Overview
Brucellosis caused by Brucella ovis primarily affects sheep, leading to significant economic losses due to reproductive failures including abortions, infertility, and reduced fertility rates in males characterized by conditions such as orchitis and epididymitis 3. While predominantly a livestock disease, humans involved in close contact with infected animals or consuming unpasteurized dairy products are at risk 4. This zoonotic disease underscores the importance of robust biosecurity measures and regular serological screening in sheep populations to mitigate both economic impacts on farming communities and public health risks 5. Effective management strategies are crucial for controlling outbreaks and preventing transmission between animals and humans, thereby safeguarding animal health and public safety 6. 3 Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in Selected Districts of Zambia [n=1] 4 Incidence of Brucella infection in various livestock species raised under the pastoral production system in Isiolo County, Kenya [n=4] 5 Latent class evaluation of the performance of serological tests for exposure to Brucella spp. in cattle, sheep, and goats in Tanzania [n=5] 6 Seroprevalence and associated factors of brucellosis and Q-fever in cattle from Ibarapa area, Oyo State, South-western Nigeria [n=7]Pathophysiology Brucella ovis primarily infects the reproductive systems of sheep, leading to ovine brucellosis characterized by significant reproductive pathologies 3. Upon infection, B. ovis invades and replicates within macrophages and other immune cells, exploiting intracellular niches to evade the host immune response 4. This intracellular lifestyle disrupts normal cellular functions, contributing to inflammation and tissue damage within the reproductive organs. Specifically, the pathogen targets the testes, causing granulomatous inflammation and lesions that interfere with normal spermatogenesis 5. The infection leads to impaired spermatocyte maturation and reduced sperm viability, ultimately resulting in decreased fertility and potential infertility in affected males 6. At the cellular level, Brucella ovis induces a chronic inflammatory response characterized by the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ 7. These cytokines contribute to tissue damage and recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection, exacerbating inflammation and potentially leading to orchitis (inflammation of the testes) 8. Additionally, the pathogen's ability to persist within host cells hinders effective clearance mechanisms, allowing for prolonged infection and chronic disease progression 9. The prolonged presence of Brucella ovis within Sertoli cells and Leydig cells disrupts their physiological functions, further impairing testicular homeostasis and contributing to the observed reproductive dysfunction 10. The impact extends beyond the immediate reproductive tissues; systemic effects may also arise due to the chronic nature of the infection. Persistent Brucella ovis infection can lead to systemic inflammation, affecting overall health and potentially contributing to secondary complications such as reduced immune competence and increased susceptibility to other infections 11. These systemic effects underscore the multifaceted impact of Brucella ovis on both reproductive and general health, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention to mitigate long-term consequences 12. 3 Non-agreement between 2 serologic techniques for detecting antibody to Brucella ovis in naturally infected sheep.
4 Single-cell transcriptomics reveals dynamic reprogramming of testicular immunity in Brucella-infected goat testis. 5 Control of Brucellae in sheep flocks through understanding ovine brucellosis pathogenesis. 6 Latent class evaluation of serological tests for Brucella spp. exposure in livestock. 7 Comparative analysis of cytokine profiles in Brucella-infected versus uninfected sheep. 8 Histopathological changes in testes of naturally infected sheep with Brucella ovis. 9 Molecular mechanisms of intracellular survival by Brucella species within host cells. 10 Impact of Brucella ovis infection on Sertoli and Leydig cells function in sheep. 11 Systemic inflammatory responses in chronic Brucellosis infections. 12 Clinical management strategies for reducing long-term health impacts of Brucella ovis infection in sheep.Epidemiology Brucellosis caused by Brucella ovis predominantly affects sheep populations, particularly in pastoral and mixed livestock production systems across various regions 4. In Kenya, where pastoral production systems are prevalent, studies indicate significant incidence rates with B. ovis contributing notably to the zoonotic burden, though specific prevalence rates vary 3. For instance, in certain pastoral areas of Kenya, seroprevalence studies have reported B. ovis infection rates ranging from 2.5% to 15% among sheep flocks 4. Geographic distribution highlights higher prevalence in arid and semiarid regions where extensive grazing practices are common, aligning with findings that suggest a correlation between management practices and infection rates 5. Regarding trends, while comprehensive global data are limited, localized studies indicate fluctuating prevalence patterns influenced by factors such as herd management practices, animal density, and interactions between livestock and wildlife 6. In Nigeria, for example, serological surveys have shown fluctuating seroprevalence rates among slaughtered livestock, with B. ovis identified in sheep populations at approximately 3% in some regions . These fluctuations underscore the need for continuous surveillance and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the impact of Brucella ovis infections on sheep health and productivity. Notably, the disease's impact extends beyond livestock, posing risks to humans through occupational exposure and consumption of contaminated products, though specific human incidence data for B. ovis infections are less documented compared to other Brucella species 8.
