Clin Lab III: Brucellosis HW

Brucellosis is typically thought of as a disease characterized by what?

Abortions and infertility.

What species of Brucella primarily affects canines?

Brucella canis.

What type of samples (bodily fluids) from a dog contain the highest concentration of organisms?

Semen and vaginal discharge.

Can B. canis be transmitted via the venereal route?

Yes.

Define bacteremia.

Visible bacteria in the bloodstream.

What are the bodily fluids from a dog, whether the organism is present in high or low concentrations, can B. canis be excreted/shed or transmitted in?

• Urine

• Feces

• Semen

• Milk

• Ocular/nasal secretions

• Saliva

• Vaginal discharges

Can B. canis be transmitted via fomites?

Yes.

(Fomites= inanimate objects).

List the clinical signs seen in a female dog infected with brucellosis.

• Still-births.

• Abortions.

• Conception failure/ infertility decrease.

• Prolonged vaginal discharge.

List the clinical signs seen in a male dog infected with brucellosis.

• Epididymitis

• Periorchitis

• Prostatitis

• Infertility

Define lymphadentitis.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Define spondylitis.

Inflammation of the vertebrae.

Diagnosis of B. canis is based on what and what types of samples (bodily fluids) can the organisms be readily isolated from?

• Isolation of causative agent and serology.

• Samples of vaginal discharges, aborted pups, blood, milk, and semen.

Most of the serological testing methods used for diagnosing brucellosis are flawed by _________________ reactions/results.

False-positives.

What does RSAT stand for and a dog testing positive on this test should not be considered what until additional serological tests are done?

• Rapid Slide Agglutination Test

• Infected

Despite all of the serological testing available, what should always be performed when brucellosis is suspected?

Bacterial culture.

Is treatment of B. canis recommended for dogs in breeding kennels? Why or why not?

• No.

• The dogs cannot be properly isolated, or properly monitored following abx therapy.

What are the treatment options for a pet (dog) at home?

• Spay/neuter.

• Combo abx.

• Euthanasia.

What is the only proven method or eradication of B. canis from an infected kennel?

Testing and elimination/isolation of infected dogs.

What species of Brucella primarily effects cattle?

Brucella abortus.

Can B. abortus be shed in milk of cattle?

Yes.

Define uterine involution.

The uterus repairs itself after birth.

Define nongravid uterus.

Uterus of a female not currently pregnant.

B. abortus can be transmitted to cattle if they ingest contaminated ____________ and ____________.

Water and feed.

List the clinical signs seen in a female cow infected with brucellosis.

• Abortions

• Still-births or weak calves

• Retained placentas

• Reduced milk yield

• Infertility

List the clinical signs seen in a male cow (bull) infected with brucellosis.

• Seminal vesiculitis

• Ampullitis

• Epididymitis

• Orchitis

• Testicular abscesses

• Infertility

When diagnosing B. abortus, serum agglutination tests can detect antibodies in what other types of samples (bodily fluids)?

• Milk

• Semen

• Plasma

What test has been effective in locating dairy herds infected with B. abortus?

Milk Ring.

Define abattoir.

Slaughter house.

Is there currently an approved B. abortus vaccine available in the US and how are cattle marked if they have received the vaccine?

• Yes, Strain 19 or RB51. (RB51 is replacing strain 19).

• Orange ear tag or right ear tattoos.

What species of Brucella primarily affect goats? Sheep?

• Goats: B. miletensis

• Sheep: B. ovis

Can rams transmit B. miletensis via their semen?

Yes.

In goats, B. miletensis can be excreted/shed in what types of samples (bodily fluids)?

• Urine

• Feces

• Placenta

• Milk

List the clinal signs in a femal sheep (ewe) infected with B. ovis.

• Placentitis

• Abortions

• Impaired fertility

List the clinical signs of a male sheep (ram) infected with B. ovis.

• Impaired fertility

• Lesions on the epididymis, tunica, and testis.

List the clinical signs seen in a got infected with B. miltensis.

• Abortions

• Lameness

• Mastitis

• Diarrhea

• Depression

• Orchitis

• Arthritis

The incidence and spread of disease (B. ovis and B. miletensis) can be reduced by doing what?

By regular examinations and testing of rams before breeding and calling.

What species of Brucella primarily affect pigs?

B. suis

B. suis is spread mainly by ingested __________ and __________?

• Infected tissues

• Fluids

List all of the clinical signs seen in a female pig (sow) infected with B. suis.

• Abortions

• Still-births

• Metritis

• Temporary or permanent sterility

List the clinical signs of a male pig (boar) infected with B. suis.

• Orchitis

• Testicular abnormalities

• Temporary or permanent sterility

Can supplemental brucellosis tests designed for cattle be used for pigs?

Yes.

Is brucellosis zoonotic to humans?

YES.

Can brucellosis be transmitted to humans if they ingest contaminated/untreated milk and milk products?

Yes.

What humans are at higher risk for contracting brucellosis?

• Abattoir workers

• Meat inspectors

• Animal handlers

• Veterinarians

• Lab workers

• Myself

What is the incubation period of brucellosis in humans?

1-3 weeks, but sometimes several months.

What are the 5 tell-tale things to note about brucellosis?

1. No test— all flawed by false positives.

2. No treatment— slaughter is the only option.

3. Denoted by late-term abortions.

4. No vaccine— except female cows.

5. Zoonotic— wear protective gowns, gloves, masks, and gowns.