Pathogenesis and pathobiology of brucellosis in wildlife

Natural infections by Brucella spp. have been observed in wild populations. Owing to the similarity of lesions and the course of disease across host and pathogen species, the pathogenesis of brucellosis in wildlife is considered similar to that in domestic animals, which has been studied extensively. Similarities include tropism for reproductive and mammary tissues, trophoblast colonisation by the organism, and similar histopathological findings in organs, especially in the reproductive tract. Differences in the disease course exist and are likely to be attributable to immunological and behavioural differences among species. Further study of the pathogenesis and pathobiology of brucellosis in wildlife is expected to yield unique knowledge with application to disease management in both wild and domestic species.