Identification and Differentiation of Brucella abortus Field and Vaccine Strains by BaSS-PCR

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease affecting livestock worldwide. Historically, at least seven species of pathogenic Brucella have been described, based primarily on host preference. Genetically, it appears that there is only a single species with host-adapted strains (1 ). Brucella abortus typically infects cattle and causes abortion. It is easily spread within a herd and can cause significant economic loss. It is also zoonotic, causing a range of chronic symptoms in humans. Many countries have developed a brucellosis eradication program and have significantly reduced or eliminated the disease, thanks in part to the use of two live-vaccines administered in early calfhood, B. abortus strain 19 and strain RB51. These are the most commonly used vaccines for cattle.