Download Brucellosis

Brucellosis
By: Leah Kasheta
Brucellosis is:
 An infectious disease that occurs from contact with other
animals carrying the Brucella bacteria. Can spread to
humans.
 Bacteria is spread by eating/drinking unpasteurized milk or
cheese. People that come in contact with animals or meat
are most at risk such as slaughterhouse workers, vets, and
farmers.
Causes:
 4 different types of bacteria
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Brucella melitensis
Brucella suis
Brucella abortus
Brucella canis
Brucella melitensis is the most prevalent and is thought to
cause the most severe cases of brucellosis.
Animals most commonly found with brucellosis
CATTLE
GOAT
SHEEP
DOGS
PIGS
CAMELS
Symptoms:
 Symptoms may develop months after exposure. Can be
chronic and last for years.
 Symptoms can be similar to many other illnesses
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Fever
Sweating
Body aches
Joint pain
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Depression
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Chills
Swollen glands
Diagnosis:
 The similarities between brucellosis and other
illnesses make it difficult to diagnose.
 Ways to diagnose brucellosis are :
 Blood test and blood/tissue cultures
 CT scan or MRI
 Ultrasound
 Lumbar puncture
 Joint aspiration
 Electrocardiogram
Prevention:
Treatment:
 Drinking/eating
pasteurized milk or
cheese
 Antibiotics are used
to treat the infection
and keep it from
coming back
 Wearing protective
goggles and clothing
when handling meat
 Vaccinations for cattle
 Detecting infected
animals
 Rarely surgery may
occur for certain
complications
 BE CAREFUL! –
Relapse may occur
and symptoms may
come back even
after a long period of
time
Questions?