Brucellosis in mammals of Costa Rica: An epidemiological survey.
Authors: Hernández-Mora Gabriela, Bonilla-Montoya Roberto, Barrantes-Granados Osvaldo, Esquivel-Suárez Andrea, Montero-Caballero Danilo, González-Barrientos Rocío, Fallas-Monge Zeanne, Palacios-Alfaro José David, Baldi Mario, Campos Elena, Chanto Grettel, Barquero-Calvo Elías, Chacón-Díaz Carlos, Chaves-Olarte Esteban, Guzmán Verri Caterina, Romero-Zúñiga Juan-José, Moreno Edgardo
Journal: PloS one
Summary
Brucellosis has remained endemic in Costa Rican cattle and humans for over a century, yet its presence in other mammalian species—including equines, small ruminants, and marine mammals—had never been systematically investigated until this 17-year epidemiological survey (1999–2016). Researchers tested serum samples from sheep, goats, pigs, horses, water buffalo, and cetaceans across Costa Rica, with bacterial isolation attempted from seropositive animals; concurrent data on human brucellosis cases from 2003–2016 were also documented. Whilst small ruminants showed low seroprevalence (sheep 0.7%, goats 0.98%), horses and particularly water buffalo demonstrated considerably higher exposure (6.5% and 21.7% respectively), though no viable Brucella was cultured from terrestrial species; notably, six cetacean species tested positive, with *Brucella ceti* successfully isolated from 70% of striped dolphins examined. Human brucellosis diagnoses increased steadily over the study period, suggesting ongoing transmission cycles requiring investigation. For equine practitioners, these findings highlight the need for awareness of brucellosis as a potential zoonotic concern in Costa Rica and similar endemic regions, particularly given the higher seroprevalence in water buffalo suggesting active circulation, and underscore the importance of serological monitoring in at-risk populations and adherence to biosecurity protocols when handling animals with unknown brucellosis status.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Equine practitioners in endemic regions should be aware that horses can develop serological evidence of brucellosis exposure (6.5% prevalence), though clinical significance and transmission risk require further investigation
- •Brucellosis remains an occupational hazard for equine professionals working with infected animals; standard biosecurity and personal protective equipment are warranted in affected regions
- •The epidemiological trend of increasing human cases suggests ongoing exposure risk from multiple mammalian reservoirs, reinforcing need for infection control awareness among all animal handlers
Key Findings
- •Brucellosis seroprevalence in horses was 6.5% with no bacterial isolation in Costa Rica (1999-2016)
- •Water buffalo showed highest seroprevalence at 21.7% with no Brucella isolation
- •Six cetacean species tested positive for Brucella antigens, with B. ceti isolated in 70% of striped dolphins
- •Human brucellosis cases showed steady increase from 2003-2016 in Costa Rica