Meningitis associated with Brucella abortus in an aborted bovine foetus

Abstract

In this study, the brain and other organs from an aborted bovine foetus were examined histopathologically and microbiologically. In addition, a serum sample from the aborting cow was examined serologically. A granulomatous inflammation, characterised by the infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells with some neutrophils and macrophages was observed in the meninges of the brain, liver and kidney. Brucella abortus biovar 1 was isolated in pure culture from the brain and other organs. The serum sample was positive for brucellosis. These findings indicate that Brucella abortus is a pathogen capable of inducing meningitis in bovine foetuses.