You've Got What?
How infectious diseases are spread and simple and practical advice for preventing the spread of infection in the home and community
This is a bacterial infection caused by a number of types of Brucella bacteria (Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, and B canis). The bacteria are usually found in the below and can cause illness in these animals.
B. abortus was successfully eradicated from cattle herds in Australia in 1989. B. melitensis and B. canis infections do not occur in Australia. Overseas travellers to areas where these infections are present may develop illness while overseas or on returning to Australia.
B. suis is found in some populations of feral pigs in Queensland and rarely spills over into domestic pigs. It remains a potential source of human infection in Australia.
Brucella infection is a notifiable condition1
Brucella infection is mainly an occupational disease of farm workers, veterinarians and abattoir workers. The infection is spread by contact of breaks in the skin (open cuts or sores) with infected animal tissue or the ingestion of unpasteurised milk and dairy products from infected animals. The bacteria can also be inhaled in dusty animal enclosures, abattoirs and laboratories. Outbreaks can occur.
Symptoms in humans include:
The infection can affect the liver and spleen, and may last for days or months, and sometimes for a year or more if not treated.
Joint complications and involvement of the testes and epididymis (storage tubes for sperm that are on top of the testes) are common. Recovery is usual but relapses can occur. Death can occur from inflammation of the lining of the heart (endocarditis) but this is very rare.
Diagnosis is made by growing Brucella bacteria from the blood, bone marrow or other infected body tissues or from discharges from infected body tissues. Blood tests are also used to make the diagnosis.
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
Variable. Usually 5 to 60 days, occasionally several months.
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
There is no evidence of person-to-person spread.
People with Brucella infection can be treated with a combination of antibiotics, usually for at least 6 weeks. If relapse occurs, 3 months of antibiotic treatment is needed.
1 – In South Australia the law requires doctors and laboratories to report some infections or diseases to SA Health. These infections or diseases are commonly referred to as 'notifiable conditions'.