Ovine visceral organs as reservoir candidate for Brucella abortus in Iran

Background: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease in Iran. There are several reservoirs for this disease in nature. There is little information in this regard in Iran. Aims: The present study investigated the prevalence and diversity of Brucella species in ovine reticuloendothelial organs including liver, spleen, intestine (mesenteric lymph nodes), and lung. This help to address the ability of the reservoir species in disease transmission to other animals through these organs. Methods: A total of 200 ovine visceral organs including 44 intestines, 51 lungs, 52 spleens, and 52 livers were collected. The presence of different Brucella species was studied using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results demonstrated the prevalence of Brucella species in 56 (28.4%) samples. In addition, liver and intestine were the most and the least infected organs, respectively. In general, 48 out of 56 positive samples were infected with Brucella abortus, while 10 samples were infected with Brucella melitensis. Conclusion: Eventually, the results approved the possible presence of B. abortus among domestic animals, especially sheep and cattle, and highlighted the role of sheep as reservoir hosts for its potential transfer to cattle.