Diagnosis of Bovine Brucellosis – Gene Biotechnologies

Introduction :

Brucellosis is a major zoonoses affects wide range of domesticated as well as wild animals.

Despite its impact on human and animal health, little attention has been paid on Brucella infections in domestic animals. It is in this light that the prevalence of Brucella antibodies was determined in domestic animals with the overarching goal of improving our knowledge on brucellosis in southern Cameroon.

Brucella infections can affect cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and dogs;As the results of Brucella infections, the prevalence Brucella antibodies varies not only between animal species, but also between localities for which each of them has specific environmental conditions;Understanding the epidemiology of brucellosis for the overarching objective of designing efficient control measures requires investigating such infections on human and animal in different epidemiological settings.

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Key points about brucellosis:

Causative Agent: The Brucella bacteria are responsible for causing brucellosis. There are several species of Brucella, including B. melitensis (from goats and sheep), B. abortus (from cattle), B. suis (from pigs), and B. canis (from dogs).

Transmission: Humans can contract brucellosis through contact with infected animals, either through direct contact with their tissues (placenta, aborted fetuses, and reproductive fluids) or by consuming contaminated animal products, especially raw or unpasteurized milk and cheese.

Symptoms: The symptoms of brucellosis can vary widely and often resemble flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain. In some cases, the disease can become chronic and lead to more severe complications affecting various organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen, and central nervous system.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of brucellosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history, and laboratory tests, such as blood cultures and serological tests, to detect antibodies against Brucella.

Treatment: Brucellosis can be treated effectively with antibiotics like doxycycline and rifampin or a combination of other antibiotics. Treatment duration is usually prolonged (several weeks) to prevent relapse.

Prevention: Preventive measures include avoiding the consumption of raw or unpasteurized dairy products, using protective gear when in contact with potentially infected animals, and practicing good hygiene after handling animals or animal products.

Occupational Risk: People who work closely with livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers, are at a higher risk of contracting brucellosis due to their increased exposure to infected animals.

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