Extract

(See the major article by Salcedo et al on pages 1075–83.)

Many infectious agents cause abortion in humans and in animals. In this issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, an article by Salcedo et al [1] describes the behavior of Brucella strains in human trophoblasts and presents data that change the current paradigm regarding Brucella virulence. Brucellosis is a serious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. The disease affects all species of farm animals, although it is most important when it affects ruminants. Brucellosis has a worldwide impact in terms of its epidemiology, human health risks, and effects on trade. In most natural animal hosts the predominant symptom is abortion, with consequent loss of offspring and milk yield. In males, orchitis and epididymitis occur with a resulting loss in fertility. Three species, B. melitensis, B. abortus, and B. suis, can be readily transmitted to man, either following professional contact with infected animals or following the ingestion of contaminated dairy products. Despite much effort worldwide, no vaccine is available for human prophylaxis, but infections can be treated with a combination of antibiotics.

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