Brucella: not your ‘typical’ intracellular pathogen
Anthony L Keyburn A and Nicky Buller B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), Private Bag 24, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia. Tel: +61 3 5227 5000, Email: anthony.keyburn@csiro.au
B Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Diagnostic and Laboratory Services (DDLS), 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia
Microbiology Australia 41(1) 38-41 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA20010
Published: 28 February 2020
Abstract
Currently the genus Brucella consists of a group of bacteria that are genetically monospecific yet phenotypically diverse, and a recent genetic and phenotypic divergent group known as ‘atypical' Brucellae. The host range is extremely varied and includes mammals, including humans, terrestrial animals and marine mammals, but now extends to reptiles and amphibians. Almost all Brucella species are zoonotic. The disease collectively termed Brucellosis leads to abortion and reproductive disease in animals, whereas human infection presents as a non-specific undulating fever accompanied by general malaise, chills, joint pain, muscle aches, genitourinary disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. These Gram-negative coccobacilli invade and replicate in the host macrophages where they can limit the effects of the host immune system and antibiotic treatment. Due to the phenotypic and genotypic diversity and close relationship with Ochrobactrum species, the genus Brucella presents challenges for accurate identification and recognition of new species.
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