Canine brucellosis: a review

Canine Brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease of worldwide distribution, caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. The main agent involved in maintaining the disease is Brucella canis, but there are reports of infection by Brucella abortus, Brucella suis and Brucella melitensis. Most dogs become infected orally by ingestion of contaminated products such as placenta, aborted fetuses and vaginal discharges. The bacterium is able to penetrate all mucous membranes, including genital, oronasal and conjunctival, and skin lesions. Infertility, epididymitis, prostatitis, orchitis, abortions, endometritis and placentitis are important clinical manifestations, although some dogs remain asymptomatic despite the active infection. There is a zoonotic risk for people, especially those that handle breeding dogs in kennels or are exposed to infected animals. The diagnosis is made primarily by serological methods, although the cultivation of bacteria and clinical evaluation of the patient are of great value. Given the wide distribution of canine brucellosis in Brazil and worldwide, as well as its importance in the field of public health, this review aimed to increase knowledge about this important disease, addressing epidemiological, clinical and diagnostical aspects, beyond strategies for prevention and control.