A Family Doctor’s Tale – BRUCELLOSIS
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DOC I HAVE BRUCELLOSIS
What is Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the Brucella bacteria which commonly cause infection in animals.
What is the cause of Brucellosis?
There are 5 forms of Brucella:
1.B.abortis present in cattle
2.B.melitensis -goat
3.B suis -pigs
4.B.canis dogs
5.B.ovis sheep
Infection occurs through contact with tissues of infected animals or by ingesting infected milk products of these animals
They are particularly found in farmers , veterinary surgeons and slaughter house workers.
They are usually found in young males.
The germs localize in the reticuloendothelial cells of liver, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph glands.
What are the symptoms of Brucellosis?
Incubation peroid is 2 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms are:
Mild flu-like attacks with symptoms of:
1.fever
2.headache
3.malaise
4.abdominal pain
5.chills
6.loss of appetite
sometimes episodes of infection can continue for months to years.
Relapses and recurring attacks of fever are usually seen in B.melitensis (or undulant fever -here the fever rises and falls in waves)
Symptoms in these cases are:
1.severe sweating
2.Abdominal pain
3.pains in limbs,back and joints
4.headache
5.sore throat
6.irritability,insomnia
7.loss of appetite
8.erythematous rash
9.enlarged liver, spleen and lymph glands
10.loss of weight
In more severe cases there may be bleeding
Chronic brucellosis:
1.fever
2.fatigue and weakness
3.tremors
4.rheumatic and muscle pains
5.swollen lymph glands
How is Diagnosis of Brucellosis made?
Diagnosis of Brucellosis is made using:
1.blood, urine and bone marrow cultures
2.raised antibodies titers(more than 1:80) of brucella
3.radioimmunology of specific Brucella immunoglobulins
4.CSF Culture
What are the complications of Brucellosis?
The complications of Brucellosis Fever are:
1.arthritis
2.neurological disturbances and neuritis
3.meningoencephelitis
4.infective endocarditis
5.hepatitis
6.orchitis
What is the treatment of Brucellosis?
Treatment of Brucellosis is by:
1.antibiotic treatment such as tetracycline, septrin, streptomycin
2.continuous antibiotic for months
3.general supportive care:
a.rest
b.analgesics
4.corticosteroids in severe or chronic cases
What is the Prognosis of Brucellosis?
Prognosis:
1.acute uncomplicated disease may remit by itself
2.generally good if treated properly
3.rarely fatal
What are the preventive measures for Brucellosis?
Prevention:
Taking only pasteurized milk and cheeses is the most important way to prevent brucellosis. People who come in contact with animals should wear protective glasses and clothing to avoid infection.Any skin breaks should be protected from contact with infected animals.
Vaccination is available for cattle but not humans.
Early detection of the disease in animals is important in isolation of animals and preventing infections.
Tagged with: Bacterial • Brucella • Brucellosis • Conditions and Diseases • Health • Infection • Infectious disease
Filed under: Medical case Studies
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