Brucellosis is a disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and dogs. The pathogenic bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with the meat, milk, urine, or feces of infected animals. Therefore, farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers who work closely with animals or raw meat are especially at risk.
To reduce the risk of brucellosis:
Avoid consuming raw meat and unpasteurized dairy products.
Use protective clothing and gloves when handling animals or animal products.
How is Brucellosis Transmitted?
Brucellosis is transmitted through contact with infected animals or their products. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, although transmission from mother to infant through breast milk can occur.
The disease is most commonly spread through:
Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat from infected animals.
Contact of infected animal tissue with open cuts or wounds on the skin.
Contact of infected fluids with the eyes.
The Four Main Brucella Species Infecting Humans:
Brucella abortus – Transmitted from cattle. Usually causes mild to moderate symptoms but has a high risk of becoming chronic.
Brucella melitensis – Transmitted from sheep and goats. May cause sudden and severe symptoms that can lead to disability.
Brucella suis – Found in wild pigs. Most likely to cause internal abscesses in various organs.
Brucella canis – Transmitted from dogs. Symptoms are similar to B. abortus but may also include vomiting and diarrhea.
Who is at Risk for Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is more common in men than in women. Individuals in the following risk groups are more likely to contract the disease:
Those who consume unpasteurized milk or dairy products from cattle, goats, or other infected animals.
People who eat unpasteurized cheese.
Travelers to regions where brucellosis is endemic.
Meat processing plant or slaughterhouse workers.
Agricultural laborers and farm workers.
Microbiologists handling Brucella cultures.
What Are the Symptoms of Brucellosis?
About 90% of people infected with Brucella show no or very mild symptoms. In these cases, diagnosis is only possible through antibody testing in suspected individuals. In the remaining 10%, various symptoms may occur 5 to 30 days after exposure.
Common symptoms of brucellosis include:
High fever (typically in the afternoon)
Back and lower back pain
Muscle aches
General body pain
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Headache
Night sweats
Weakness
Abdominal pain
These symptoms may come and go, and in some patients, there may be no complaints for weeks or even months. In chronic cases, symptoms can persist for years even after treatment and may lead to serious conditions such as:
Arthritis (joint inflammation)
Spondylitis (spinal joint inflammation)
Endocarditis (heart inflammation)
How Is Brucellosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing brucellosis can be difficult due to:
The often mild or absent symptoms
Variation in symptoms depending on the Brucella species
Nonspecific nature of the symptoms
During physical examination:
Liver and spleen enlargement may be noted
Swollen lymph nodes
Unexplained fever
Joint swelling and tenderness
Dry skin
Laboratory tests for diagnosis include:
Blood culture
Urine culture
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture
Serological testing for Brucella antibodies
When the body encounters Brucella bacteria, it produces antibodies. The Brucella IgG and IgM tests are performed to detect these antibodies and are among the primary diagnostic tools for confirming brucellosis.
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