Brucellosis
Brucellosis is an infectious
disease caused by the group Brucella. These are primarily passed among animals, and
they cause disease in sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several
other animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal
products that are contaminated with these germs.
Brucellosis is not very common in the United States, where 100 to 200 cases
occur each year. But brucellosis can be very common in countries where animal
disease control programs have not reduced the amount of disease among animals.
Although brucellosis can be found worldwide, it is more common in countries that
do not have good standardized and effective public health and domestic animal
health programs.
Unpasteurized cheeses from these areas may represent a particular risk for
tourists. Humans are generally infected in one of three ways: eating or drinking
something that is contaminated with Brucella, breathing in the organism
(inhalation), or having the germs enter the body through skin wounds. The most
common way to be infected is by eating or drinking contaminated milk products.
When sheep, goats, cows, or camels are infected, their milk is contaminated with
the bacteria. If the milk is not pasteurized, these bacteria can be transmitted
to persons who drink the milk or eat cheeses made of it.
Inhalation of Brucella organisms is not common, but it can be a significant
hazard for people in certain occupations, such as those working in laboratories
or for slaughterhouse employees. Contamination of skin wounds may be a problem
for persons working in slaughterhouses or meat packing plants or for
veterinarians. Hunters may be infected through skin wounds or by accidentally
ingesting the bacteria after cleaning deer, elk, moose, or wild pigs that they
have killed.
What are the symptoms of brucellosis?
In humans brucellosis can
cause a range of symptoms that are similar to the flu and may include fever,
sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness.
How is brucellosis diagnosed?
Brucellosis is diagnosed in a
laboratory by finding Brucella organisms in samples of blood or bone marrow.
Also, blood tests can be done to detect antibodies against the bacteria. If this
method is used, two blood samples should be collected two weeks apart.
What is the treatment for brucellosis?
Doctors can prescribe
effective antibiotics. Depending on the timing of treatment and severity of
illness, recovery may take a few weeks to several months. Very few people
die.
Is there a way to prevent brucellosis infection?
Yes. Do not
consume unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream while traveling. If you are not
sure that a dairy product is pasteurized, don't eat it. Hunters and animal
herdsman should use rubber gloves when handling killed animals. There is no
vaccine available for humans.