Rank: Species
Lineage: Bacteria;Proteobacteria;Alphaproteobacteria;Rhizobiales;Brucellaceae;Brucella;Brucella abortus
Description: This organism was first noticed on the island of Malta by Dr. David Bruce during an epidemic among British soldiers. It is the primary cause of bovine brucellosis, which results in enormous (billions of dollars) economic losses due primarily to reproductive failure and food losses. In man, it causes undulant fever, a long debilitating disease that is treated by protracted administration of antibiotics. Brucella abortus is listed as a civilian, military, and agricultural bioterrorism agent.
Reference Material:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/?term=Brucella%20abortus
