Brucellaceae: Difference between revisions

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'''Brucellaceae''' is a family of [[Gram-negative bacteria]], named after the British army physician Sir David Bruce. This family is composed of two genera: ''[[Brucella]]'' and ''[[Ochrobactrum]]''.
{{Short description|A family of bacteria that includes the genus ''Brucella''}}


== Taxonomy ==
==Overview==
The '''Brucellaceae''' is a family of [[Gram-negative bacteria]] within the order [[Rhizobiales]]. This family is notable for including the genus ''[[Brucella]]'', which contains several species that are pathogenic to humans and animals. Members of the Brucellaceae family are small, non-motile, and facultatively intracellular pathogens.


The family Brucellaceae belongs to the order [[Rhizobiales]], class [[Alphaproteobacteria]], phylum [[Proteobacteria]], and domain [[Bacteria]]. The family consists of two genera: ''Brucella'' and ''Ochrobactrum''.  
==Characteristics==
Brucellaceae are characterized by their small, coccobacillary shape and their ability to survive and replicate within host cells. They are [[aerobic]] and do not form spores. The bacteria are known for their slow growth and require complex media for cultivation in laboratory settings.


== Characteristics ==
==Pathogenicity==
The genus ''Brucella'' is the most well-known member of the Brucellaceae family due to its role in causing [[brucellosis]], a zoonotic infection that affects various animal species and can be transmitted to humans. Brucellosis is characterized by fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. In animals, it can cause reproductive issues such as abortion and infertility.


Members of the Brucellaceae family are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, and rod-shaped bacteria. They are [[facultative anaerobes]], meaning they can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments.
[[File:Brucella_spp.JPG|thumb|right|''Brucella'' species under a microscope]]


== Genus Brucella ==
==Transmission==
Brucellaceae bacteria are typically transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated animal products, such as unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat. Occupational exposure is also a risk for individuals working in veterinary, laboratory, or agricultural settings.


The genus ''Brucella'' consists of several species, including ''[[Brucella melitensis]]'', ''[[Brucella abortus]]'', ''[[Brucella suis]]'', and ''[[Brucella canis]]''. These bacteria are known to cause [[brucellosis]], a zoonotic disease that affects various mammals, including humans.
==Prevention and Control==
Preventive measures for brucellosis include vaccination of livestock, pasteurization of dairy products, and the implementation of biosecurity measures in animal husbandry. In humans, avoiding consumption of raw dairy products and using protective equipment when handling animals can reduce the risk of infection.


== Genus Ochrobactrum ==
==Diagnosis and Treatment==
 
Diagnosis of brucellosis involves serological tests, culture, and molecular methods to detect the presence of ''Brucella'' species. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as doxycycline and rifampin, over an extended period to prevent relapse.
The genus ''Ochrobactrum'' is less well-studied than ''Brucella''. However, some species, such as ''[[Ochrobactrum anthropi]]'' and ''[[Ochrobactrum intermedium]]'', have been associated with human infections.
 
== Pathogenicity ==
 
Brucellaceae are known for their pathogenicity. ''Brucella'' species are the causative agents of brucellosis, a disease that can cause a range of symptoms from fever and fatigue to more serious complications like inflammation of the heart. ''Ochrobactrum'' species, while less commonly associated with disease, can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals.
 
== Treatment and Prevention ==
 
Treatment of infections caused by Brucellaceae typically involves a combination of antibiotics. Prevention strategies include vaccination of livestock and pasteurization of dairy products.
 
== See Also ==


==Related pages==
* [[Brucellosis]]
* [[Zoonosis]]
* [[Gram-negative bacteria]]
* [[Gram-negative bacteria]]
* [[Brucellosis]]
* [[Rhizobiales]]
* [[Zoonotic disease]]
 
== References ==
 
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Bacteria families]]
[[Category:Brucellaceae]]
[[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
[[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
[[Category:Rhizobiales]]
[[Category:Zoonotic bacteria]]
{{bacteria-stub}}
{{No image}}

Latest revision as of 03:55, 13 February 2025

A family of bacteria that includes the genus Brucella''


Overview[edit]

The Brucellaceae is a family of Gram-negative bacteria within the order Rhizobiales. This family is notable for including the genus Brucella, which contains several species that are pathogenic to humans and animals. Members of the Brucellaceae family are small, non-motile, and facultatively intracellular pathogens.

Characteristics[edit]

Brucellaceae are characterized by their small, coccobacillary shape and their ability to survive and replicate within host cells. They are aerobic and do not form spores. The bacteria are known for their slow growth and require complex media for cultivation in laboratory settings.

Pathogenicity[edit]

The genus Brucella is the most well-known member of the Brucellaceae family due to its role in causing brucellosis, a zoonotic infection that affects various animal species and can be transmitted to humans. Brucellosis is characterized by fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. In animals, it can cause reproductive issues such as abortion and infertility.

Brucella species under a microscope

Transmission[edit]

Brucellaceae bacteria are typically transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated animal products, such as unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat. Occupational exposure is also a risk for individuals working in veterinary, laboratory, or agricultural settings.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Preventive measures for brucellosis include vaccination of livestock, pasteurization of dairy products, and the implementation of biosecurity measures in animal husbandry. In humans, avoiding consumption of raw dairy products and using protective equipment when handling animals can reduce the risk of infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment[edit]

Diagnosis of brucellosis involves serological tests, culture, and molecular methods to detect the presence of Brucella species. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as doxycycline and rifampin, over an extended period to prevent relapse.

Related pages[edit]