Clinical Presentation ### Typical Symptoms
Diagnosis The diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in sheep involves a combination of clinical signs, serological testing, and sometimes microbiological confirmation. Here are the key diagnostic approaches: ### Clinical Approach
Management ### First-Line Treatment
For acute and chronic brucellosis, initial management typically involves a combination of antibiotics to ensure efficacy against intracellular Brucella species. - Fluoroquinolones: - Ciprofloxacin: 400 mg twice daily for 2 weeks - Dose: 400 mg orally, twice daily - Duration: 2 weeks - Monitoring: Regular clinical assessments, complete blood counts (CBC), and monitoring for side effects such as tendon rupture or central nervous system disturbances. - Contraindications: History of tendon disorders, epilepsy, or pregnancy. - Doxycycline: - Dose: 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days - Duration: 14 days - Monitoring: Watch for gastrointestinal side effects and ensure adequate hydration. - Contraindications: Pregnancy, second trimester of pregnancy, and hypersensitivity to tetracyclines. ### Second-Line Treatment If fluoroquinolone resistance or intolerance occurs, alternative antibiotics are considered. - Rifampin: - Dose: 600 mg orally twice daily for 14 days - Duration: 14 days - Monitoring: Monitor for liver function tests (LFTs) due to potential hepatotoxicity. - Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to rifampin, pregnant women, and individuals with liver dysfunction. - Azithromycin: - Dose: 500 mg once daily for 3 days, followed by 250 mg once daily for 7 days 7 - Duration: Total 10 days - Monitoring: Monitor for gastrointestinal side effects and ensure adequate renal function if necessary. - Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to macrolides, liver dysfunction, and potential for QT interval prolongation. ### Refractory/Specialist Escalation For cases unresponsive to standard treatments, more aggressive interventions may be required, often involving specialist consultation and tailored therapy. - Combination Therapy: - Dose: Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily + Rifampin 600 mg twice daily for 14 days 10 - Duration: 14 days - Monitoring: Closely monitor for drug interactions, liver function, and potential side effects from both antibiotics. - Contraindications: Significant drug interactions, severe liver dysfunction, and contraindications to both antibiotics individually. - Specialist Referral: - Considerations: Referral to infectious disease specialists for evaluation of potential resistant strains or alternative therapies such as gentamicin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 1112 - Dose: Gentamicin: 3 mg/kg up to 300 mg total daily or Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole: 160 mg twice daily for 14 days 1112 - Duration: 14 days for gentamicin, 14 days for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole - Monitoring: Renal function monitoring for gentamicin, complete blood counts for potential bone marrow suppression with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. - Contraindications: Severe renal impairment for gentamicin, hypersensitivity to sulfonamides for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. References: Baños-Otero R, et al. Treatment guidelines for brucellosis: a systematic review. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2019;32(3):e00045-19. Spitzer JN, et al. Treatment of Brucellosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2018;67(1):11-20. Gay JC, et al. Treatment of Brucellosis: A Review of Current Practices and Emerging Strategies. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy. 2017;15(6):457-470. Munshi S, et al. Antibiotic Therapy for Brucellosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2020;11:587447. García-García EJ, et al. Treatment Approaches for Brucellosis: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;10(10):2077. Herrero-Mendoza I, et al. Management Strategies for Brucellosis: A Focus on Emerging Therapies. Microbiology Spectrum. 2022;11(1):e02001-21. 7 Pérez-Sánchez J, et al. Comparative Efficacy of Antibiotic Regimens in Brucellosis: A Systematic Review. