Brucella

views updated May 17 2018

Brucella A genus of bacteria not assigned to a taxonomic family. The cells are ovoid or shortly rod-shaped, and are Gram-negative. They are chemo-organotrophic, and can grow only in the presence of air. There are several species, found as parasites and pathogens in a range of mammalian hosts. B. abortus can cause abortion in cattle and can also infect humans.

Brucella

views updated May 17 2018

Brucella (broo-sel-ă) n. a genus of Gram-negative aerobic spherical or rodlike parasitic bacteria responsible for brucellosis (undulant fever) in humans and contagious abortion in cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The principal species are B. abortus and B. melitensis.