Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Brucella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that are pathogenic and cause brucellosis in various animals and humans. These bacteria are primarily intracellular and affect the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Brucella species are known to infect livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep, often transmitted to humans through direct contact or consumption of contaminated animal products.
The bacteria are classified under the Proteobacteria phylum and are non-motile, non-sporulating coccobacilli.
Brucellosis in humans manifests with flu-like symptoms including fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain.
Diagnosis of brucellosis can be confirmed via blood cultures or serological tests detecting antibodies against Brucella spp.
The treatment for brucellosis typically involves prolonged antibiotic therapy using a combination of drugs such as doxycycline and rifampin.