Meningitis associated with Brucella abortus in an aborted bovine foetus

In this study, the brain and other organs from an aborted bovine foetus were examined histopathologically and microbiologically. In addition, a serum sample from the aborting cow was examined serologically. A granulomatous inflammation, characterised by the infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells with some neutrophils and macrophages was observed in the meninges of the brain, liver and kidney. Brucella abortus biovar 1 was isolated in pure culture from the brain and other organs. The serum sample was positive for brucellosis. These findings indicate that Brucella abortus is a pathogen capable of inducing meningitis in bovine foetuses.