Brucellosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A bacterial infection known as brucellosis affects people and animals alike. It is caused by several types of bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. It spreads by inhaling contaminated air or dust, or by inhaling products of infected animals or placentas. In addition to inhaling contaminated air or dust, Brucellosis can also be transmitted through cuts or wounds.
Symptoms of Brucellosis
The symptoms of brucellosis may vary depending on the type of bacteria, the route of exposure, and the immune system of the person. Some common symptoms include:
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Fever
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Chills
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Sweating
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Muscle and joint pain
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Loss of appetite
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Weight loss
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Enlarged spleen or liver
Some people may develop chronic or recurrent symptoms, such as:
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Arthritis
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Spondylitis (inflammation of the spine)
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Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
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Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
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Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)
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Epididymitis (inflammation of the tube that carries sperm)
Diagnosis of Brucellosis
The diagnosis of brucellosis can be challenging, as the symptoms are often nonspecific and similar to other diseases. The diagnosis can be confirmed by laboratory tests, such as:
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Blood culture: This test involves growing the bacteria from a blood sample in a special medium. It can take several weeks to get the results.
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The serology test involves detecting antibodies against bacteria in the blood. It can be done by agglutination, ELISA, or PCR. It is quick and reliable, but may not distinguish between current and past infections.
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Biopsy of bone marrow: This involves taking a small sample of bone marrow and testing it for bacteria. Its sensitivity is higher than blood culture, but it is more invasive and painful than blood culture.
Treatment of Brucellosis
Several weeks or months of antibiotics are usually required to treat brucellosis. It depends on the type of bacteria, the severity of the infection, and whether complications exist. The duration and choice of antibiotics will vary depending on these factors. Some common antibiotics for brucellosis include:
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Doxycycline
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Rifampin
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Streptomycin
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Gentamicin
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Ciprofloxacin
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Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
The treatment of brucellosis may have some side effects, such as:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Rash
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Allergic reactions
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Liver or kidney damage
To prevent relapses and drug resistance, it is important to follow the prescribed regimen and complete the course of antibiotics. Alcohol and dairy products should also be avoided during the treatment, since they may interfere with antibiotic absorption and effectiveness.
Prevention of Brucellosis
The prevention of brucellosis can be achieved by:
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Avoiding contact with infected animals or their products, especially if they are not vaccinated or tested for brucellosis.
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Wearing protective gloves, masks, and clothing when handling animals or their products, especially if they are pregnant or have wounds or lesions.
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Cooking animal products thoroughly before eating them, and avoiding raw or unpasteurized milk, cheese, or meat.
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Washing hands and utensils thoroughly after handling animals or their products.
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Disposing of animal waste and placenta properly and safely.
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Vaccinating animals against brucellosis, and reporting any suspicious cases to the veterinary authorities.
A person or animal with brucellosis should seek medical attention as soon as possible because it can have long-term consequences. It can be prevented and treated with proper measures and medical care.
