Melitococcosis

Melitococcosis is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism Melitococcus, which belongs to the Micrococcaceae family. This is a bacterium that can cause various diseases in animals and humans.

The causative agent of this disease was first described in 1903 and was named Micrococcus sp. melitensis. Currently, it is classified in the genus Melitococcus and is classified as a separate species, Melitococcus saccharolyticus.

Melitococcus is a gram-positive bacterium that has a spherical shape and a size of about 0.5-1.0 µm. It does not form spores or capsules, but can form a mucous capsule. In addition, it is an anaerobic plant and grows only in the absence of oxygen.

The main source of infection is diseased animals such as sheep, goats and cattle. Bacteria can also be transmitted through contaminated food, water and other objects.

The disease can occur in various forms, such as acute, chronic and latent. The acute form manifests itself in the form of fever, joint pain, muscle weakness and other symptoms. The chronic form can manifest itself in the form of arthritis, myositis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

To diagnose the disease, bacteriological research methods are used. They include culture on nutrient media, as well as determination of sensitivity to antibiotics.

The disease is treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline and erythromycin. Interferon drugs and immunomodulators can also be used.

Prevention of the disease consists of following the rules of hygiene and disinfection, as well as vaccinating animals. It is also important to monitor the quality of feed and water to avoid contamination of animals and the spread of infection.

Melitococcosis is an infectious disease of humans, less commonly of animals, caused by brucellosis with the pathogen persisting in water and soil, as well as other types of micrococci. A characteristic symptom is ulcerative-erosive damage to bones and joints, determined by percussion as tympanitis.