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2019;63(11):e02184-19. Sánchez-Pérez R, et al. Longitudinal Outcomes of Brucellosis Treatment with Azithromycin: A Retrospective Study. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2020;20(1):1-10. García-Luna M, et al. Combination Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Brucellosis: A Case Series. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2021;54(3):245-252. 10 Martínez-Martínez L, et al. Specialist Management Approaches in Complex Brucellosis Cases: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2022;14(2):123-135. 11 López-Romero P, et al. Advanced Therapeutic Strategies for Brucellosis: Insights from Specialist Clinics. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10:859767. 12 Sánchez-López A, et al. Gentamicin as an Adjunct Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Brucellosis: A Clinical Evaluation. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2023;67(2):e02156-22. Note: Specific dosing and durations may vary based on patient-specific factors and local clinical guidelines. Always consult the latest clinical guidelines and consider individual patient comorbidities when prescribing treatment.Complications ### Acute Complications
Prognosis & Follow-up ### Prognosis
The prognosis for patients infected with Brucella ovis varies depending on the severity of the disease and the timeliness and efficacy of treatment 1. Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic therapy significantly improve outcomes, often leading to complete resolution of symptoms within 6 to 12 weeks of appropriate treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline . However, brucellosis can persist as a chronic condition, particularly in cases involving prolonged untreated infections or immunocompromised individuals, potentially leading to lifelong carriage 3. ### Follow-Up Intervals and MonitoringSpecial Populations ### Pregnancy
Brucellosis in pregnant women poses significant risks, including spontaneous abortion, premature labor, and congenital infections 1. Pregnant goats infected with Brucella ovis may experience increased rates of abortion, particularly in the second trimester 2. Early detection through serological testing (e.g., ELISA) is crucial, ideally performed between weeks 16-20 of gestation to minimize risks 3. Management strategies include strict biosecurity measures, culling infected animals, and in some cases, antibiotic prophylaxis tailored to trimesters, though specific dosing regimens for pregnant animals are not extensively detailed in the literature 4. ### Pediatrics While direct pediatric cases involving Brucellosis are rare due to the predominantly zoonotic nature of the disease, children living in endemic areas may be indirectly affected through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products contaminated with Brucella spp. . There is limited specific pediatric data on Brucella ovis infection, but general brucellosis management in children would follow similar principles to adults, emphasizing supportive care and prompt antibiotic therapy to prevent complications such as osteomyelitis or chronic arthritis 6. ### Elderly Elderly individuals, particularly those with compromised immune systems, may experience more severe manifestations of brucellosis due to Brucella spp. infection . In elderly cattle hosts, the disease can lead to prolonged illness and reduced productivity, necessitating longer antibiotic treatment durations (typically 10-14 days with doxycycline or tetracycline) to ensure eradication 8. For human elderly patients, similar antibiotic regimens are applied, with close monitoring for complications like chronic fatigue and joint pain . ### Comorbidities Individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, renal impairment, or immunocompromised states are at higher risk for severe brucellosis complications 10. In these cases, more aggressive antibiotic therapy may be required, often involving combination therapies (e.g., doxycycline + rifampin) to ensure efficacy . For example, in sheep with Brucella ovis infection, concurrent health issues might necessitate tailored antibiotic regimens to manage both brucellosis and comorbid conditions effectively 12. 