Brucella spp. can be contracted through what type of food?

Brucella spp. is a type of bacteria that causes brucellosis, an infectious disease primarily associated with the consumption of contaminated animal products. The bacteria are commonly found in raw milk, which can harbor Brucella if the milk comes from infected animals, particularly cows, goats, or sheep. Pasteurization effectively kills these bacteria, making pasteurized milk safe to consume. However, raw milk has not undergone this process, which greatly increases the risk of transmission.

While raw meats can also harbor various pathogens, Brucella is specifically linked to dairy products, especially those that are unpasteurized. Cured meats, while they can carry bacteria, typically undergo additional processing that can eliminate certain pathogens. Similarly, raw shellfish are more often associated with other types of foodborne illnesses rather than brucellosis. Therefore, raw milk stands out as the primary food source linked to Brucella spp., making it the correct answer.