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Brucellosis in India — a review

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Abstract

Brucellosis is an important re-emerging zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. It is still an uncontrolled serious public health problem in many developing countries including India. Brucellosis in India is yet a very common but often neglected disease. Currently, Brucella melitensis accounts for most recorded cases globally with cattle emerging as a important reservoir with the few cases of B. suis. Isolated cases of non-terrestrial brucellosis and continuing transmission from wild animals have raised important epidemiological issues. Routine serological surveillance along with high clinical suspicion and screening of family members of index cases would be essential in delineating the real magnitude of human brucellosis in endemic countries. Increased business and leisure travel to endemic countries have led to diagnostic challenge in non-endemic areas. Laboratory testing is indispensable for diagnosis. Advances in newer rapid, sensitive, and specific testing methodologies and alternate treatment strategies are urgently needed. A safe and effective vaccine in human is not yet available. Prevention is dependent upon increasing public awareness through health education programmes and safe livestock practices. Active co-operation between health and veterinary services should be promoted. This review collates world literature and its impact to the discovery, isolation and diagnosis and epidemiology along with the control measures adapted in the Indian scenario.

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Abbreviations

ELISA:

enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

LPS:

lipopolysaccharide

2ME:

2 mercaptoethanol

PCR:

polymerase chain reaction

PUO:

pyrexia of unknown origin

RBPT:

rose Bengal plate agglutination test

SAT:

Standard tube agglutination test

S-LPS:

smooth-lipopolysaccharide

TMP/SMX:

trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, District Hospital Campus, Belgaum, 590 001, India

    Basappa G. Mantur & Satish K. Amarnath

  2. Manipal Cure and Care, Manipal Towers, 14 Airport Road, Bangalore, 560 008, India

    Satish K. Amarnath

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  1. Basappa G. Mantur
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  2. Satish K. Amarnath
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Correspondence to Basappa G. Mantur.

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Mantur, B.G., Amarnath, S.K. Brucellosis in India — a review. J Biosci 33, 539–547 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12038-008-0072-1

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