Brucella abortus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:29, 15 February 2025

Brucella abortus[edit]

Brucella abortus is a species of the genus Brucella, which is a group of Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are known to cause brucellosis, a zoonotic infection that affects various animal species and can be transmitted to humans. Brucella abortus primarily affects cattle, leading to reproductive issues such as abortion, which is reflected in its name.

Characteristics[edit]

Brucella abortus is a small, non-motile, facultative intracellular coccobacillus. It is an aerobic organism that does not form spores. The bacteria are characterized by their ability to survive and replicate within host cells, particularly macrophages. This intracellular lifestyle allows them to evade the host's immune system and establish chronic infections.

Pathogenesis[edit]

The pathogenesis of Brucella abortus involves the bacteria entering the host through mucosal surfaces or skin abrasions. Once inside the host, they are phagocytosed by macrophages and other phagocytic cells. Instead of being destroyed, Brucella abortus can survive and replicate within these cells by inhibiting the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes. This allows the bacteria to persist in the host and cause chronic infection.

Clinical Manifestations[edit]

In cattle, Brucella abortus infection leads to reproductive problems, including abortion, retained placenta, and infertility. Infected animals may also exhibit decreased milk production and arthritis. In humans, brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus can result in undulant fever, fatigue, joint pain, and other systemic symptoms.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Brucella abortus infection involves serological tests, such as the Rose Bengal test, and culture methods to isolate the bacteria. Molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are also used for more accurate identification.

Treatment and Prevention[edit]

Treatment of brucellosis in humans typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as doxycycline and rifampin, for an extended period. In cattle, control measures include vaccination with the Brucella abortus strain 19 or RB51 vaccines, as well as implementing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Brucella abortus''' is a [[Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-negative]], [[aerobic bacteria|aerobic]], non-spore-forming, [[coccobacilli|coccobacillus]] that is primarily responsible for causing [[brucellosis]] in cattle, also known as contagious abortion or Bang's disease. It is a member of the [[Brucella]] genus of bacteria, which are known to cause a range of diseases in various animal species and humans.
+== Brucella abortus ==
+[[File:Brucella_spp.JPG|thumb|right|Brucella spp. under a microscope]]
+'''Brucella abortus''' is a species of the genus [[Brucella]], which is a group of Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are known to cause [[brucellosis]], a zoonotic infection that affects various animal species and can be transmitted to humans. Brucella abortus primarily affects [[cattle]], leading to reproductive issues such as abortion, which is reflected in its name.
 == Characteristics ==
-[[Brucella abortus]] is a small, non-motile, non-encapsulated coccobacillus. It is oxidase and urease positive, and can survive in both intracellular and extracellular environments. The bacterium is capable of surviving and multiplying within both phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells, which contributes to its ability to cause chronic infections.
+Brucella abortus is a small, non-motile, facultative intracellular coccobacillus. It is an aerobic organism that does not form spores. The bacteria are characterized by their ability to survive and replicate within host cells, particularly [[macrophages]]. This intracellular lifestyle allows them to evade the host's immune system and establish chronic infections.
 == Pathogenesis ==
-The primary route of infection with [[Brucella abortus]] is through the mucous membranes, particularly those of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Once inside the host, the bacteria are taken up by [[macrophages]], where they can survive and multiply. This ability to survive within host cells allows the bacteria to evade the host's immune response, leading to chronic infection.
+The pathogenesis of Brucella abortus involves the bacteria entering the host through mucosal surfaces or skin abrasions. Once inside the host, they are phagocytosed by macrophages and other phagocytic cells. Instead of being destroyed, Brucella abortus can survive and replicate within these cells by inhibiting the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes. This allows the bacteria to persist in the host and cause chronic infection.
+== Clinical Manifestations ==
+In cattle, Brucella abortus infection leads to reproductive problems, including abortion, retained placenta, and infertility. Infected animals may also exhibit decreased milk production and arthritis. In humans, brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus can result in undulant fever, fatigue, joint pain, and other systemic symptoms.
-In cattle, infection with [[Brucella abortus]] typically results in abortion or infertility. The bacteria localize in the reproductive organs and mammary glands, leading to the shedding of the bacteria in milk and reproductive fluids. This can result in the spread of the bacteria to other animals and, in some cases, to humans.
+== Diagnosis ==
-== In Humans ==
+Diagnosis of Brucella abortus infection involves serological tests, such as the [[Rose Bengal test]], and culture methods to isolate the bacteria. Molecular techniques, such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR), are also used for more accurate identification.
-In humans, infection with [[Brucella abortus]] can result in a disease known as [[brucellosis]], which is characterized by fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complications such as arthritis, endocarditis, and neurological disorders.
+== Treatment and Prevention ==
-Humans can become infected with [[Brucella abortus]] through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated milk or meat. The bacteria can also be transmitted through the air, making it a potential [[bioterrorism]] agent.
+Treatment of brucellosis in humans typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as [[doxycycline]] and [[rifampin]], for an extended period. In cattle, control measures include vaccination with the [[Brucella abortus strain 19]] or RB51 vaccines, as well as implementing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
-== Prevention and Control ==
+== Related Pages ==
-Prevention and control of [[Brucella abortus]] infection in cattle involves a combination of vaccination, testing and culling of infected animals, and pasteurization of milk. In humans, prevention involves avoiding contact with infected animals and consuming only pasteurized milk and thoroughly cooked meat.
+* [[Brucellosis]]
+* [[Zoonosis]]
+* [[Cattle]]
+* [[Antibiotics]]
-[[Category:Bacteria]]
+[[Category:Brucella]]
+[[Category:Zoonotic bacteria]]
 [[Category:Veterinary medicine]]
-[[Category:Zoonotic diseases]]
-{{bacteria-stub}}
-{{medicine-stub}}
-{{No image}}