Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella that can be transmitted from animals to humans mainly through the ingestion of undercooked contaminated meat, homemade unpasteurized dairy foods, such as milk or cheese, in addition to transmission through inhalation. bacteria or by direct contact with secretions of an infected animal, leading to the appearance of symptoms that may be similar to flu, such as high fever, headache and muscle pain.
The transmission of brucellosis from person to person is very rare and, therefore, professionals working with animals, such as veterinarians, farmers, milk producers, slaughterhouse workers or microbiologists are at a greater risk of being contaminated. Human brucellosis is curable when its treatment is done soon after diagnosis and usually involves the use of antibiotics for about 2 months or according to the doctor's guidance.
How is the transmission
Brucellosis is an infectious disease that can be acquired through contact with secretions, urine, blood and placental remains of infected animals. In addition, the bacteria can be acquired through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, consumption of undercooked meat, during cleaning of the stables, during the movement of livestock or in slaughterhouses.
Because the bacteria is most often found in animals such as cows, sheep, pigs or oxen, farmers and people who work with these animals, and laboratory professionals who work analyzing samples from these animals, are more likely to acquire the bacteria and develop disease.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of brucellosis vary according to the stage of the disease, which can be acute or chronic. In the acute phase, the symptoms can be similar to those of the flu, such as fever, chills, weakness, headache and tiredness, for example.
If the disease is not identified and, consequently, treatment is not started, brucellosis can progress to the chronic phase, in which there are other symptoms, such as joint pain, weight loss and constant fever. Know other symptoms of brucellosis.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of brucellosis is usually done with antibiotics for about 2 months, being usually recommended by the general practitioner or the infectologist the use of Tetracycline associated with antibiotics of the class of aminoglycosides or Rifampicin. Treatment with antibiotics is only done when the disease is confirmed to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and, consequently, bacterial resistance.
In addition, it is important to adopt some behaviors, such as avoiding the consumption of homemade unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, butter or ice cream to prevent further contamination.
The vaccine for brucellosis in humans does not exist, but there is a vaccine for oxen, calves, cows and sheep between 3 and 8 months of age, which must be administered by a veterinarian and which protects them against the disease, preventing transmission of the disease to humans.
Brucellosis is a disease that can lead to serious complications if not treated properly, such as hepatitis, anemia, arthritis, meningitis or endocarditis.
How to avoid
To avoid brucellosis it is always advisable to ingest milk and pasteurized derivatives, as this is the only way to guarantee that these foods are safe for consumption and do not have the bacteria that causes brucellosis. In addition, to avoid contagion by bacteria, you should:
- Avoid consuming undercooked meat; Avoid consuming any raw dairy food; Wear gloves, goggles, apron and mask when handling sick animals, dead or during childbirth;
Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products, such as homemade milk, cheese, ice cream or butter.
These measures aim to prevent the transmission of the disease or new contamination, if the person has already been ill.
