Diagnosis of brucellosis in the equines by serological tests and PCR: A clinical report

Abstract

Brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by various Gramnegative bacteria of the genus Brucella, is the cause of significant economic losses in livestock production due to reproductive disorders and reduced production of affected animals (Radostits et al. 2002). Almost all domestic species can be affected with brucellosis except cats, which are resistant to Brucella infection (OIE 2009). Brucella species and their major hosts are B. abortus (cattle), B. melitensis (goats), B. suis (swine) and B. ovis (sheep). Equine brucellosis is caused by B. abortus and most commonly manifests as fistulous withers in horses, which can be a source of exposure to humans. Clinically, brucellosis may also be associated with poll evil, nonspecific lameness due to joint infection or, rarely, late abortions in mares. Infected horses may not show signs of the disease for as long as 2 years post-exposure. The present communication deals with the diagnosis of brucellosis in horses by serological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).