Brucellosis

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Antibodies

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a disease caused by contact with animals carrying the brucella bacteria.

Rock fever; Cyprus fever; Undulant fever; Gibraltar fever; Malta fever

Brucella bacteria infect cattle, goats, camels, dogs, and pigs. Transmission of the disease to humans occurs by contact with infected meat, contact with the placenta of infected animals, or eating or drinking unpasteurized milk or cheese.

The illness may be chronic and persist for years. Brucellosis is rare in the United States (except in the western states) and in visitors or immigrants from countries where it is prevalent (Spain, Mexico, South America, the Middle East).

Approximately 100 - 200 cases occur in the U.S. each year. People working in jobs requiring frequent contact with animals or meat -- such as slaughterhouse workers, farmers, and veterinarians -- are at high risk.

Acute brucellosis may begin with mild flu-like symptoms or with fever , chills, sweating, muscle aches (myalgia), joint aches (arthralgia), and malaise. Classically, fever spikes occur every afternoon to levels around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. "Undulant" fever derives its name from this undulating or up-and-down fever.

Review Date: 11/07/2005
Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.