What are the different species of Brucella and their host animals?
Host Animals
| Species | Main Animal Host(s) |
|---|---|
| B. suis | Pigs |
| B. canis | Dogs |
| B. ovis | Sheep, goats |
| B. neotomae | Wood rats |
Which animal species can become infected by brucellosis?
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. People can get the disease when they are in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria. Animals that are most commonly infected include sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, and dogs, among others.
Which species of Brucella is most common?
Of the 4 Brucella species known to cause disease in humans (B abortus, B melitensis, B canis, B suis), B melitensis is thought to be the most virulent and causes the most severe and acute cases of brucellosis; it is also the most prevalent worldwide.
Where is Brucella spp found?
Brucellosis is a zoonosis, acquired from handling of infected animals or consuming contaminated milk or milk products. Exposure is frequently occupational. The disease is now uncommon in the United States and Britain but common in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf regions, Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Why is it called Malta fever?
The disease is named after the discoverer of the bacterium “David Bruce” in 1887. The name “Malta fever” is derived from the geographic endemic region where the fever is originally described. Brucellosis is almost always transmitted to humans from infected animals.
What is Brucella in animals?
Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of cattle caused by a bacterium which spreads as result of animals coming into contact with infected female cattle, aborted foetuses or discharged placental tissues and fluids.
Is brucellosis a zoonotic disease?
Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses transmitted by animals and in endemic areas, human brucellosis has serious public health consequences.
Why is brucellosis called undulant fever?
Undulant fever: An infectious disease due to the bacteria Brucella that characteristically causes rising and falling fevers, sweats, malaise, weakness, anorexia, headache, myalgia (muscle pain) and back pain. The disease is called undulant fever because the fever is typically undulant, rising and falling like a wave.
What is the natural source of Brucella spp?
Brucella spp. are the cause of brucellosis, which is a zoonosis transmitted by ingesting contaminated food (such as unpasteurized milk products), direct contact with an infected animal, or inhalation of aerosols….Host specificity and animal brucellosis.
| Species | Host |
|---|---|
| B. papionis | baboon |
| B. vulpis | red fox (Vulpes vulpes) |
When was brucellosis first discovered?
The disease we now know as brucellosis was first discovered in the 1850s in Malta. It came to the attention of British medical officers serving on the island after the Crimean War.
Where did brucellosis originate?
The disease we now know as brucellosis was first discovered in the 1850s in Malta. It came to the attention of British medical officers serving on the island after the Crimean War. It was easy to eliminate the disease in British servicemen, but very difficult to reach Maltese citizens.
Why is brucellosis called bangs?
The disease is known as “contagious abortion” or “Bang’s disease” in livestock and as “undulant fever” in people because of the intermittent fevers accompanying the infection. It is a serious disease that has been eradicated from most livestock in the United States (U.S.).