Final answer:
Bovine brucellosis is caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, a gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen. It can be transmitted to humans and is classified as a BSL-3 pathogen, with diagnosis typically made through serological tests and treated with a course of specific antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bovine Brucellosis Etiologic Agent
The etiologic agent of bovine brucellosis is a group of gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. The species associated with brucellosis in cattle is B. abortus. This condition is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Humans may contract brucellosis through consuming contaminated milk, contact with infected animal products, or inhalation of aerosols. Brucella species are difficult to diagnose as they are only found in the blood during the acute fever stage and cultivation is challenging. Due to their potential for causing disease, they are classified as BSL-3 pathogens. Diagnostic methods include agglutination tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). For treatment, antibiotics such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, gentamicin, streptomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) are prescribed.