Epidemiological baseline of Brucella spp. in South African wildlife.

ABSTRACT: Brucellosis is a globally significant zoonotic disease, yet its ecology in wildlife remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the circulation of Brucella spp. in a wide range of wild mammals from multiple protected areas in South Africa. Organ and serum samples from 722 animals representing 23 species were analyzed employing a conservative diagnostic strategy, combining serology (rose bengal test confirmed by indirect ELISA) and four PCR-based assays in series, to maximize specificity and interpretative solidity. Molecular detection revealed Brucella spp. DNA in several atypical host species, including plains zebra, hippopotamus, African elephant, giraffe, warthog, cheetah, and African wild dog, expanding the known host range. In Greater Kruger National Park, African buffal

SUBMITTER: Cossu CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716795 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature