Brucellosis & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to humans. Most patients become infected as a result of consuming non-sterile products from infected animals.

Sometimes, the bacteria that cause brucellosis can spread through the air or direct contact with infected animals. Transmission of brucellosis from humans to humans is very rare.

How common is this condition?

This disease affects hundreds to thousands of people and animals around the world. Avoiding unpasteurized products and being careful when working with animals or in the laboratory can prevent this condition.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of brucellosis?

This condition can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. Quoted from the United States Center for Control and Prevention, the CDC, the signs and symptoms can last for a certain time.

Common symptoms of brucellosis include:

• Fever
• Sweating
• Bad taste
• Anorexia
• Headache
• Pain in muscles, joints, and / or back fatigue

Other signs and symptoms can persist for a long time. Even sometimes, it won't disappear or keep coming back. These symptoms include:

• Recurrent fever
• Arthritis
• Swelling of the testicles and area
• Scrotum
• Swelling of the heart (endocarditis)
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Swelling of the liver and / or spleen

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Brucellosis is usually difficult to identify because it often mimics other conditions, such as the flu. See a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• You have a persistent fever and muscle aches.
• You feel unusually weak or a risk factor for the disease.
• You have a fever that doesn't go away.

Cause

What causes brucellosis?

Brucellosis is caused by a bacterium named Brucella and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Here are the types Brucella which can infect humans:

• Brucella melitensis, the type that most commonly causes brucellosis in humans. These bacteria are found in goats or sheep.
• Brucella abortion, which is found in livestock.
• Brucella suis, which is found in pigs.
• Brucella canis, which is found in dogs.

Transmission

This disease can be transmitted from animals to humans through:

• Immature product
  Bacteria Brucella in milk from infected animals it can be spread to humans through unpasteurized milk, ice cream, butter, and cheese. The bacteria can also be spread through raw or undercooked meat from infected animals.
• Inhalation of contaminated air
  Bacteria Brucella easily spread in the air. Farmers, hunters, or laboratory technicians can breathe in the bacteria.
• Direct contact
  Bacteria from infected animals can enter the body through open wounds. Touching healthy animals does not cause infection. However, people with weakened immune systems should avoid touching animals known to have the disease.

Brucellosis is not usually transmitted from person to person, but in some rare cases, women can pass the disease on to the baby during childbirth or through breast milk. Rarely, Brucellosis it can be spread through sexual activity, contaminated blood, or bone marrow transfusions.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for brucellosis?

The following are factors that can increase your risk of developing brucellosis:

• Work as a veterinarian, breeder, hunter, microbiologist
• Consuming dairy products from infected animals
• Travel to an area where brucellosis is present
• Work in a meat processing factory or slaughterhouse.

Complications

What are the possible complications of brucellosis?

Brucellosis can affect any part of your body, including the reproductive system, liver, heart, and central nervous system. Chronic brucellosis can cause complications in one organ or your entire body. Possible complications are:

• Endocarditis
  This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Untreated endocarditis can be life threatening. This complication is the leading cause of brucellosis-related death.
• Arthritis
  This condition is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints, especially your knees, hips, ankles, wrists, and spine.
• Inflammation and infection of the testicles (epididymo-orchitis)
  The bacteria that cause brucellosis can cause infection of the epididymis, the coiled tube that connects the vas deferens and testes. The infection can spread to the testicles themselves, causing swelling and pain.
• Inflammation and infection of the spleen and liver
  Brucellosis can also attack the spleen and liver, causing these organs to enlarge beyond their normal size.
• Nervous system infection
  Nervous system infections include potentially life-threatening diseases, such as meningitis and encephalitis.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Doctors usually confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis by testing a blood or bone marrow sample for brucella bacteria or a blood test for antibodies to the bacteria.

To help detect complications caused by this disease, you may be able to undergo several other tests, such as:

• Imaging test. These tests can show pictures of your body, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
• Cerebrospinal fluid culture. Check a sample of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord for infection.
• Echocardiography. This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart to see signs of infection or damage to the heart.

What are the treatments for brucellosis?

You will be given antibiotics for at least six weeks, and your symptoms may not go away completely for several months. This disease can come back and become a chronic disease.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat brucellosis?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with brucellosis:

• Avoid unpasteurized foods.
• Limit direct contact by wearing rubber gloves when touching sick or dead animals, or animal products.
• Vaccination of pets is an effective way to prevent infection of the animal.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.