Brucella spp. cause brucellosis (undulant fever) in humans, a significant global zoonosis that affects practically every organ system of the body. An estimated 500,000 human infections per year occur worldwide which typically present as flu-like symptoms. However, chronic infections are frequently associated with osteoarticular disease with neurological complications. The disease is treatable with antibiotics; however, the course of treatment can last months, require multiple antibiotics, and remain refractory to full clearance. Brucella acts as a stealth pathogen, subverting both innate and adaptive responses to infection and remodeling the intracellular compartment to create a unique replicative niche. In this special edition on Brucella pathogenesis, findings in which the intracellular lifestyle of Brucella is systematically interrogated will be presented. In addition, research that interrogates mechanisms by which the pathogen subverts immune function will be presented. Finally, this issue will present findings in which novel vaccine strategies to address Brucella are also described. Collectively, the research presented provides an updated snapshot of the exciting field of Brucella research.
Brucella spp. cause brucellosis (undulant fever) in humans, a significant global zoonosis that affects practically every organ system of the body. An estimated 500,000 human infections per year occur worldwide which typically present as flu-like symptoms. However, chronic infections are frequently associated with osteoarticular disease with neurological complications. The disease is treatable with antibiotics; however, the course of treatment can last months, require multiple antibiotics, and remain refractory to full clearance. Brucella acts as a stealth pathogen, subverting both innate and adaptive responses to infection and remodeling the intracellular compartment to create a unique replicative niche. In this special edition on Brucella pathogenesis, findings in which the intracellular lifestyle of Brucella is systematically interrogated will be presented. In addition, research that interrogates mechanisms by which the pathogen subverts immune function will be presented. Finally, this issue will present findings in which novel vaccine strategies to address Brucella are also described. Collectively, the research presented provides an updated snapshot of the exciting field of Brucella research.