Human brucellosis caused by Brucella canis: clinical features and immune response

Human infection by Brucella canis is not often recognized due to a lack of serious consideration of the disease as a diagnostic possibility. Another factor is the limited availability of specific serologic tests needed in the absence of cross-reactivity between antibodies to B. canis and other Brucella pathogenic to humans. In addition, the organism may not be isolated from blood culture, particularly after antibiotic therapy. We report clinical and laboratory features of four patients with serologically diagnosed B. canis infection and point out the importance of specific serologic testing for B. canis when brucellosis is a diagnostic possibility.