Understanding Brucellosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Recently, over 3000 individuals in China tested positive for brucellosis, a concerning outbreak linked to a biopharmaceutical company's leak. So, what exactly is brucellosis? It's a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. The culprit? A gram-negative bacteria called Brucella, which can infect various animals like sheep, pigs, cattle, camels, deer, goats, and even dogs. The bacteria can be transmitted through the air or via direct contact, and it's also found in the urine, blood, milk, and semen of infected animals. Notably, brucellosis is considered a major zoonotic disease worldwide, with significant public health implications, especially in regions where livestock is prevalent ^[4].

How Does It Spread?

Brucellosis has several pathways for transmission:

• Consuming unpasteurized or raw dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, which are common sources of infection.
• Eating undercooked meat from infected animals, as the bacteria can survive in improperly cooked animal products ^[2].
• Inhaling the bacteria, as Brucella can easily spread through aerosols in environments like farms or slaughterhouses.
• Direct contact with infected birthing fluids or tissues, such as the placenta or aborted fetuses, which can enter your bloodstream through cuts.
• While human-to-human transmission is rare, it can occur during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• In very rare cases, the bacteria can spread through sexual contact.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms can develop anywhere from a few days to several months after exposure. Typically, the average incubation period is between 2 to 4 weeks, but it can occur anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills and sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Joint and muscle pain

Interestingly, in some cases, symptoms may vanish for weeks or even months only to return later. Some patients might experience lingering symptoms for years, even after treatment ^[3].

Complications:

Brucellosis can impact nearly all organs in the body, leading to potential complications, especially if it becomes chronic:

• Arthritis – The bacteria can infect joints, causing pain and inflammation, particularly in the knees, ankles, hips, and spine.
• Endocarditis – An infection of the heart's inner lining, which can be fatal as it can destroy heart valves ^[5].
• Epididymo-Orchitis – Inflammation of the testicles, which could lead to infertility.
• Hepatosplenomegaly – Enlargement and inflammation of the liver and spleen.
• Meningitis and Encephalitis – Inflammation of the brain and surrounding membranes, which can also be life-threatening.

Treatment:

Doctors will prescribe various medications based on your symptoms, typically including antibiotics for a duration of at least six weeks. Early and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with chronic infection ^[1].

Prevention:

To prevent brucellosis, consider the following:

• Avoid raw or unpasteurized dairy products.
• Ensure your meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 145 to 165 ℉.
• If you're a veterinarian, hunter, farmer, or work in a slaughterhouse, wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling animals.
• Always vaccinate domestic animals, as vaccination significantly reduces the incidence of brucellosis in livestock populations ^[4].

Brucellosis tends to be more prevalent in developing countries, but fatalities from this infection are rare. With the right treatment, many of the serious complications can be avoided.

If you have questions about brucellosis or similar health issues, consider our online doctor consultation service. You can easily chat with an AI doctor or talk to a doctor online, and get the guidance you need.