Cyprus fever; Undulant fever; Gibraltar fever; Malta fever; Mediterranean fever DefinitionBrucellosis is a bacterial infection that occurs from contact with animals carrying brucella bacteria. CausesBrucella can infect cattle, goats, camels, dogs, and pigs. The bacteria can spread to humans by:
Brucellosis is rare in the United States. About 100 to 200 cases occur each year. Most cases are caused by the Brucella melitensis bacteria. People working in jobs where they often come in contact with animals or meat are at higher risk. This includes slaughterhouse workers, farmers, and veterinarians. Brucella is found in many countries worldwide including:
SymptomsAcute brucellosis may begin with mild flu-like symptoms, or symptoms such as:
High fever spikes often occur every afternoon. The name undulant fever is often used to describe this disease because the fever rises and falls in waves. The illness may be chronic and last for years. Exams and TestsYour health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. You'll also be asked if you've been in contact with animals or possibly eaten dairy products that were not pasteurized. Tests that may be done include:
TreatmentAntibiotics are used to treat the infection and prevent it from coming back. These include:
Often, you need to take antibiotics for 6 weeks. If there are complications from brucellosis, you will likely need to take the medicines for a longer period. Outlook (Prognosis)Symptoms may come and go for years. Also, the illness can come back after a long period of not having symptoms. Possible ComplicationsHealth problems that may result from brucellosis include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider for an appointment if:
PreventionDrinking and eating only pasteurized dairy products, such as milk and cheeses, is the most important way to reduce the risk for brucellosis. People who handle meat should wear protective eyewear and clothing and protect skin breaks from infection. Detecting infected animals controls the infection at its source. Vaccination is available for cattle, but not humans. ReferencesGotuzzo E, Ryan ET. Brucellosis. In: Ryan ET, Hill DR, Solomon T, Aronson NE, Endy TP, eds. Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 75. Gul HC, Erdem H. Brucellosis (Brucella species). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 226. | |
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Review Date: 8/26/2023 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Brucellosis
Antibodies
