Brucellosis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Brucellosis''' is a [[zoonosis]] ([[infectious disease]] transmitted from animals to humans) caused by [[bacteria]] of the genus ''[[Brucella]]''. It is primarily a disease of domestic animals (goats, pigs, cattle, dogs, etc) and humans and has a worldwide distribution, mostly now in developing countries. | '''Brucellosis''' is a [[zoonosis]] ([[infectious disease]] transmitted from animals to humans) caused by [[bacteria]] of the genus ''[[Brucella]]''. It is primarily a disease of domestic animals (goats, pigs, cattle, dogs, etc) and humans and has a worldwide distribution, mostly now in developing countries. | ||
==Causes== | |||
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. | |||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | |||
Brucellosis is not very common in the United States, where 100 to 200 cases occur each year. But brucellosis can be very common in countries where animal disease control programs have not reduced the amount of disease among animals. | |||
Although brucellosis can be found worldwide, it is more common in countries that do not have good standardized and effective public health and domestic animal health programs. Areas currently listed as high risk are the Mediterranean Basin (Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, North Africa), South and Central America, Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Unpasteurized cheeses, sometimes called "village cheeses," from these areas may represent a particular risk for tourists <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/brucellosis_g.htm#whatis </ref>. | |||
==Complications== | |||
The disease's [[wiktionary:sequela|sequelae]] are highly variable and may include [[hepatitis|granulomatous hepatitis]], [[arthritis]], [[spondylitis]], [[anemia]], [[leukopenia]], [[thrombocytopenia]], [[meningitis]], [[uveitis]], [[optic neuritis]] and [[endocarditis]]. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===Laboratory Findings=== | |||
Brucellosis is diagnosed in a laboratory by finding [[Brucella]] organisms in samples of blood or [[bone marrow]]. Also, blood tests can be done to detect antibodies against the bacteria. If this method is used, two blood samples should be collected 2 weeks apart <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/brucellosis_g.htm# </ref>. | |||
===Imaging=== | |||
Radiologic alterations in infected vertebrae include the Pedro Pons sign (preferential erosion of antero-superior corner of lumbar vertebrae) and marked osteophytosis are suspicious of brucellic spondylitis. | |||
==Prevention== | |||
To prevent brucellosis, unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream should be avoided while traveling. IHunters and animal herdsman should use rubber gloves when handling viscera of animals. There is no vaccine available for humans. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 15:16, 5 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Brucellosis is a zoonosis (infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans) caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is primarily a disease of domestic animals (goats, pigs, cattle, dogs, etc) and humans and has a worldwide distribution, mostly now in developing countries.
Causes
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Brucellosis is not very common in the United States, where 100 to 200 cases occur each year. But brucellosis can be very common in countries where animal disease control programs have not reduced the amount of disease among animals.
Although brucellosis can be found worldwide, it is more common in countries that do not have good standardized and effective public health and domestic animal health programs. Areas currently listed as high risk are the Mediterranean Basin (Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, North Africa), South and Central America, Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Unpasteurized cheeses, sometimes called "village cheeses," from these areas may represent a particular risk for tourists [1].
Complications
The disease's sequelae are highly variable and may include granulomatous hepatitis, arthritis, spondylitis, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, meningitis, uveitis, optic neuritis and endocarditis.
Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
Brucellosis is diagnosed in a laboratory by finding Brucella organisms in samples of blood or bone marrow. Also, blood tests can be done to detect antibodies against the bacteria. If this method is used, two blood samples should be collected 2 weeks apart [2].
Imaging
Radiologic alterations in infected vertebrae include the Pedro Pons sign (preferential erosion of antero-superior corner of lumbar vertebrae) and marked osteophytosis are suspicious of brucellic spondylitis.
Prevention
To prevent brucellosis, unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream should be avoided while traveling. IHunters and animal herdsman should use rubber gloves when handling viscera of animals. There is no vaccine available for humans.