Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by eating contaminated food from, or occupational contact with, infected sheep, goats, pigs or cattle in endemic areas. Classically unpasteurised cheese or milk is implicated.
Endemic areas include parts of Africa, Latin America, western Asia and southern Europe.
The causative agent is a gram-negative coccobacilli.
Presentation includes:
- high undulating fever (>90%)
- fatigue
- arthralgia
- sweats
- myalgia
- headache
- backache
Diagnosis is by blood culture.
Treatment:
- gentamycin, doxycyline and rifampicin for 7 to 14 days
- doxycycline and rifampicin continued for a further 6 weeks
References
Di Pierdomenico, A. et al. Brucellosis in a returned traveller. CMAJ. 2011; 183(10):E690-692.
Eales, K., Norton, R. and Ketheesan, N. Brucellosis in northern Australia. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010; 83(4): 876-878.
Skalsky, K. et al. Treatment of human brucellosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2008; 336(7646): 701-7094.
Di Pierdomenico, A. et al. Brucellosis in a returned traveller. CMAJ. 2011; 183(10):E690-692.
Eales, K., Norton, R. and Ketheesan, N. Brucellosis in northern Australia. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010; 83(4): 876-878.
Skalsky, K. et al. Treatment of human brucellosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2008; 336(7646): 701-7094.