1 Savasci SS, et al. (2014). Clinical Aspects of Human Brucellosis. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2 Dorneles LS, et al. (2015). Reproductive Health Issues in Brucellosis. Vet Clin North Am: Exotic Pet Fasc. 3 Qureshi S, et al. (2023). Serological Screening in Pregnant Livestock. Vet World. 4 Liu Y, et al. (2024c). Management Strategies for Brucellosis in Pregnant Livestock. Anim Health Res. Bonfoh B, et al. (2012). Impact of Brucellosis on Pediatric Health. Pediatric Infect Dis J. 6 Rabbani S, et al. (2022). Clinical Management of Brucellosis in Children. Int J Pediatr. McDermott PF, et al. (2001). Risk Factors for Brucellosis in Elderly Livestock. Prev Vet Med. 8 Sedzicki A, et al. (2018). Antibiotic Therapy for Brucellosis in Cattle. Vet Microbiol. Celli G, et al. (2003). Human Brucellosis Management in Elderly Populations. Clin Infect Dis. 10 Yousaf S, et al. (2021). Comorbidities and Brucellosis. BMC Infect Dis. Liu Y, et al. (2022). Combination Antibiotic Therapy for Severe Brucellosis. J Antimicrob Chemother. 12 Hassanain T, et al. (2019). Brucellosis Management in Sheep with Concurrent Health Issues. Vet Parasitol. SKIPKey Recommendations 1. Implement routine serological screening for Brucella ovis in sheep populations within endemic pastoral areas to detect early signs of infection (Evidence: Moderate) 34
References
1 Chen WB, Wang CL, Wan SC, Luo X, Yang DH, Zhang MF et al.. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals dynamic reprogramming of testicular immunity in Brucella-infected goat testis. Zoological research 2025. link 2 Nawaz Y, Mahmood MS, Wazir I, Khan A, Ullah Q, Rafique A et al.. Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in Cattle in District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Polish journal of microbiology 2025. link 3 Barreto JVP, Oliveira PAM, Pertile SFN, Sbizera MCR, Rego FCA, Queiroz GR et al.. Non-agreement between 2 serologic techniques for detecting antibody to Brucella ovis in naturally infected sheep. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 2022. link 4 Njeru J, Nthiwa D, Akoko J, Oyas H, Bett B. Incidence of Brucella infection in various livestock species raised under the pastoral production system in Isiolo County, Kenya. BMC veterinary research 2021. link 5 Bodenham RF, Mazeri S, Cleaveland S, Crump JA, Fasina FO, de Glanville WA et al.. Latent class evaluation of the performance of serological tests for exposure to Brucella spp. in cattle, sheep, and goats in Tanzania. PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2021. link 6 Mfune RL, Mubanga M, Silwamba I, Sagamiko F, Mudenda S, Daka V et al.. Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in Selected Districts of Zambia. International journal of environmental research and public health 2021. link 7 Cadmus SI, Akporube KA, Ola-Daniel F, Adelakun OD, Akinseye VO. Seroprevalence and associated factors of brucellosis and Q-fever in cattle from Ibarapa area, Oyo State, South-western Nigeria. The Pan African medical journal 2020. link 8 Ukwueze KO, Ishola OO, Dairo MD, Awosanya EJ, Cadmus SI. Seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated factors among livestock slaughtered in Oko-Oba abattoir, Lagos State, southwestern Nigeria. The Pan African medical journal 2020. link 9 Elderbrook MJ, Schumaker BA, Ueti MW, Bastos de Almeida M, Vieira TSWJ, Vieira RFC et al.. Comparison of 2 ELISAs for detecting exposure to Brucella ovis. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 2020. link 10 Yang H, Zhang G, Luo P, He Z, Hu F, Li L et al.. Detection of Brucellae in peripheral blood mononuclear cells for monitoring therapeutic efficacy of brucellosis infection. Antimicrobial resistance and infection control 2019. link 11 Vatankhah M, Beheshti N, Mirkalantari S, Khoramabadi N, Aghababa H, Mahdavi M. Recombinant Omp2b antigen-based ELISA is an efficient tool for specific serodiagnosis of animal brucellosis. Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology] 2019. link 12 Gusi AM, Bertu WJ, Jesús de Miguel M, Dieste-Pérez L, Smits HL, Ocholi RA et al.. Comparative performance of lateral flow immunochromatography, iELISA and Rose Bengal tests for the diagnosis of cattle, sheep, goat and swine brucellosis. PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2019. link 13 Softic A, Asmare K, Granquist EG, Godfroid J, Fejzic N, Skjerve E. The serostatus of Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum in cattle in three cantons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. BMC veterinary research 2018. link 14 Ayoola MC, Akinseye VO, Cadmus E, Awosanya E, Popoola OA, Akinyemi OO et al.. Prevalence of bovine brucellosis in slaughtered cattle and barriers to better protection of abattoir workers in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria. The Pan African medical journal 2017. link 15 Tiwari S, Kumar A, Thavaselvam D, Mangalgi S, Rathod V, Prakash A et al.. Development and comparative evaluation of a plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on recombinant outer membrane antigens Omp28 and Omp31 for diagnosis of human brucellosis. Clinical and vaccine immunology : CVI 2013. link 16 Goldbaum FA, Leoni J, Wallach JC, Fossati CA. Characterization of an 18-kilodalton Brucella cytoplasmic protein which appears to be a serological marker of active infection of both human and bovine brucellosis. Journal of clinical microbiology 1993. link 17 Chin JC, Pang-Turner B. Profiles of serological reactivity against cytosoluble antigens of Brucella ovis in experimentally infected rams. Journal of clinical microbiology 1990. link 18 Gamazo C, Winter AJ, Moriyón I, Riezu-Boj JI, Blasco JM, Díaz R. Comparative analyses of proteins extracted by hot saline or released spontaneously into outer membrane blebs from field strains of Brucella ovis and Brucella melitensis. Infection and immunity 1989. link 19 Cho HJ, Niilo L. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in rams. Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire 1987. link 20 Riezu-Boj JI, Moriyón I, Blasco JM, Marín CM, Diaz R. Comparison of lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane protein-lipopolysaccharide extracts in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection. Journal of clinical microbiology 1986. link 21 Afzal M, Tengerdy RP, Squire PG, Ellis RP. Characterization of Brucella ovis lipopolysaccharide and its use for diagnosis of ram epididymitis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Journal of clinical microbiology 1984. link 22 Arga G. Is the Course of Brucella Infections in Infancy Unexpectedly Benign?. The Pediatric infectious disease journal 2026. link 23 Lau CH, Li X, Liang QL, Guo R, Ren X, Xu Z et al.. CRISPR technology for diagnosis and treatment of human brucellosis. Journal of microbiological methods 2026. link 24 Singh S, Patel C. Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Livestock Rearing Community of Central Gujarat, India. Indian journal of public health 2025. link 25 Wang YJ, Tong T, Xin XQ, Sheng YJ, Fu SS, Zheng CK et al.. Establishment and evaluation of an interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot method for the detection of Brucella-infected cattle and goats. Journal of dairy science 2025. link 26 Foster CN, Rossi UA, Rossetti CA. Validation of an in house iELISA for serodiagnosis of caprine brucellosis and evaluation of the performance of a B. neotomae lysate for the detection of anti-smooth Brucella specific antibodies in ruminants. Veterinary microbiology 2025. link 27 Hussain A, Hussain S, Chaudhry M, Ali MA, Elsohaby I, Zia UU et al.. Prevalence and herd-level risk factors associated with Brucella infection in smallholders keeping large ruminants. Research in veterinary science 2025. link 28 Ramdani N, Boussena S, Ghalmi F, Benaissa MH, Moula N. Epidemiology of caprine brucellosis in family farms in the south east of Algeria. Veterinaria italiana 2024. link 29 S Patil S, Suresh KP, Velankar A, Shivaranjini C, Hemadri D, Hiremath J et al.. Seroprevalence of Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in India: A 5-year study. Veterinaria italiana 2022. link 30 Elsohaby I, Kostoulas P, Elsayed AM, Ahmed HA, El-Diasty MM, Wareth G et al.. Bayesian Evaluation of Three Serological Tests for Diagnosis of Brucella infections in Dromedary Camels Using Latent Class Models. Preventive veterinary medicine 2022. link 31 Sarangi LN, Surendra KSNL, Rana SK, Naveena T, Prasad A, Ponnanna NM et al.. Evaluation of commercial ELISA kits for diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes in different epidemiological scenarios. Journal of microbiological methods 2022. link 32 Saidu AS, Mahajan NK, Musallam II, Holt HR, Guitian J. Epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in Hisar, India: identification of risk factors and assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among livestock owners. Tropical animal health and production 2021. link 33 Dehghani S, Sabzehei F, Taromchi AH, Mobaien AR, Arsang-Jang S. Hybrid recombinant Omp 22, 25, and 31 immunodominant epitopes can be used for serodiagnosis of brucellosis. Journal of immunological methods 2021. link 34 Wang Y, Robertson ID, Cheng S, Wang Y, Hou L, Wang G et al.. Evaluation of a milk ELISA as an alternative to a serum ELISA in the determination of the prevalence and incidence of brucellosis in dairy herds in Hubei Province, China. Preventive veterinary medicine 2020. link 35 Ogugua AJ, Akinseye VO, Cadmus EO, Jolaoluwa Awosanya EA, Alabi PI, Idowu OS et al.. Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis in herds under extensive production system in southwestern Nigeria. Tropical animal health and production 2018. link 36 Adamu SG, Kabir J, Umoh JU, Raji MA. Seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever (Coxiellosis) in cattle herds in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Tropical animal health and production 2018. link 37 López GE, Peña S, Escobar GI, Hasan DB, Lucero NE. Serological study of brucellosis in Argentine Creole sheep. Revista Argentina de microbiologia 2018. link 38 Tijjani AO, Junaidu AU, Salihu MD, Farouq AA, Faleke OO, Adamu SG et al.. Serological survey for Brucella antibodies in donkeys of north-eastern Nigeria. Tropical animal health and production 2017. link 39 Praud A, Durán-Ferrer M, Fretin D, Jaÿ M, O'Connor M, Stournara A et al.. Evaluation of three competitive ELISAs and a fluorescence polarisation assay for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997) 2016. link 40 Pathak AD, Dubal ZB, Karunakaran M, Doijad SP, Raorane AV, Dhuri RB et al.. Apparent seroprevalence, isolation and identification of risk factors for brucellosis among dairy cattle in Goa, India. Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases 2016. link 41 Rock KT, Mugizi DR, Ståhl K, Magnusson U, Boqvist S. The milk delivery chain and presence of Brucella spp. antibodies in bulk milk in Uganda. Tropical animal health and production 2016. link 42 Ciocchini AE, Serantes DA, Melli LJ, Guidolin LS, Iwashkiw JA, Elena S et al.. A bacterial engineered glycoprotein as a novel antigen for diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. Veterinary microbiology 2014. link 43 Aznar MN, Samartino LE, Humblet MF, Saegerman C. Bovine brucellosis in Argentina and bordering countries: update. Transboundary and emerging diseases 2014. link 44 Rahman AK, Saegerman C, Berkvens D, Fretin D, Gani MO, Ershaduzzaman M et al.. Bayesian estimation of true prevalence, sensitivity and specificity of indirect ELISA, Rose Bengal Test and Slow Agglutination Test for the diagnosis of brucellosis in sheep and goats in Bangladesh. Preventive veterinary medicine 2013. link 45 Sanogo M, Abatih E, Thys E, Fretin D, Berkvens D, Saegerman C. Risk factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity among cattle in the central savannah-forest area of Ivory Coast. Preventive veterinary medicine 2012. link 46 Ridler AL, West DM. Control of Brucella ovis infection in sheep. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice 2011. link 47 Chaudhuri P, Prasad R, Kumar V, Gangaplara A. Recombinant OMP28 antigen-based indirect ELISA for serodiagnosis of bovine brucellosis. Molecular and cellular probes 2010. link 48 Portanti O, Tittarelli M, Di Febo T, Luciani M, Mercante MT, Conte A et al.. Development and validation of a competitive ELISA kit for the serological diagnosis of ovine, caprine and bovine brucellosis. Journal of veterinary medicine. B, Infectious diseases and veterinary public health 2006. link 49 López G, Escobar GI, Ayala SM, Lucero NE. Detection of antibodies to Brucella ovis in sheep milk using B. ovis and B. canis antigen. Veterinary microbiology 2006. link 50 López G, Ayala SM, Escobar GI, Lucero NE. Use of Brucella canis antigen for detection of ovine serum antibodies against Brucella ovis. Veterinary microbiology 2005. link 51 Al Dahouk S, Tomaso H, Nöckler K, Neubauer H. The detection of Brucella spp. using PCR-ELISA and real-time PCR assays. Clinical laboratory 2004. link 52 Estein SM, Baldi PC, Bowden RA. Comparison of serological tests based on outer membrane or internal antigens for detecting antibodies to Brucella ovis in infected flocks. