Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. The main reservoir for Brucella species is animals. The most common species are usually associated with cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and rarely dogs.
In the acute form of illness (less than 8 weeks from illness onset), nonspecific and "flu-like" symptoms may include:
- fever
- sweats
- malaise
- anorexia
- headache
- myalgia
- back pain
In the undulant form of illness (less than 1 year from illness onset), symptoms may include:
- undulant fevers
- arthritis
- epididymo-orchitis in males
In Arizona the most common risk factor is consumption of unpasteurized milk, milk products or cheese.
Arizona 5 year median: 1 case
Transmission
Contact with tissues, blood, urine, vaginal discharges, aborted fetuses and especially placentas, and by ingestion of raw, unpasteurized milk and dairy products from infected animals.
Airborne infection of animals occurs in pens and stables, and of humans in laboratories and abattoirs.
Brucella is rarely transmitted from person-to-person.
Mothers may transmit the infection to their infants congenitally or through breast-feeding.
Sexual transmission has also been reported.
Although uncommon, transmission may also occur via contaminated tissue transplantation.
Test*
|
Specimen
|
Culture
|
Whole Blood,
Bone Marrow, Spleen, Liver, Abscess Fluid, Joint Fluid |
PCR
|
Whole Blood,
Serum, Isolate |
IgG/IgM Serology
(only detects Brucella abortus) |
Serum
|
Serology BMAT
(The convalescent specimen should be taken 2-4 weeks after the acute) |
Serum
(acute and convalescent) |
In addition to standard precautions, contact precautions are indicated for patients with draining wounds.
Since person to person transmission is rare, exclusion or quarantine is not applicable.
Prevention for Patients
Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products. Cook meat thoroughly. People who handle animal tissues should protect themselves using rubber gloves, googles, and gowns or aprons. Public Health Actions
Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products. Cook meat thoroughly. People who handle animal tissues should protect themselves using rubber gloves, googles, and gowns or aprons. Public Health Actions
Alert the laboratory to the possibility of Brucellaand need for special safety procedures.
Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case.
A detailed contact and environmental investigation will be completed if a particular source is considered highly likely to be the cause of illness among groups of people.
All laboratories handling specimens with confirmed Brucella will be contacted and investigated to identify possible contacts to Brucella isolates.
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