human health and animal welfare unless stronger intervention measures are implemented. A first step for limiting disease spread would be implementation of mandatory testing of dogs before interstate or international movement.
Highlights
B. melitensis, B. abortus, and B. suis are well-known causes of undulant fever and influenzalike symptoms in humans, but B. canis is less recognized as the cause of a zoonosis [3]
Dogs may still serve as a source of infection because the bacteria can persist in the prostate and lymphoid tissues [13,14]
Studies suggest that the concentration of B. canis in urine is higher in male than female dogs; this difference is attributed to urine contamination with seminal fluid [11]
Summary
In the past 2 decades, serologic studies of dogs have been published from countries in Africa, Asia, and South America and have reported moderate to high seroprevalence, ranging from 6% to ≈35% (online Technical Appendix) This wide range of seroprevalence could be attributed to multiple factors, including but not limited to true disease prevalence in the region or country, sampling design and study sample, and diagnostic test algorithm used. If reproductive failure is not documented, canine brucellosis can be difficult to diagnose Another well-recognized manifestation of infection with B. canis is diskospondylitis, which can occur in otherwise healthy dogs or in those with a history of reproductive failure that was treated with antimicrobial drugs [17,18]. The recommended course of treatment is multimodal and includes surgical sterilization and antimicrobial drugs
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