Geographical Distribution of the Serologic Groups of Brucella Melitensis

Abstract

A consideration of the geographical distribution of the serologic groups of Brucella melitensis suggests at once the geographical distribution of the disease, which may be outlined briefly in order to call attention at the outset to the fact that the irregular distribution of the disease does not coincide with the distribution of the melitensis-abortus group of organisms. Mediterranean countries, particularly the Island of Malta, have long been known as the chief reservoir of infection for other parts of the world, wherever the Maltese goat has been imported. On the Island of Malta there are commonly more cases of Malta fever than of all other reportable diseases together. In the United States the disease is endemic along the Mexican border, where the goat raising industry is of considerable importance. It is also endemic in Mexico, along the Pacific coast. In other parts of the world the disease appears to have been recognized here and there in scattered places where goats are kept.