Brucella canis ATCC 23365

The genus Brucella is comprised mostly of mammalian pathogens, which due to their low infectious does, aerosol transmission and treatment difficulty are classified as potential bioterrorism agents. Brucella canis is the causative agent of canine brucellosis and was first recognized in 1966 as a cause of abortion and reproductive failure. Canine brucellosis is common in Central and South America and in the southern states of USA. It has been diagnosed in commercial and research breeding kennels in several other countries, including Japan and China. It has been reported sporadically in Europe.Transmission between dogs occurs via mucous membranes, so the bacteria may enter the body through the nose, mouth, conjunctiva of the eye, and vagina. The majority of bacteria in infected dogs are secreted in semen and vaginal secretions, but bacteria may be present in milk, urine and saliva as well. The most common sign of brucellosis infection in a female dog is abortion between days 45 to 59 of gestation. The vaginal discharge and fetuses contain large numbers of Brucellae. When an infected female aborts, spread throughout a kennel can be very rapid. The persistent discharge after abortion contains extremely high numbers of organisms for 4 to 6 weeks. Milk also serves as another contaminant to the environment. Infected females may deliver both living and dead puppies. These surviving puppies are infected and will shed bacteria in their secretions. In addition to abortions, the disease can cause orchiepididymitis in males, and uveitis.Although veterinarians exposed to blood of infected animals are at risk, pet owners are not considered to be at risk for infection.Dogs with brucellosis should never be used for breeding and euthanasia is the only solution to the problem. These animals are a potential source of infection for other dogs and humans. Combination therapy of aminoglycosides and tetracyclines has been tried, but the treatment only makes the infected dog test "false" negative, when in fact the dog is still very infectious and contagious. There is unfortunately no vaccine for the prevention or treatment of canine brucellosis. (HAMAP: BRUC2)