Epididymitis and orchitis caused by Brucella melitensis biovar 3 in a Merino ram

Abstract

This paper describes a case of fibrinopurulent epididymitis and orchitis in a Merino ram owing to Brucella melitensis biovar 3, detected by histopathology, bacteriology, and PCR. Gross lesions included enlargement of the scrotum by abundant fibrinous exudate and adhesions between testicular tunics. Histopathologic lesions were characterized by epididymal abscesses and testicular atrophy. B. melitensis was cultured from the exudate as well as the internal organs of the ram. After conventional biotyping procedures were applied, the isolate was identified as B. melitensis biovar 3. The isolate was also confirmed as Brucella spp. by genus-specific PCR.