Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brucella infection causing testicular swelling in male dogs
By Rouby, Sherin R et al.·Published in Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases·2025·Department of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A common source outbreak of Brucella melitensis infection in male dogs: Serological and molecular investigation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of male dogs at a shelter showed symptoms of brucellosis, including swollen testicles and inflammation of the reproductive organs. Tests confirmed that over half of the dogs had been infected with Brucella melitensis, a bacteria often linked to raw meat diets. The infection was identified through blood tests and advanced molecular techniques. The investigation suggested that the dogs likely contracted the infection from eating raw meat. Treatment options for brucellosis in dogs typically include antibiotics, but it's important to consult a veterinarian for the best course of action.
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Abstract
The present study aims to describe an outbreak of canine brucellosis in a dog shelter on serological and molecular bases. The infected dogs exhibited testicular enlargement, epididymitis, prostatitis, and orchitis. All dogs were serotested for brucellosis using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and buffered acidified antigen plate test (BAAPT). Serum samples and whole blood of serologically positive dogs were subjected to conventional, species-specific real-time, and multiplex PCRs to identify the circulating Brucellae on genus, species, and biovar levels, respectively. Positive results from serological tests confirm the presence of smooth brucellae. The overall seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies was 56.7 % as detected by RBPT and BAAPT. Molecular identification using primer sequences targeting the Immunodominant antigen, gene bp26 confirmed Brucella on the genus level. Results of species-specific real-time PCRs confirm the presence of B. melitensis DNA in blood sera of dogs. Multiplex PCR has amplified three fragments of 587 bp, 1071 bp, and 1682 bp characteristic for B. melitensis biovar 3. Trace investigation revealed that the dog's raw meat diet was the most likely source of infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41046627/