The Open Veterinary Science Journal

2010, 4 : 109-118
Published online 2010 November . DOI: 10.2174/1874318801004010109
Publisher ID: TOVSJ-4-109

Pathogenesis of Brucella spp.

Mariana N. Xavier , Tatiane A. Paixao , Andreas B. den Hartigh , Renee M. Tsolis and Renato L. Santos
Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinaria, Escola de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627. 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

ABSTRACT

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide, resulting in serious economic losses and public health issues. It is caused by intracellular Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Brucella, which are responsible for a debilitating disease in humans and a chronic infection in domestic animals. The present article considers the pathogenesis of Brucella spp., with the goal to cover clinical aspects of the disease in the different mammalian species along with the target cells used by this pathogen to survive inside the host. Additionally, important molecular mechanisms used by Brucella to invade and persist inside the hosts target cells are also discussed.