Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to humans, most commonly through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated animal products. It is a zoonotic disease and is more common in regions where livestock vaccination and food safety practices are limited. Brucellosis can affect multiple organs and may become chronic if not treated properly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of brucellosis can vary in severity and may appear weeks after exposure. They can be intermittent and resemble other illnesses. Common symptoms include:

• Fever that may come and go

• Excessive sweating, especially at night

• Fatigue and weakness

• Joint, muscle, and back pain

• Headache

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

In chronic cases, symptoms may persist for months or recur over time.

Causes

Brucellosis is caused by Brucella bacteria, which infect various animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and dogs. Humans can become infected through:

• Consuming unpasteurized milk, cheese, or other dairy products

• Direct contact with infected animals or animal tissues

• Inhalation of airborne bacteria in laboratories or slaughterhouses

• Bacteria entering the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin

The infection can spread from the bloodstream to different organs.

Risk factors

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing brucellosis:

• Farmers, veterinarians, and livestock handlers

• Slaughterhouse and meat-processing workers

• Laboratory personnel handling infectious samples

• People consuming unpasteurized dairy products

• Travelers to areas where brucellosis is common

Complications

If not treated appropriately, brucellosis can lead to serious and long-term complications:

• Chronic fatigue and recurring fever

• Arthritis and joint damage

• Inflammation of the heart lining or valves

• Nervous system involvement

• Liver or spleen enlargement

• Reproductive system complications in men

Early diagnosis and complete treatment reduce the risk of complications.

Prevention

Brucellosis can often be prevented through proper safety and hygiene measures:

• Avoiding unpasteurized milk and dairy products

• Using protective gloves and clothing when handling animals

• Ensuring proper cooking of meat

• Following safety protocols in laboratories and animal-handling workplaces

• Supporting livestock vaccination and disease control programs

Awareness and preventive practices are essential to reduce the risk of brucellosis, especially in high-risk populations.