Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Brucellosis is a critical zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella.
It primarily affects reproductive organs in animals, leading to abortion, infertility, and chronic inflammatory lesions.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the given statements:
Statement (A): Brucella species, particularly Brucella abortus in cattle, have a high affinity for erythritol present in the placenta.
This leads to severe infection of the placenta, characterized by yellow-brown exudate, thickened leathery intercotyledonary areas, and necrotic cotyledons.
Thus, necrotic placentitis is frequently encountered in infected animals, making Statement (A) true.
Statement (B): In chronic cases of brucellosis, the bacteria localize in synovial structures of the joints and tendon sheaths.
This localization leads to arthritis, tendovaginitis, and the formation of hygromas, particularly in the carpus.
Thus, Statement (B) is true.
Statement (C): Brucellosis is a highly infectious zoonosis.
Humans can acquire the infection through direct contact with aborted fetuses, vaginal discharges, or consumption of unpasteurized milk.
The bacteria are capable of penetrating intact mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth, as well as micro-abrasions on the skin.
Thus, Statement (C) is true.
Statement (D): In cattle, Brucella-induced abortions typically occur in the third trimester of pregnancy (late gestation, usually 7 to 9 months).
This is because erythritol, which stimulates the growth of the bacteria, is produced in high concentrations in the placenta only during the later stages of pregnancy.
Therefore, abortions do not occur in the first half of gestation, making Statement (D) false.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Since statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct and statement (D) is incorrect, the correct option is (B).