Brucella spp

Note: Biohazard level III pathogen. Alert the laboratory if this organism is suspected.

Gram Stain

• Gram negative coccobacilli small

Clinical Significance

These organisms cause zoonotic infections in domestic animals. Four species cause human disease:

 -B. abortus from cattle
 -B. melitensis from goats and sheep
 -B. suis from pigs
 -B. canis from dogs

Infections vary from subclinical to severe systemic disease (acute/ subacute/chronic). Infections include meningoencephalitis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, epididymo-orchitis, prostatitis, endocarditis, hepatic/splenic abscesses.

Relapses are common especially if bacteremia is present.