Brucellosis
About Brucellosis
An infection caused by the Brucella bacteria. Patients become infected by coming in contact with the meat or ingesting the milk/cheese of infected animals. The most commonly infected animals include cattle, goats, pigs, dogs, and camels. The disease is very rare in the United States. The bacteria may infect the bones (osteomyelitis), the brain (encephalitis), the heart valves (endocarditis), or the covering of the brain (meningitis).Symptoms
Fever, abdominal pain, back pain, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, unexplained weight loss, sweating, and joint pain. The fever may facilitate up and down. Severe cases may experience confusion, stiff neck, and coma.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. The bacteria can be cultured. Blood tests can be performed to identify the antigen of the bacteria or the antibody (IgM) against the bacteria. Depending on the symptoms other blood tests and imaging tests may be performed.Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
The following antibiotics are prescribed: for non-pregnant adults doxycycline or ciprofloxacin, for children rifampin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Other treatments are dependence on the severity of the infection.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Brucellosis.