August 30, 2016 SPADA Meeting Book

Background

• Brucellosis, aka Malta Fever, undulant fever, Bang’s  Disease, fistulous withers (in horses) Th l t i i t ll l b t i l • e causa agen s an n race u ar ac er a  pathogen, first isolated after cases of the disease in  garrison troops on the island of Malta who drank  infected goat’s milk (Sir David Bruce,  “Micrococcus  melitensis”) • Pasteurization of dairy products and culling of  infected animals have reduced the prevalence of the  disease in many domesticated species, but wildlife  reservoirs remain throughout the world including US Background • B. suis anecdotally first pathogen developed as a  biological weapon by former US offensive program  (W. Patrick, III, personal communication) • Infectious dose of 10‐100 organisms validated in  historic “8‐ball” chamber at Ft. Detrick with human  subjects • Aerosol transmission (first noted in swine abattoirs),  but also via fomites and sexual route documented in  animals and humans • Serious acute and chronic symptoms of brucellosis  often complicate correct diagnosis