ABSTRACT
Human infection with bacteria in the genus Brucella, brucellosis, remains one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide with approximately 500,000 new cases annually. Although the bacteria causing “Malta fever” was originally reported in human spleen by Bruce in 1887, 1 it was only until 1918 when the link between human disease and infection in animal reservoirs was established. 2 The highest prevalence of human disease is currently found in areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, with significant public health costs. While transmission to humans can occur through direct contact with abortions or birth materials from infected animals, indirect contact through consumption of nonpasteurized dairy products is the most common route for human infection.
