Bovine cervical bursitis co-infection caused by Brucella abortus and Onchocerca sp.

The presence of Onchocerca guturosa in cattle is responsible for lesions similar to those observed in cases suspected of brucellosis, however, Onchocerca sp. is not a trade barrier, although it is also responsible for economic losses due to the removal of the affected parts of the carcasses. Brucella sp. is a zoonotic agent transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated animal products, the contact with infected animals and the handling of carcasses. This agent is also responsible for non-tariff trade barriers. Cervical bursitis is Brucella sp. suggestive lesions in bovine carcasses that requires laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The objective of this study was to record the co-infection of Brucella abortus and Onchocerca sp. as a first report of co-infection of these two agents in the same lesion. The sample constituted of a nuchal bursitis in the cervical ligament, a suggestive lesion common to these two agents, submitted to histopathology and Brucella spp. isolation in the Brucellosis reference laboratory of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. Brucellosis serological diagnosis were also performed in the animal’s serum sample. B. abortus was isolated from the lesion and filarid nematode structures were identified in histopathology. All serological tests were positive for brucellosis. Further studies are needed, however, to understand the co-infection by Onchocerca sp. and B. abortus.