Flu (Influenza) Vaccine, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Brucellosis: Definition, Transmission, And Treatment

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms, and it can spread from animals to humans. Without treatment, brucellosis can lead to serious complications.

Brucellosis occurs due to infection with Brucella bacteria.

People can develop it from contact with infected animals or from consuming uncooked or undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Brucellosis is uncommon in the United States.

This article describes in more detail the causes, symptoms, and treatments of brucellosis and provides some tips on prevention.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by one of several species of bacteria from the Brucella genus.

Different animal species host different types of Brucella bacteria. Not all can infect humans, and some are rare in the U.S.

The table below shows which animals carry different species of Brucella bacteria and the chances of encountering these bacteria in the U.S.

Brucella bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, mouth, or cuts in the skin. People can develop the infection in the following ways:

Consuming uncooked meat: A person can also contract it by eating undercooked meat from an animal with the infection.

Consuming unpasteurized dairy products: Brucella bacteria can live in the milk of cows, goats, and sheep. Raw milk and products made with it can pass on the infection.

Having contact with infected animals: Breathing in Brucella bacteria or coming into contact with bodily fluid from an animal with the infection can spread it to humans.

Though it is rare, person-to-person transmission is possible, and it may occur through:

The symptoms of brucellosis may develop over days, weeks, or months. The specific symptoms depend partly on the organs and tissues affected.

Acute, subacute, and chronic infections

Around 50% of people with the infection develop acute brucellosis, in which case the symptoms begin within 1–2 days.

In a person with subacute brucellosis, the symptoms take weeks to develop.When the disease is chronic, the symptoms last longer than 1 year, with repeated episodes of fever.

The initial symptoms of brucellosis are similar to those of the flu. They can include:

Widespread vs. Localized

The infection and resulting disease may be confined to one area, in which case, it is called localized brucellosis. If it affects multiple areas, a doctor may refer to the infection as widespread.

Below, find additional effects of brucellosis on specific parts of the body. We have organized the list with areas most likely to be affected at the top.

Bones

Localized brucellosis often causes inflammation of the bones at the bottom of the spine. This could lead to lower back pain and reduced mobility.

Liver

Brucellosis can cause abscesses to form on the liver, leading to a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, which are symptoms of jaundice.

Gastrointestinal tract

A Brucella infection of the gastrointestinal tract can cause:

Urinary tract

A Brucella infection of the urinary tract can cause inflammation of the kidneys. This could lead to severe pain below the ribcage.

A person might also experience painful inflammation of the testes and prostate.

Central nervous system

Brucellosis can sometimes cause inflammation of the brain, its surrounding membranes, and the spinal cord. This could lead to a stroke.

Heart

In rare cases, brucellosis may cause inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. The medical term for this is endocarditis.

Symptoms may include:

a fever or chills

night sweats

fatigue

difficulty breathing during physical activity

shortness of breath while lying down

a cough

swelling of the feet, legs, or abdomen

Skin

Rarely, brucellosis can cause skin lesions, such as:

A doctor typically prescribes a combination of the antibiotics doxycycline and rifampin. The treatment usually lasts 6–8 weeks.

They may instead prescribe other combinations, such as doxycycline and streptomycin or trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

A person should also get plenty of rest, which supports recovery.

In fewer than 10% of people who receive antibiotic treatment for the disease, symptoms of brucellosis reappear.

Certain activities increase the risk of coming into contact with the bacteria and developing brucellosis, including:

Travel

Mexico

South and Central America

the Caribbean

Eastern Europe

the Mediterranean

the Middle East

Asia

Africa

When visiting these places, avoid consuming raw milk and unpasteurized dairy. Also, wash the hands regularly with soap and clean water.

Occupation

The following people may have a higher risk of coming into contact with Brucella bacteria:

slaughterhouse workers

meat-packing workers

veterinarians

laboratory workers

Workplaces should have clear guidelines on reducing the risk of infection. In general, wear protective clothing, including a plastic gown, rubber gloves, and a facial covering.

Hunting

People who hunt wild animals have a higher risk of developing brucellosis because they are more likely to come into contact with the bodily fluids of animals carrying the bacteria. Examples of these animals include:

People who hunt can reduce their risk of brucellosis by:

avoiding contact with dead or ill wild animals

wearing eye protection and latex gloves when handling a carcass

not feeding dogs raw meat from a carcass

washing their hands thoroughly after hunting

cleaning hunting and butchering tools with a disinfectant

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that can pass from animals to humans. The Brucella bacteria responsible can spread to people through contact with infected animals, the consumption of undercooked meat, or the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.

Brucellosis is rare in the U.S., but anyone with symptoms should see a doctor. Without antibiotic treatment, brucellosis can cause serious complications.

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