Brucellosis, also known as “Undulant Fever”, is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans, primarily through contaminated dairy products, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of airborne bacteria. Brucellosis can cause persistent fever, joint pain, and fatigue, and without proper treatment, it may lead to chronic complications.
Causes & How Brucellosis Develops
Brucellosis is caused by Brucella bacteria, which infect humans through various routes:
- Consuming unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk, cheese, or butter from infected animals.
- Direct contact with infected animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and dogs.
- Inhalation of airborne bacteria, especially in laboratory or slaughterhouse environments.
- Handling infected animal tissues or fluids, such as during farming, veterinary work, or butchering.
Common risk factors include:
- Occupational exposure, particularly in farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers.
- Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, especially in endemic areas.
- Traveling to regions where brucellosis is common, such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Latin America.
- Hunting and handling wild animals, which may carry Brucella bacteria.
Common Symptoms of Brucellosis
Symptoms of brucellosis can appear within a few days to several months after exposure and often fluctuate over time, giving rise to the name “Undulant Fever”. Symptoms may include:
- Intermittent fever, often rising in the evening and falling in the morning.
- Excessive sweating, especially at night.
- Fatigue, weakness, and general malaise.
- Joint pain and muscle aches, similar to arthritis.
- Headaches and loss of appetite.
- Swollen lymph nodes and liver enlargement.
- Depression and mood disturbances, in chronic cases.
How Brucellosis is Diagnosed
Brucellosis is diagnosed through clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Blood cultures, to detect Brucella bacteria.
- Serological tests, such as the Brucella agglutination test, to check for antibodies.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, for rapid bacterial DNA detection.
- Imaging scans (MRI, CT, or ultrasound), if organ complications are suspected.
Brucellosis Treatments & Management
Brucellosis requires long-term medical treatment to prevent relapse. Common approaches include:
- Medical treatments, to eliminate the bacterial infection.
- Supportive care, including pain management and hydration.
- Monitoring for complications, such as joint or organ involvement.
Supportive care may also include:
- Physical therapy, for joint and muscle pain.
- Nutritional support, to aid in recovery.
- Psychological support, for those experiencing chronic fatigue and depression.
Possible Complications of Brucellosis
If untreated, brucellosis can lead to chronic and severe complications, including:
- Chronic arthritis, causing joint inflammation and stiffness.
- Endocarditis, a rare but serious heart valve infection.
- Hepatosplenomegaly, leading to liver and spleen enlargement.
- Neurological disorders, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- Infertility and pregnancy complications, if infection occurs during pregnancy.
How to Prevent Brucellosis
Preventing brucellosis involves avoiding bacterial exposure and practicing proper hygiene. Key preventive measures include:
- Consuming only pasteurized dairy products, especially in high-risk regions.
- Wearing protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when handling animals or raw meat.
- Properly cooking meat, to eliminate potential bacterial contamination.
- Following biosafety protocols, in laboratory and slaughterhouse settings.
- Vaccinating livestock, to reduce disease transmission in animals.
Trivia About Brucellosis
- Brucellosis is named after Sir David Bruce, who identified Brucella bacteria in 1887.
- The disease was historically known as “Malta Fever”, due to its prevalence among British soldiers stationed in Malta.
- Brucellosis can mimic other diseases, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Unlike many bacterial infections, brucellosis requires extended treatment, sometimes lasting several weeks.
- Wild animals, such as bison and elk, can also carry Brucella bacteria, making hunters susceptible to infection.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. It is intended to share general knowledge about brucellosis in an easy-to-understand way. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified medical professional for guidance.