Jul 17, 2023
A bacterial infection called brucellosis can pass from animals to humans. Humans typically contract the disease by consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products. The brucellosis-causing bacteria can occasionally be transmitted through the air or by coming into close contact with affected animals.
Fever, tiredness, and joint discomfort are a few of the brucellosis symptoms and signs that may be present. Antibiotics are typically effective in treating the infection. However, recovery from treatment can take weeks or even months, and the infection may reoccur.
Numerous numbers of humans and animals are affected by brucellosis globally. Brucellosis can be avoided by avoiding raw dairy products and by following safety measures when around animals or in a lab.
Brucellosis can be caused by:
Brucella species are potential biological terrorism agents because relatively few organisms possibly just 10 to 100 can infect people by aerosol exposure. Acute, simple brucellosis patients typically recover in 2 to 3 weeks, even without therapy. Some develop subacute, sporadic, or chronic diseases.
Brucellosis symptoms might appear anywhere between a few days and a few months following the infection. Similar to the flu, these signs and symptoms include:
The symptoms of brucellosis could go away for a few weeks or months before coming back again. Even after receiving therapy, some persons with brucellosis have persistent symptoms that last for years. Long-term warning signs and symptoms could be:
The majority of human infections with brucellosis are brought on by four different kinds of Brucella bacteria:
B. canis infection can spread to dogs. Even though brucellosis is often a benign condition, some pet owners have been infected this way. The transfer of brucellosis to a human through a dog bite has been documented in at least one instance. This is not a typical manner to disseminate brucellosis, though. Brucella is typically NOT transferred by most sick dogs to their owners. If you come into contact with the dog's blood or other bodily fluids, you run a higher risk of contracting brucellosis from it. A higher risk of brucellosis exists for veterinarians. You shouldn't handle dogs who have Brucella infection if you have a compromised immune system as a result of medicines or certain illnesses.
Also Read: Giardiasis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications
B. canis infection can spread to dogs. Even though brucellosis is often a benign condition, some pet owners have been infected this way. The transfer of brucellosis to a human through a dog bite has been documented in at least one instance. This is not a typical manner to disseminate brucellosis, though. Brucella is typically NOT transferred by most sick dogs to their owners. If you come into contact with the dog's blood or other bodily fluids, you run a higher risk of contracting brucellosis from it. A higher risk of brucellosis exists for veterinarians. You shouldn't handle dogs who have Brucella infection if you have a compromised immune system as a result of medicines or certain illnesses.
Blood or bone marrow tests for the brucella bacterium or tests for antibodies to the bacteria are typically used by doctors to confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis. Your doctor could request further tests, such as the following, to assist identify brucellosis complications:
Also Read: Staphylococcus Aureus: Transmission, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment
Treatment for brucellosis may be challenging. Your doctor will recommend antibiotics if you have brucellosis. The following are examples of popular antibiotics used to treat brucellosis:
Doxycycline and rifampin are typically prescribed to you together for 6 to 8 weeks.
To stop the illness from recurring again, you must take antibiotics for a number of weeks. Relapse rates after therapy are between 5 and 15%, and they typically happen within the first six months.
Weeks or even months may pass before you feel better. Patients who seek treatment within a month of the onset of symptoms may be cured of the illness.
Also Read: Dengue Hemorrhagic Syndrome Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Almost all of the body's organs are susceptible to brucellosis, including the reproductive system, liver, heart, and central nervous system. Chronic brucellosis complications might have an impact on a single organ or the entire body. Possible problems include:
Also Read: Helminthology : Structure, Classification, Growth, and Development
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