We all love animals very much, don't we? Some people keep dogs and cats at home. Others do things like raising cows and goats. But when we are with these beloved animals, we also need to think a little about the diseases that we can catch from them. Today, we are going to talk about a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, but is not talked about much in our country. This is called Brucellosis .
What is Brucellosis?
Simply put, brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called `Brucella`. The specialty of this is that this bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans.
There are different types of this `Brucella` bacteria. Some types are found in cows and bulls. Other types can be found in dogs, pigs, sheep, goats and camels. The sad thing is, once an animal gets this disease, it cannot be completely cured.
Although this disease does not receive much attention in countries like Sri Lanka, it is a significant health threat in some parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, more than half a million people are infected with this disease annually.
How does this disease spread to us?
This disease is most often transmitted to humans through contact with an animal infected with the Brucella bacteria or a product derived from that animal.
There are three main ways bacteria can enter your body:
- Through a cut or scratch on the skin: If blood, milk, or other secretions from an infected animal come into contact with a wound on your skin.
- By breathing in infected air: This is somewhat rare. This risk can be present in places like animal farms and meat shops.
- By consuming contaminated food or drink: This is the most common way. The disease can be spread by consuming unpasteurized milk or cheese and by eating undercooked meat.
Very rarely, the disease can be transmitted from person to person. For example, there have been reports of transmission from a mother infected with brucellosis to her child during breastfeeding and through sexual contact.
There are several main types of Brucella bacteria that cause brucellosis in humans. Let's look at them in a table.
| Bacterial strain | The most common animal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| B. melitensis | Sheep and goats | This is the type that most commonly causes the disease in humans. It is common in countries such as the Middle East, India, and Latin America. |
| B. suis | Wild boars | It can be seen in parts of America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. |
| B. canis | Dogs | Dogs can transmit the disease to humans. We will talk about this further. |
| B. abortus | Cattle | It is found all over the world, but this species has been eradicated from many developed countries. |
Can I get this disease from the dog in my house?
This is a problem that many people have. Yes, dogs can be infected with a type of bacteria called `B. canis`. There have been cases of pet owners contracting the disease from such dogs, but it is usually a mild infection .
In most cases, an infected dog will not transmit the disease to its owner. However, if you come into contact with the blood, urine, or other secretions of an infected dog, the risk is higher. This is why veterinarians are at greater risk.
Important: If your immune system is weakened (for example, due to a medical condition such as cancer, HIV, or certain medications), it is safest to avoid contact with dogs infected with Brucella.
Who is at higher risk of developing this disease?
Although anyone can develop this disease, some people are at higher risk, especially those who work with animals.
- People who consume unpasteurized milk and dairy products (e.g. cheese, yogurt). This risk is present because of milk that is not properly heated, which is called "village milk" in our country.
- People who work on farms, butcher shops, or slaughterhouses .
- Veterinarians and those working in the animal health field.
- Hunters , especially those who hunt animals such as wild boars.
- People traveling to foreign countries where brucellosis is common.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
The symptoms of brucellosis are often similar to those of a common cold or flu , so it can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms usually begin to appear between 5 and 30 days after exposure to the bacteria.
Common symptoms are:
- Fever: This is the main and most common symptom. You may notice a pattern of fever rising, especially in the evening .
- Back pain and body pain.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Night sweats.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Stomach pain and cough.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the strain of Brucella you are infected with. For example, B. abortus causes mild symptoms, while B. melitensis can cause sudden, severe symptoms and even disability.
How does a doctor diagnose this?
If you have symptoms like fever, body aches, and you are someone who interacts with animals, see a doctor immediately. The doctor will examine you.
- Is the liver or spleen swollen?
- Are the lymph nodes swollen?
- Do you have a fever for no reason?
- Are your joints swollen and painful?
But to definitively diagnose this disease, a blood test is needed. Through this, it is possible to know exactly whether the Brucella bacteria is present in the body and what strain it is.
What are the treatments for brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a difficult disease to treat, but it can be cured. If you are diagnosed with the disease, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics .
Usually, a combination of two antibiotics, such as `doxycycline` and `rifampin`, is taken for a long period of time, such as 6-8 weeks .
Remember this: To prevent the disease from recurring, you must take the medication for the entire duration prescribed by your doctor, without missing a single day. There is a 5-15% risk of relapse after treatment.
It can take several weeks, sometimes months, to fully recover. If treatment is started within a month of the onset of symptoms, the chances of a complete cure are high.
What happens if the disease becomes complicated?
If not treated properly, brucellosis can become severe and cause serious complications.
- Infection of the central nervous system.
- Infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart (endocarditis).
- Liver abscess.
For some people, symptoms may persist long after the disease has resolved. For example, chronic fatigue, intermittent fever, and joint pain.
If a pregnant mother contracts brucellosis, it can cause miscarriage or birth defects in the baby. Therefore, extra care should be taken if you are around animals during pregnancy.
Take-Home Message
- Brucellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Brucella, which is transmitted from animals to humans .
- The main risk is from eating unpasteurized (not properly heated) products such as milk and cheese and from close contact with infected animals.
- Symptoms are similar to a common flu. The main symptoms are fever that increases in the evening, body aches, and sweating .
- If you work with animals or have consumed unpasteurized milk and have the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately .
- Antibiotics must be taken for a long time for treatment, and it is essential to complete the entire course of medication as directed by your doctor .
- It's best to be safe. Always use only pasteurized dairy products . Use protective measures like gloves when working with animals.
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