Comparative Review of Brucellosis in Small Domestic Ruminants
Carlos Alberto Rossetti1, Estefanía Maurizio1,2, Ursula Amaranta Rossi1,2
1Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), N. Repetto y de Los Reseros, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis are the primary etiological agents of brucellosis in small domestic ruminants. B. melitensis was first isolated in 1887 by David Bruce in Malta Island from spleens of four soldiers, while B. ovis was originally isolated in Australia and New Zealand in early 1950's from ovine abortion and rams epididymitis. Today, both agents are distributed worldwide: B. melitensis remains endemic and associated with an extensive negative impact on the productivity of flocks in -some regions, and B. ovis is still present in most sheep-raising regions in the world. Despite being species of the same bacterial genus, B. melitensis and B. ovis have extensive differences in their cultural and biochemical characteristics (smooth vs. rough colonial phases, serum and CO2 dependence for in vitro growth, carbohydrate metabolism), host preference (female goat and sheep vs. rams), the outcome of infection (abortion vs. epididymitis), and their zoonotic potential. Some of these differences can be explained at the bacterial genomic level, but the role of the host genome in promoting or preventing interaction with pathogens is largely unknown. Diagnostic techniques and measures to prevent and control brucellosis in small ruminants vary, with B. melitensis having more available tools for detection and prevention than B. ovis. This review summarizes and analyzes current available information on: (1) the similarities and differences between these two etiological agents of brucellosis in small ruminants, (2) the outcomes after their interaction with different preferred hosts and current diagnostic methodologies, (3) the prevention and control measures, and (4) alerting animal producers about the disease and raise awareness in the research community for future innovative activities.
Insights
Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis cause brucellosis in small ruminants, differing in characteristics, host preference, and zoonotic potential. This review compares these pathogens, their diagnostics, and control measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Production
Background:
- Brucellosis in small ruminants is primarily caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis.
- Both pathogens are globally distributed, impacting flock productivity and animal health.
- Significant differences exist between B. melitensis and B. ovis in their biological and pathogenic characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the similarities and differences between B. melitensis and B. ovis.
- To examine host-pathogen interactions, diagnostic methods, and control strategies for brucellosis in small ruminants.
- To raise awareness among animal producers and researchers regarding brucellosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current scientific information.
- Comparative analysis of B. melitensis and B. ovis characteristics.
- Evaluation of diagnostic techniques and prevention/control measures.
Main Results:
- B. melitensis and B. ovis exhibit distinct cultural, biochemical, host, and clinical outcome profiles.
- Diagnostic and control tools are more developed for B. melitensis than for B. ovis.
- The role of host genetics in brucellosis susceptibility requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the specific differences between B. melitensis and B. ovis is crucial for effective brucellosis management in small ruminants.
- Enhanced diagnostic and control strategies are needed, particularly for B. ovis.
- Further research into host-pathogen genomics and innovative control measures is warranted.
