| Description | Brucella canis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in mesophilic conditions (optimal growth at 37°C). As a chemoheterotroph, it relies on organic compounds for energy and carbon, primarily derived from its host. This microbe primarily colonizes the reproductive tissues of dogs, leading to significant health issues, such as canine brucellosis, but it can also be found in the lymphatic system, blood, and various organs. Being classified as a microaerophile, Brucella canis requires oxygen levels lower than that found in the atmosphere for optimal growth. This characteristic allows the bacterium to inhabit oxygen-poor environments within its hosts. Its Gram-negative cell wall, which possesses an outer membrane rich in lipopolysaccharides, contributes to its virulence and evasion of the host immune system. Brucella canis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, often during breeding, or through contaminated environments. The organism can cause reproductive failures in dogs, such as infertility, stillbirths, and abortions. In humans, while transmission is rare, it can lead to a febrile illness known as undulant fever, as well as other systemic symptoms.In terms of its ecological niche, Brucella canis is notable for its ability to survive and persist in various environments, which has raised concerns regarding its potential as a zoonotic agent. The complexity of its life cycle and its interactions with the host immune response have become subjects of research, aiming to develop effective vaccines and treatments to combat this enduring and impactful pathogen. |
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