Brucellosis

Brucellosis: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious-allergic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is characterized by intoxication, damage to the musculoskeletal system, nervous and reproductive systems. Brucellosis can be caused by four species of Brucella, with the most important being Brucella of goats and sheep, followed by Brucella of cattle and pigs.

The causative agent of brucellosis is stable in the external environment, as well as in food products such as milk and cheese. Infection occurs through the nutritional route through raw milk and dairy products, as well as through microdamage to the skin with the help of animals. Aerogenic infection is possible through inhalation of dust containing Brucella.

The reproduction and accumulation of microbes occurs mainly in the lymph nodes, from which Brucella periodically enters the blood. The pathogen spreads hematogenously throughout the body and leads to allergic restructuring of the body, characteristic of delayed-type hypersensitivity, and the formation of foci in various organs and systems.

Symptoms of brucellosis can manifest themselves polymorphically. In some infected people, a primary latent form occurs without clinical symptoms, which is manifested only by immunological reactions. In others, the disease occurs in acute (acuteseptic) or chronic (primary chronic metastatic and secondary chronic metastatic) forms.

The acute septic form of brucellosis is characterized by a high temperature of up to 40 °C, at which patients feel well. Moderate headache, repeated chills, and increased sweating are noted. All groups of peripheral lymph nodes, liver and spleen are moderately enlarged.

In chronic forms of brucellosis, against the background of low-grade fever and reticuloendotheliosis (micropolyadenitis, enlarged liver and spleen), various organ changes may appear. Large joints, muscles, the peripheral nervous system and the reproductive system are often affected.

To diagnose brucellosis, epidemiological prerequisites and characteristic clinical manifestations are taken into account. It is necessary to differentiate from sepsis, meningococcal infection, tuberculosis, rheumatic diseases and other diseases that may be accompanied by similar symptoms.

Treatment of brucellosis is carried out with antibiotics in combination with immunomodulators and detoxification therapy. The duration of the course of antibiotics can reach several months. It is also important to regularly monitor the patient's condition and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Prevention of brucellosis includes proper processing of milk and dairy products before consumption, compliance with hygiene measures when working with animals, the use of protective equipment when interacting with animals, as well as timely vaccination of livestock.

If you suspect or know of brucellosis, contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. In case of timely consultation with a doctor and proper treatment, the prognosis of the disease is usually favorable.



Brucellosis is an acute infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Characterized by fever, damage to the musculoskeletal system, liver, and spleen.

The causative agent of brucellosis is bacteria of the genus Brucella (B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis, etc.). The source of infection are goats, sheep, cows, and pigs. Infection occurs through nutritional routes through consumption of raw milk and dairy products. Infection through damaged skin and mucous membranes through contact with infected animals is possible.

The incubation period lasts from 5 days to 2 months. The disease begins acutely with an increase in body temperature to 38-40 °C. The fever is wavy in nature. There is weakness, sweating, and headache. Characterized by pain in muscles, joints, and lower back. In acute brucellosis, enlargement of the liver and spleen is possible. Complications from the nervous, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems may develop.

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, epidemiological history and laboratory tests (agglutination test, ELISA).

Treatment is carried out with antibiotics (doxycycline, rifampicin) for 6 weeks. Bed rest is important. Detoxification therapy and vitamin therapy are carried out. The prognosis with timely treatment is favorable. Prevention consists of veterinary control, pasteurization of milk, and compliance with personal hygiene rules. Brucellosis is subject to mandatory registration and hospitalization.



Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, including fever, arthritis, myalgia and lymphadenopathy.

The source of infection is domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Transmission occurs through contact with an infected animal or person who sheds the bacteria in urine, feces, milk or other body fluids.

Brucellosis can occur in acute, chronic and subclinical forms. The acute form is characterized by fever, chills, myalgia, arthritis, swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms. The chronic form is manifested by arthritis, infertility and damage to the nervous system.

Diagnosis of brucellosis is based on the detection of antibodies to Brucella in the blood and other biological fluids. Treatment includes antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, or erythromycin.

Prevention of brucellosis includes monitoring the health of animals, maintaining good hygiene when working with animals and using personal protective equipment when in contact with them.

Overall, brucellosis is a serious disease that can lead to serious consequences for human health. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the spread of infection and timely treatment of sick people.