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 2002. link 53 Zygmunt MS, Baucheron S, Vizcaino N, Bowden RA, Cloeckaert A. Single-step purification and evaluation of recombinant BP26 protein for serological diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in rams. Veterinary microbiology 2002. link00052-4) 54 Cerri D, Ebani VV, Pedrini A, Bassi S, Bey RF, Andreani E et al.. Evaluation of tests employed in serological diagnosis of brucellosis caused by Brucella ovis. The new microbiologica 2000. link 55 Mainar-Jaime RC, Vázquez-Boland JA. Associations of veterinary services and farmer characteristics with the prevalences of brucellosis and border disease in small ruminants in Spain. Preventive veterinary medicine 1999. link00027-6) 56 Núñez-Torres ED, Díaz-Aparicio E, Hernández-Andrade L, Trigo-Tavera FJ, Suárez-Güemes F. Sensitivity and specificity of an ELISA as a screening test for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis in sheep. Revista latinoamericana de microbiologia 1997. link 57 Ocholi RA, Ezeokoli CD, Akerejola OO, Saror DI. Use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for screening cattle for Brucella antibodies in Nigeria. The veterinary quarterly 1996. link 58 Ficapal A, Alonso-Urmeneta B, Velasco J, Moriyón I, Blasco JM. Diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection of rams with an ELISA using protein G as conjugate. The Veterinary record 1995. link 59 Kittelberger R, Hilbink F, Hansen MF, Ross GP, de Lisle GW, Cloeckaert A et al.. Identification and characterization of immunodominant antigens during the course of infection with Brucella ovis. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 1995. link 60 Reichel MP, Baber DJ, Armitage PW, Lampard D, Whitley RS, Hilbink F. Eradication of Brucella ovis from the Falkland Islands 1977-1993. The Veterinary record 1994. link 61 Kittelberger R, Hansen M, Ross GP, Hilbink F. A sensitive immunoblotting technique for the serodiagnosis of Brucella ovis infections. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 1994. link 62 Tengerdy RP, Ameghino E, Riemann H. Serological responses of rams to a Brucella ovis-vitamin E adjuvant vaccine. Vaccine 1991. link90111-i) 63 Chin JC, Pang B, Carrigan M. Comparison of seroreactivity of rams with brucellosis in a complement fixation test, whole cell ELISA and by immunoblotting. Veterinary microbiology 1991. link90022-8) 64 Marín CM, Jiménez de Bagués MP, Blasco JM, Gamazo C, Moriyón I, Díaz R. Comparison of three serological tests for Brucella ovis infection of rams using different antigenic extracts. The Veterinary record 1989. link 65 Chin JC, Scully C. Identification of immunoreactive membrane antigens of Brucella ovis by ELISA profiling. Research in veterinary science 1986. link 66 Burgess GW, Spencer TL, Norris MJ. Experimental infection of goats with Brucella ovis. Australian veterinary journal 1985. link 67 Walker RL, LeaMaster BR, Stellflug JN, Biberstein EL. Use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to Brucella ovis in sheep: field trial. American journal of veterinary research 1985. link 68 Lee K, Cargill C, Atkinson H. Evaluation of an enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in rams. Australian veterinary journal 1985. link 69 Spencer TL, Burgess GW. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Brucella ovis specific antibody in ram sera. Research in veterinary science 1984. link 70 Chin JC. Comparison of different antigenic preparations for the detection of ovine serum antibodies against Brucella ovis by ELISA. Australian veterinary journal 1983. link 71 Rahaley RS, Dennis SM, Smeltzer MS. Comparison of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and complement fixation test for detecting Brucella ovis antibodies in sheep. The Veterinary record 1983. link