Brucellosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening illness caused by infection with bacteria from the Brucella genus.human brucellosis The disease is a significant food-borne pathogen in economically developing countries and can affect all ages of the population. Brucellosis is a notifiable disease and doctors must report any suspected cases of the disease in humans or animals to their local council or local health protection team.
Symptoms of the disease typically include fever, weakness, weight loss, fatigue and joint pain.human brucellosis Occasionally, the bacteria can cause other more serious illnesses such as pneumonia and heart failure. The disease is usually treated with antibiotics and most people make a full recovery, although the symptoms may return (relapse) after treatment is finished.
Brucellosis is most common in areas where it is endemic.human brucellosis It is associated with consumption of raw or unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals (goats, cows and sheep) or undercooked meat. It is also associated with contact with infected wild or domestic animals, especially feral pigs and wild boars in Africa. Infection can also occur in people who handle or work with animal carcasses, internal organs and tissues contaminated by the bacteria. These include pig farmers in developing countries, abattoir workers and livestock herders in Asia and South America, and hunters in Australia who catch and kill feral pigs.
Pregnant women are at particular risk of severe brucellosis, which can lead to abortion or stillbirth.human brucellosis Infection can be passed from mother to baby through breastfeeding and, rarely, can spread sexually. It can also be spread from person to person through the use of shared toothbrushes or razor blades.
Infection is rare in healthy people, but it can be fatal for patients with weakened immune systems or other health conditions such as AIDS and heart problems. The disease is also a significant burden on developing nations as the cost of treating individuals with complications can be high.
A number of different antibiotics can be used to treat brucellosis, including streptomycin, tetracycline and penicillin. Medications are often prescribed for 6 weeks, and sometimes longer, depending on the severity of symptoms and whether complications develop. There is no vaccine against human brucellosis, but avoiding unpasteurised milk and using rubber gloves in animal handling can reduce the chance of infection.
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