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Brucellosis: Signs, Causes, and Types
Brucellosis, also known as Malta fever or undulant fever, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Brucella species. These bacteria primarily infect animals, such as sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs, but can also spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
Brucellosis can damage multiple organs in the body and frequently causes flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, sweats, tiredness, and muscle pains. To lower the chance of developing brucellosis, employ preventive measures such as careful animal handling & proper hygiene. If you suspect you have been exposed to infected animals or products and experience symptoms.
Types Of Brucellosis
Brucellosis, also called undulant fever or Malta fever, is caused by different Brucella bacteria species. B. abortus affects cattle, B. melitensis infects goats and sheep, B. suis is found in pigs, and B. canis in dogs.
Humans mostly get infected by B. melitensis, leading to fever, joint pain, and fatigue. B. abortus causes flu-like symptoms in those exposed to livestock, while B. suis infections are rare. Treatment involves antibiotics.
Types of Brucellosis:
- Acute: Fever, sweats, muscle pain.
- Chronic: Recurring fever, joint pain, fatigue.
- Subclinical: No symptoms, but still infectious.
- Localized: Affects specific areas like bones or joints.
- Neurobrucellosis: Rare, affects the nervous system.
Symptoms Of Brucellosis
Symptoms of brucellosis can appear within days or months of infection. The signs and symptoms are comparable to those of the flu and include:
- A high fever
- Symptoms of chill
- Decrease of appetite
- The sweats
- A weakness
- Getting tired
- Joint, muscle, and back pain.
- migraines
Causes of Brucellosis
Brucellosis affects many wild and domesticated species, including:
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- goats
- sheep
- pork
- hunting dogs
- deer
- buffalo & bull.
- Caribou Moose Camels
- Harbor seals
- porpoises
Some whales are also susceptible to brucellosis.
Bacteria are most commonly transmitted from animals to humans via:
- Consuming raw dairy products: Brucella bacteria found in diseased animals' milk can be transmitted to humans through unpasteurized milk, ice cream, butter, and cheese. The germs can also be transferred through raw or undercooked meat from infected animals.
- Inhaling contaminated air: Brucella bacteria can quickly spread in the air. Farmers, hunters, laboratory technicians, and slaughterhouse workers may breathe the bacterium.
- Touching diseased animals' blood and bodily fluids: Bacteria from an infected animal's blood, semen, or placenta can enter your bloodstream via a cut or other wound. People seldom contract brucellosis from their dogs since typical contact with them, such as caressing, brushing, or playing, does not result in infection. Nonetheless, persons with compromised immune systems should avoid handling canines known to carry the disease.
Risk Factors Of Brucellosis
While brucellosis is uncommon in the United States, it is more prevalent in other parts of the world, particularly:
Southern Europe includes the countries of Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Southern France.
- Eastern Europe
- Mexico, South & Central America
- Asia Africa
- The Caribbean
- The Middle East
Occupations with increased risk
People who work with species or have contact with infected blood are more likely to get brucellosis. Examples include:
- Veterinary professionals
- The dairy industry
- Farmers
- The slaughterhouse labourers
- The hunters
- The microbiologists
Diagnosis of Brucellosis
Diagnosing Brucellosis involves a series of steps to accurately identify the bacterial infection. Initially, healthcare providers may conduct a physical examination to assess symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue. Brucellosis Diagnosis:
- Physical Exam: Checks for fever, joint pain, and fatigue.
- Blood Tests: Detect antibodies or antigens related to Brucella.
- Blood Cultures: Gold standard for confirming infection.
- Bone Marrow/Tissue Cultures: Used for further confirmation if needed.
- Serological Tests: Rose Bengal test and ELISA identify antibodies.
- PCR Assays: Detect Brucella DNA in blood, bone marrow, or tissues.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs check for complications.
Treatment for Brucellosis
Brucellosis, a bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans, requires a multi-faceted approach to treatment. Typically, a combination of antibiotics such as doxycycline and rifampin is prescribed to combat the infection effectively.
Brucellosis Treatment:
- Antibiotics: Combination therapy (e.g., doxycycline, rifampin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) for weeks to months.
- Severe Cases: Intravenous antibiotics like gentamicin may be needed.
- Symptom Relief: Medications for fever, pain, and inflammation.
- Rest & Hydration: Essential for recovery.
- Chronic Cases: Physical therapy helps with joint pain and stiffness.
- Early Detection: Timely treatment prevents complications.
- Close Monitoring: Regular follow-ups ensure adequate recovery.
Complications of Brucellosis
Brucellosis disease can affect a number of organs, including the reproductive system, liver, heart, and nervous system. Chronic cases may lead to difficulties in one or more organs.
Possible complication:
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- Endocarditis is a heart infection that can destroy valves and be lethal if not addressed.
- Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the spine, hips, and knees.
- Epididymo-orchitis is an infection of the testicles that causes extreme pain and swelling.
- Infection can cause the spleen and liver to enlarge.
- Meningitis and encephalitis are both potentially fatal nervous system illnesses.
Preventions of Brucellosis
To lower the risk of having brucellosis, adopt the following precautions:
Brucellosis Prevention:
When working with animals or animal tissues, always wear protective gloves.
- Avoid raw dairy: Do not eat unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream, especially while travelling.
- Cook meat to safe temperatures: 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts, 160°F (71°C) for ground meat, and 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
- Maintain workplace safety: Labs and slaughterhouses should utilize protective equipment and correct handling techniques.
- Vaccinate animals: Livestock vaccination helps to prevent brucellosis, but it must be done with caution because the vaccine can infect humans if not handled properly.
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040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs of Brucellosis include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and sweats. In some cases, it may also cause headaches, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications affecting the bones, liver, or heart.
Rest, hydrate, eat balanced meals, avoid unpasteurized dairy, and follow antibiotic treatment as prescribed for managing Brucellosis effectively. Regular medical check-ups and light physical activity can also aid recovery and prevent complications.
Brucellosis can lead to chronic fatigue, joint pain, and recurrent fevers if left untreated. In severe cases, it may cause complications in the heart, liver, or nervous system, leading to long-term health issues.
Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis, take antibiotics as prescribed, rest adequately, and monitor for any complications. Maintain proper hydration, eat a nutritious diet, and follow up regularly to ensure complete recovery.
Recurrence of Brucellosis after treatment may be indicated by symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, and headache. It can happen if the infection is not fully cleared, requiring extended antibiotic treatment and medical follow-ups.
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