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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Brucellosis is caused by bacteria of the Brucella species. Twelve
species have been identified in the genus. In this chapter, we address the
taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the presently recognised
Brucella species and biovars, as well as Brucella morphology and
metabolism and epidemiological features of the Brucella species.
Brucella melitensis and B. ovis are the aetiological agents of small
ruminant brucellosis. B. melitensis may infect both, goats and sheep,
producing a disease mainly characterised by abortion, retained placenta
and birth of weakened offspring, while B. ovis is pathogenic to sheep,
inducing epididymitis and decreased fertility in males as main symptoms.
B. melitensis is the main agent of zoonotic brucellosis, while B. ovis has
lower zoonotic significance. Other Brucella species have negative impact
on public health. Given the recent knowledge about the genus Brucella, it
is worth describing the most relevant characteristics of the different
species. Therefore, a short description of each species is presented.
Description
Keywords
Brucella spp. Taxonomy Phylogenetic Morphology Metabolism
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Saavedra, M.J.; Ballem, A.; Queiroga, Cristina; Fernandes, Conceição (2019). Etiology: The Genus Brucella. In J.C. Simões; M.J. Saavedra and P.A. Hunter (Eds.) Brucellosis in Goats and Sheep: an endemic and re-emerging old zoonosis in the 21st century. New York: Nova Science publisher. p. 21-58. ISBN 978-1-53614-962-3