Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Brucella canis RM6/66 Δ vjbR Vaccine Candidate for Protection against B. canis Infection in Mice

Abstract

Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis , is the primary cause of reproductive failure in dogs and represents a public health concern due to its zoonotic nature. Cases in dogs in the United States have been increasing due to the persistent nature of the bacterium, deficiencies in current diagnostic testing, and, most importantly, the lack of a protective vaccine. Current estimates place the seroprevalence of B. canis in the southern United States at 7% to 8%, but with the unprecedented rates of animals moving across state and international borders and the lack of federal regulations in regard to testing, the true seroprevalence of B. canis in the United States may very well be higher. Vaccination represents the most effective method of brucellosis control and, in response to the demand for a vaccine against B. canis , we have developed the live attenuated B. canis RM6/66 Δ vjbR vaccine strain capable of protecting mice against challenge.