Brucellaceae
A family of bacteria that includes the genus Brucella''
Overview[edit | edit source]
The Brucellaceae is a family of Gram-negative bacteria within the order Rhizobiales. This family is notable for including the genus Brucella, which contains several species that are pathogenic to humans and animals. Members of the Brucellaceae family are small, non-motile, and facultatively intracellular pathogens.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Brucellaceae are characterized by their small, coccobacillary shape and their ability to survive and replicate within host cells. They are aerobic and do not form spores. The bacteria are known for their slow growth and require complex media for cultivation in laboratory settings.
Pathogenicity[edit | edit source]
The genus Brucella is the most well-known member of the Brucellaceae family due to its role in causing brucellosis, a zoonotic infection that affects various animal species and can be transmitted to humans. Brucellosis is characterized by fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. In animals, it can cause reproductive issues such as abortion and infertility.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
Brucellaceae bacteria are typically transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated animal products, such as unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat. Occupational exposure is also a risk for individuals working in veterinary, laboratory, or agricultural settings.
Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures for brucellosis include vaccination of livestock, pasteurization of dairy products, and the implementation of biosecurity measures in animal husbandry. In humans, avoiding consumption of raw dairy products and using protective equipment when handling animals can reduce the risk of infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of brucellosis involves serological tests, culture, and molecular methods to detect the presence of Brucella species. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as doxycycline and rifampin, over an extended period to prevent relapse.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD