Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Brucellosis

Cyprus fever; Undulant fever; Gibraltar fever; Malta fever; Mediterranean fever

 

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that occurs from contact with animals carrying brucella bacteria.

Causes

 

Brucella can infect cattle, goats, camels, dogs, and pigs. The bacteria can spread to humans if you come in contact with infected meat or the placenta of infected animals, or if you eat or drink unpasteurized milk or cheese.

Brucellosis is rare in the United States. About 100 to 200 cases occur each year. Most cases are caused by the Brucellosis melitensis bacteria.

People working in jobs where they often come in contact with animals or meat -- such as slaughterhouse workers, farmers, and veterinarians -- are at higher risk.

 

Symptoms

 

Acute brucellosis may begin with mild flu-like symptoms, or symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Chills
  • Excessive sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen glands
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss

High fever spikes often occur every afternoon. The name undulant fever is often used to describe this disease because the fever rises and falls in waves.

The illness may be chronic and last for years.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. You'll also be asked if you've been in contact with animals or possibly eaten dairy products that were not pasteurized.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood culture
  • Bone marrow culture
  • Urine culture
  • CSF (spinal fluid) culture
  • Serology (blood test) for brucellosis antigen
  • Biopsy and culture of specimen from affected organ

 

Treatment

 

Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, and rifampin, are used to treat the infection and prevent it from coming back. Often, you need to take the drugs for 6 weeks. If there are complications from brucellosis, you will likely need to take the drugs for a longer period.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Symptoms may come and go for years. Also, the illness can come back after a long period of not having symptoms.

 

Possible Complications

 

Health problems that may result from brucellosis include:

  • Bone and joint sores (lesions)
  • Encephalitis
  • Infective endocarditis
  • Meningitis

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider if:

  • You develop symptoms of brucellosis
  • Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
  • You develop new symptoms

 

Prevention

 

Drinking and eating only pasteurized dairy products, such as milk and cheeses, is the most important way to reduce the risk of brucellosis. People who handle meat should wear protective eyewear and clothing, and protect skin breaks from infection.

Detecting infected animals controls the infection at its source. Vaccination is available for cattle, but not humans.

 

 

Open References

References

Beeching NJ, Madkour MM. Brucellosis. In: Farrar J, Hotez PJ, Junghanss T, Kang G, Lalloo D, White NJ, eds. Manson's Tropical Diseases . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 28.

Gul HC, Erdem H. Brucellosis ( Brucella species). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 228.

 
  • Brucellosis

    Brucellosis - illustration

    Brucellosis is a disease that starts with flu-like symptoms. Complications may include arthritis, heart disease and brain damage.

    Brucellosis

    illustration

  • Antibodies

    Antibodies - illustration

    Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

    Antibodies

    illustration

    • Brucellosis

      Brucellosis - illustration

      Brucellosis is a disease that starts with flu-like symptoms. Complications may include arthritis, heart disease and brain damage.

      Brucellosis

      illustration

    • Antibodies

      Antibodies - illustration

      Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

      Antibodies

      illustration

    Tests for Brucellosis

     
     

    Review Date: 9/10/2015

    Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

     
     
     

     

     

    A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



    Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.