Brucellosis (Ethiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis Prevention and Treatment)

Brucellosis is a global and zoonotic bacterial disease (animals to man and not man to man) soliciting attention world-wide not only occupational but as a public health and economic problem to dairy and animal industries. It has many synonyms such as Malta, Mediterranean, undulant, Gibralter, and Neopolitan fever. The infection is by a bacteria, Brucella is directly or indirectly harboured in farm animals. Their keepers and animal product consumers’ suffer economic loss by way of abortion, low milk yield and infertility because of this bacterial disease. Symptoms of human brucellosis are fever, sweat, headache, back pain, physical weakness and even severe infection of the central nervous system or lining of the heart. Chronic symptoms could be recurrent fevers, joint pain and fatigue. In USA during the 1950’s, timely attention to bovine brucellosis Brucella infection in man or herds cause brucellosis and is a zoonotic bacterial disease. Brucellosis is reported from various parts of the world including India. Infection was transferred from farm animals mainly from cattle to man. Veterinarians were found to be the right source to tap bovine brucellosis. This has indicated site-specific zoonotic source as well as a means to diagnose human brucellosis in agricultural, occupational and supporting groups. Therapeutic regimens are firmly recommended by WHO. Age of man was found to play in the development of brucellosis. Serodiagnosis for brucella infection are many. Chronic brucellosis may affect the brain and other systems. Signs and symptoms have been consistent for various stages of brucellosis. Immunological profile for brucellotic patients indicated the relevant stages of the disease. Brucellosis in children is known and is reported from many Mediterranean countries. Prevention made is by eradication of infected herds, vaccination of lambs, calves, goats and man. In addition, pasturization of milk, use of safety devices in animal handlers prevent infection. Side effects of drugs during treatment for longer periods are stomatitis dehydration and requires supporting, symptomatic therapy.