Brucella canis

Brucella canis

Brucella canis is a bacterial species that is a significant pathogen in canines, causing brucellosis in dogs. This disease is of particular concern due to its zoonotic potential, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing public health risks. Brucella canis is part of the Brucellaceae family, which comprises several species known to cause brucellosis in various animal hosts, including cattle, swine, and goats.

Overview

Brucella canis is a small, non-motile, gram-negative coccus. It is an intracellular pathogen, which complicates its detection and eradication because it can hide within host cells. The bacterium is primarily transmitted among dogs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or via contaminated objects. Vertical transmission from pregnant females to their offspring is also common.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

In dogs, the infection may result in a range of symptoms, from mild or asymptomatic to severe. Common signs include infertility, abortion in pregnant females, lethargy, lymphadenopathy, and occasionally, spinal pain or spondylitis. Diagnosis of Brucella canis infection is challenging due to its often subtle or non-specific clinical signs. It typically involves serological tests to detect antibodies against the bacterium, along with culture and isolation of the organism from bodily fluids.

Treatment and Control

Treatment of Brucella canis infection can be difficult and may not always result in a cure. Long-term antibiotic therapy is usually required to manage the disease. However, due to the risk of zoonotic transmission, euthanasia of infected animals is sometimes recommended to prevent further spread. Preventive measures include regular screening of breeding dogs, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of infected animals.

Public Health Significance

The zoonotic potential of Brucella canis poses a risk to human health, particularly for individuals who are in close contact with infected dogs, such as veterinarians, kennel workers, and dog owners. In humans, the disease can cause undulant fever, arthritis, and endocarditis, among other symptoms. Public health efforts focus on raising awareness, improving diagnostic methods, and implementing control measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

See Also

• Brucellosis
• Zoonosis
• Bacterial Infections in Animals

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