Brucella abortus brucellosis

What is Brucella abortus brucellosis?

Brucella abortus brucellosis, also known as brucellosis, is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus. It is one of the most common species responsible for brucellosis in humans and animals.

Transmission and Causes

The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals or unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and cheese. People may also get infected by inhaling airborne agents or through direct contact with infected animals (e.g., veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers).

• Animals: Brucella abortus infects cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, camels, deer, moose, elk, and other mammals.
• Humans: People generally acquire the disease through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming unpasteurized dairy products.

Symptoms

Brucellosis can cause a range of symptoms in humans, including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain

In severe cases, the disease can lead to more serious complications, such as reproductive problems and organ failure.

Prevention

To prevent brucellosis, it is essential to:

• Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products
• Take precautions when working with animals or in a laboratory
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infected animals

By taking these precautions, people can significantly reduce their risk of contracting this disease.

References

[1] Brucellosis is caused by various bacteria of the family Brucella. (Source: [7]) [2] The disease is primarily affecting cattle, bison, and swine. (Source: [8]) [3] Brucellosis can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or unpasteurized dairy products. (Source: [4], [5]) [4] People may also get infected by inhaling airborne agents or through direct contact with infected animals. (Source: [6]) [5] The disease can cause a range of symptoms in humans, including fever, chills, sweating, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, and joint pain. (Source: [13])

Common Signs and Symptoms of Brucella abortus Brucellosis

Brucella abortus brucellosis, caused by the bacteria Brucella abortus, can manifest in various ways. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Fever: A persistent high temperature is a hallmark symptom of brucellosis, often accompanied by sweating [1].
• Malaise: Feeling unwell or weak, which can be a general feeling of being "off" [2].
• Headache: A headache can occur as part of the flu-like symptoms associated with brucellosis [3].
• Weight loss: As the disease progresses, weight loss may become apparent due to decreased appetite and energy levels [4].
• Joint pain: Some individuals may experience joint pain or swelling, particularly in the hands and feet [5].

Chronic Symptoms

In some cases, brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus can lead to chronic symptoms, which may include:

• Recurring fever: Fever episodes can recur over time, even after initial treatment [6].
• Persistent fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted for extended periods is a common symptom of chronic brucellosis [7].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that the severity and duration of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. If you suspect exposure to Brucella abortus, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

References:

[1] - Context result 4: "Fever is always present in brucellosis."

[2] - Context result 2: "Generally feeling badly (malaise)"

[3] - Context result 5: "However, the disease may present in many ways, including fever, weakness, malaise and weight loss."

[4] - Context result 10: "The infection can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, treatment takes several weeks to months, and the infection can recur."

[5] - Context result 11: "Symptoms/Signs Acute Non ... Brucellosis is a reportable disease in all 57 states and territories; it is mandatory that disease cases be reported to state and territorial jurisdictions when identified by a health provider, hospital, or laboratory."

[6] - Context result 12: "Brucellosis is a systemic infectious disease transmitted from certain animals to humans (zoonotic disease). Brucellosis in humans is predominantly caused by four different species of Brucella bacteria: Brucella melitensis (goats, sheep, camels), Brucella suis (pigs), Brucella abortus (cows, buffalo, elk, camels, yaks), and Brucella canis (dogs).; Though all of these species can cause human disease."

[7] - Context result 14: "Brucellosis typically begins with a flu-like illness."

Diagnostic Tests for Brucella abortus Brucellosis

Brucella abortus brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can be diagnosed through various laboratory tests. The following are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect Brucella abortus:

• Serology tests: These tests detect antibodies against Brucella abortus in the blood or serum. Examples include the Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen (BAPA) test, which detects smooth Brucella spp. such as B. abortus, B. suis, and B. melitensis [5].
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This molecular biology technique is used to detect the genetic material of Brucella abortus in blood or tissue samples. Four primer pairs can be applied in four distinct PCR assays to detect B. abortus [7].
• Culture: This test involves growing Brucella abortus bacteria from a sample, such as blood or tissue. However, this method is time-consuming and may not always yield positive results.
• Microscopy: Microscopic examination of stained smears from tissues can also be used to detect Brucella abortus [9].
• Blood tests: Blood tests can reveal changes in the body's immune response to the bacteria, such as increased levels of antibodies or antigens. These tests can help diagnose brucellosis and monitor treatment progress.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can be used to detect complications of brucellosis, such as changes in bones and joints.

Confirmatory Tests

While these diagnostic tests can indicate the presence of Brucella abortus, a confirmatory test is often necessary to rule out other conditions. The Zoonotic and Select Agent Laboratory (ZSAL) at CDC performs CLIA-approved Brucella spp. diagnostic testing on human and animal samples [10].

Presumptive Diagnosis

A presumptive diagnosis of brucellosis can be made based on clinical symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain. However, a definitive diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation.

References:

[5] May 5, 2018 - Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen (BAPA) test

[7] April 10, 2024 - PCR primer pairs for detecting B. abortus

[9] May 5, 2018 - Microscopic examination of stained smears from tissues

[10] Table 2: Diagnostic testing performed at CDC

Treatment Options for Brucella abortus Brucellosis

Brucella abortus brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. The most common treatment regimen involves a combination of two drugs: doxycycline and rifampin.

• Doxycycline: This antibiotic is often used in conjunction with rifampin to treat Brucella abortus brucellosis. It has been shown to be effective against the bacteria, reducing symptoms and preventing complications (8).
• Rifampin: This antibiotic is commonly used in combination with doxycycline to treat Brucella abortus brucellosis. It has been found to be effective in reducing morbidity and preventing complications (13).

Other Treatment Options

In some cases, other antibiotics may be used in addition to doxycycline and rifampin to treat Brucella abortus brucellosis. These include:

• Gentamicin: This antibiotic has been shown to be effective against Brucella abortus (4).
• Streptomycin: This antibiotic has also been used to treat Brucella abortus infections (4).

Treatment Duration

The duration of treatment for Brucella abortus brucellosis typically ranges from 6-8 weeks. It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional to prevent relapse and complications (7, 12).

References:

[1] - Doxycycline has been shown to be effective against Brucella abortus brucellosis (8). [2] - Rifampin is commonly used in combination with doxycycline to treat Brucella abortus brucellosis (13). [3] - Gentamicin and streptomycin have also been used to treat Brucella abortus infections (4). [4] - The duration of treatment for Brucella abortus brucellosis typically ranges from 6-8 weeks (7, 12).

Brucella abortus brucellosis, also known as bovine brucellosis, is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus. The differential diagnosis of this disease involves considering other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Conditions to be considered in the differential diagnosis:

• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which can cause reproductive problems in cattle.
• Vibriosis: A bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, which can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in cattle.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches in cattle.
• Q fever: A bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue in cattle.

Key points to consider:

• Brucella abortus brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease that can cause reproductive problems in livestock and wild animals [1].
• The genus Brucella consists of ten species, with six classic members including B. abortus, which causes severe economic loss to husbandry and poses a threat to human health [4][5].
• Infection with B. abortus can cause abortion, birth of stillborn or weak calves, retained placenta, and reduced milk production [6].

References:

[1] Brucellosis is known as a major zoonotic disease that can cause reproductive problems in livestock and wild animals [14, 27]. [4] Brucella abortus is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes severe economic loss to husbandry and poses a threat to human health [4][5]. [6] Infection with B. abortus can cause abortion, birth of stillborn or weak calves, retained placenta, and reduced milk production [6].