Brucella melitensis

Brucella melitensis

Brucella melitensis is the most pathogenic Brucella species for humans and the principal cause of caprine and ovine brucellosis, a notifiable zoonotic disease with major public health and trade implications. It primarily affects goats and sheep, leading to reproductive failure and herd-level economic losses.

Transmission occurs through:

• Direct contact with aborted materials, placenta, or uterine fluids
• Milk and vaginal secretions
• Aerosol or mucosal exposure, with zoonotic risk to handlers and veterinarians

Clinical signs in animals include:

• Late-term abortion, stillbirth, or weak kids/lambs
• Retained placenta and metritis
• Orchitis or epididymitis in males
• Subclinical infections in chronically infected herds

qPCR testing provides:

• Sensitive and specific detection of B. melitensis DNA in milk, vaginal swabs, aborted fetal tissues, or lymph nodes
• Faster results than culture or serology, ideal for acute outbreaks or export certification
• Useful where vaccination or cross-reactivity may confound serological testing

qPCR is essential for:

• Rapid outbreak containment and contact tracing
• Eradication programs and movement control
• Supporting One Health initiatives by reducing zoonotic transmission risk