Brucellosis

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium brucella. Bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Symptoms

• continuous or intermittent fever.
• profuse sweats.
• joint pains.
• weight loss.

Diagnosis

By growing Brucella bacteria from blood, bone marrow, or other infected body tissues, or from discharges from infected body tissues, a diagnosis is made for brucellosis. Blood tests are used to make the diagnosis as well.

Incubation period (time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)

The incubation period is Variable. It usually is 5 days to 60 days. Occasionally, it can take several months.

Infectious period (time during which an infected person can infect others)

There is no evidence of person-to-person spread

Diagnosis

• Blood culture
• Urine culture
• Bone marrow culture
• Cerebrospinal fluid testing
• Testing for antibiotic to brucellosis.
• Avoiding consumpsion of raw meat or unpasteurized milk, cheese and ice cream.
• Wearing gloves and protective glasses when handling animals or animal tissue.
• Covering any open wounds on skin

Treatment

People infected with Brucella can be treated with a combination of antibiotics for at least 6 weeks. If a relapse occurs, antibiotic treatment for three months is required.

Prevention

• Exclusion from work is not required.
• There is no vaccine available for human use.
• Control is best achieved in animals by eradicating the disease.
• Consume raw or unpasteurized milk and products made from raw or unpasteurized milk with caution.
• Educate farmers, abattoir workers, and other at-risk occupational groups on how to avoid infection when handling potentially infected animal products:
  • Dressings should be used to cover open cuts and sores.
  • When slaughtering animals or handling animal products, use gloves, overalls, and face masks.
  • After handling animals or their products, thoroughly wash your hands and arms.
  • Take extra precautions when handling animal birth products.
  • All work areas should be thoroughly cleaned