BRUCELLOSISCarlee HoldenShay Mueller

What is it?

An infectious disease that occurs from contact with animals carrying brucella

Is a world wide disease

Species and Transmission

Affects cattle, goats, camels, dogs, and pigs mainly. Any species can be infected Bacteria can be spread to humans if they

come in contact with infected meat or the placenta of infected animals, or if they eat or drink unpasteurized milk or cheese.

Breathing in the bacteria is another way that it is transmitted to humans

People working in jobs where they come in contact with animals or meat are at high risks.

Symptoms

Acute Brucellosis may begin with mild flu-like symptoms Others include: Abdominal pain Back pain Chills Excessive sweating and fatigue Fever (rises and falls in waves) Headache Joint pain Loss of appetite Weakness and weight loss Muscle pain and swollen glands (may occur) Swollen reproductive parts This disease may be chronic and last for years Symptoms usually appear with in 5-30 days

Diagnosis

Blood culture Bone marrow culture Clean catch urine culture Being infected with the disease may also

change: Febrile/cold agglutinins Quantative immunoglobulin's Serum immunoelectropho’res

Treatment and Prevention Antibiotics= Rifampin and Tetracycline Longer courses of therapy may be needed

Drink and eat only pasteurized milk and cheeses

People who handle meat should wear protective glasses and clothing

Protect skin breaks from infection Detect infected animals Vaccinate animals (not available for humans)

Complications

Bone and joint sores (lesions) Encephalitis Infective endocarditis Meningitis

Facts

It is unlikely that an individual will be infected with disease again but the disease may last for years if not treated properly

Brucellosis is believed to be an ancient disease that was described more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans

This disease can be used by terrorist to hurt people by releasing the bacteria in public areas where it would be inhaled