Pathological changes, distribution and detection of in foetuses of experimentally-infected does.

BACKGROUND

Brucellosis of goats is caused by It is a re-emerging zoonotic disease in many countries due to transmission from domestic animals and wildlife such as ibex, deer and wild buffaloes.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the pathological changes, identification and distribution of in foetuses of experimentally infected does.

METHODS

Twelve female goats of approximately 90 days pregnant were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was exposed intra-conjunctival to 100 µL of sterile PBS while goats of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were similarly exposed to 100 µL of an inoculum containing 10 CFU/mL of live Goats of these groups were killed at 15, 30 and 60 days post-inoculation, respectively. Foetal fluid and tissues were collected for bacterial identification (using direct bacterial culture, PCR and immuno-peroxidase staining) and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Bilateral intra-conjunctival exposure of pregnant does resulted in infection of the foetuses. All full-term foetuses of group 4 were either aborted or stillborn, showing petechiations of the skin or absence of hair coat with subcutaneous oedema. The internal organs showed most severe lesions. Immune-peroxidase staining revealed antigen distribution in all organs that became most extensive in group 4. was successfully isolated from the stomach content, foetal fluid and various other organs.

CONCLUSION

Vertical transmission of caprine brucellosis was evident causing mild to moderate lesions in different organs. The samples of choice for isolation and identification of are stomach content as well as liver and spleen tissue.