Unit 3: Brucella Flashcards
What is the morphology of the genus Brucella?
gram-negative small rods or coccobacilli
Describe the growth on culture of the genus Brucella.
slow growing (2-5 days), forms small colonies, grows well on BAP, may need some CO2
What is identification of specific Brucella species based on?
urease, oxidase, CO2 requirement, H2S, growth in the presence of dyes, agglutination
What is the genus Brucella generally susceptible to?
chemical disinfectants
What is the general pathogenesis of the Brucella genus?
The organism pass from the point of entry to the lymphatics, multiply in the regional lymph node and then enter the bloodstream. They travel to the parenchymatous organs and other tissues. They are primarily intracellular in macrophages with development of granulomatous foci or nodules in the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and testes
What is Brucella abortus the cause of?
abortion in cattle and undulant fever in humans
What does Brucella abortus require for growth?
CO2 on primary isolation - growth is stimulated by erythritol
Where is Brucella abortus endemic and in what species?
in the middle east in cattle, goats, horses, camels, and others
What is Brucella abortus excreted in?
genital secretions, colostrum, or mil from recently infected cows or carrier animals that abort or calve
What are the two infectious routes of Brucella abortus?
- ingestion of food and water contaminated with uterine discharges or urine or ingestion of milk
- Penetration of skin and mucous membranes
What is the pathogenesis of Brucella abortus in cows that are pregnant (6 months +)?
the organism localizes in the placenta causing abortion, due primarily to circulatory disturbance, and sometimes sterility
What does Brucella abortus cause in bulls?
epididymitis and orchitis which leads to sterility or decreased fertility
True or False: Calves maintain Brucella abortus infection.
false
What is the significance of erythritol in Brucella abortus infection?
it is a sugar alcohol present in the placenta and testes of susceptible species - it provides stimulation of growth in these tissues
What humans are susceptible to Brucella abortus?
lab workers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and farmers
What is a major source of human infection of Brucella abortus?
unpasteurized milk
What is undulant fever characterized by?
profuse perspiration, joint and back pain
Where may Brucella abortus localize in humans?
liver, lymph nodes, or bone
How do you treat Brucella abortus infection in humans??
tetracycline and/or streptomycin for at least one month
Brucella abortus causes disease in _____ and _____ similar to that in cattle.
sheep and goats