Brucellosis

Brucellosis, which is also known as undulant fever, Malta fever, or Bang’s disease, is an acute febrile illness that is transmitted to humans from animals. It’s caused by the nonmotile, non-spore-forming, gram-negative coccobacilli of the genus Brucella, notably B. suis (found in swine), B. melitensis (found in goats and sheep), B. abortus (found in cattle), and B. canis (found in dogs). Brucellosis causes fever, profuse sweating, anxiety, general aching, and bone, spleen, liver, kidney, or brain abscesses.

With treatment, brucellosis is seldom fatal, although complications can cause permanent disability.

Causes

Brucellosis is most commonly transmitted via consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or through contact with infected animals or their secretions or excretions. Transmission can also occur if the bacteria enter the body through an open wound. It’s most prevalent among farmers, stock handlers, butchers, and veterinarians. Because of such occupational risks, brucellosis infects six times more men than women, especially those between ages 20 and 50; it’s less common in children. Hydrochloric acid in gastric juices kills Brucella bacteria. As a result, people with achlorhydria are particularly susceptible to this disease.

Although brucellosis occurs throughout the world, it’s most prevalent in the Middle East, Africa, the former Soviet Union, India, South America, and Europe; it’s seldom found in the United States, with only 100 to 200 cases being reported each year. The incubation period usually lasts from 5 to 60 days, but in some cases it can last for months.

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