Fellow: Rocio Gonzalez Barrientos

Mentor: Alina Demeter

Co-Mentor: Judy St. Leger

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 

Brucellosis, caused by the infection with bacteria of the genus Brucella, is an important zoonotic disease that globally affects humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Neurobrucellosis is a manifestation of this infection reported most frequently in humans and dolphins. The reaction is poorly understood and lacks detailed histological and immunohistochemical descriptions in the literature.

This research project will provide a detailed and systematic description of the histopathological changes in the brains of 36 stranded cetaceans with confirmed neurobrucellosis. Access to high-quality material from this many confirmed cases is very unusual. Immunohistochemical characterization of the inflammatory infiltrates including antibodies for the detection of CD3, CD20, and IBA-1 proteins for the identification of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and macrophages respectively will be performed. Lastly, identification of Brucella antigen will be achieved by immunohistochemistry in the areas of severe inflammation.

An enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis and immunopathological characteristics of neurobrucellosis in dolphins is expected to benefit human patients based on the similarities in the presentation of this disease in both species. Additionally, this data will provide information that can be applied in the conservation management of wildlife in the care of man.