Brucellosis: A Neglected Zoonosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease mainly of domestic animals. The infection is directly transmitted to humans by animals through breaks in the skin or by contact with infected materials like aborted foetuses and placenta. It can also be transmitted indirectly by ingestion of contaminated animal products as well as inhalation of the agent. It is an important zoonosis worldwide which accounts for about 500, 000 reported human cases annually around the globe; particularly amongst agricultural and pastoral populations. It results in serious economic losses in animals due to abortion, reduced fertility, birth of weak off springs and reduced productivity. In humans, it leads to chronic debilitation resulting in low work output and subsequent negative economic impact. The paper reviews brucellosis in different species of animals. It highlights the aetiology, morphology, host range, pathophysiology, clinical signs, pathology and epidemiology of the disease in various species. Preventive and control measures against the disease, economic and public health implications have also been examined. It is concluded that, the eradication of brucellosis in animals may be achieved by long-term investment in surveillance programmes, including testing and culling of positive reactors. Vaccination of animal hosts may culminate in the eradication of the disease in human population.