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NC Department of Health and Human Services
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Bioterrorism: Agents of Concern

Brucellosis-causing Brucella spp.

Brucella on SBAP

Colony Characteristics

  • Usually not visible or pinpoint at 24 hours.
  • Grows slowly on most standard lab media including SBA, CHOC and TSA. Grows on Martin-Lewis and Thayer-Martin agars.
  • After 48 hours, appears translucent, pinpoint and smooth.
  • Non-hemolytic on SBA.
  • Some strains can grow on MAC.

Microscopic

  • Faintly staining Gram-negative coccobacillus appearing as single cells.
  • Cells are typically larger than those of F. tularensis.

Non-Motile
Catalase Positive
Oxidase Positive (B. canis is variable)
Urease Positive (Strong, some within 5 min to 2 hrs)

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Brucellosis-causing species (B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis) have been removed from the Federal Select Agent and Toxins list. This does not eliminate the need for submitting suspect Brucellosis-causing Brucella species (BCBS) isolates to the NCSLPH for rule out testing.

Note: All Ochrobactrum species were reclassified into the Brucella genus. These species do not cause Brucellosis. For more information, see the following: Brucella and Ochrobactrum Taxonomic Updates for Laboratories

Refer to the ASM Sentinel Level Clinical Guidelines. If BCBS (B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis and B. canis) cannot be ruled out, contact the BTEP Unit Duty Phone 24/7 at (919) 807-8600.


SLPH Bioterrorism Information