Siobhan M Mor1, Anke K Wiethoelter2, Peter D Massey3, Jennifer Robson4, Kathryn Wilks5, Penny Hutchinson6. 1. BSc(Vet), BVSc, MANZCVS, PhD, School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW; Marie Bashir Institute for Infection and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW. 2. DrMedVet, MVPHMgt, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3. DrPH, GCPH, RN, Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW; College of Medicine @ Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld. 4. FRACP, FRCPA, FACTM, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Brisbane, Qld. 5. BVMS, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, PhD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld. 6. BMed, FRACGP, MPH@TM, FAFPHM, FNZCPHM, Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, Toowoomba, Qld.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brucellosis, also known as undulant, Mediterranean or Malta fever, is a systemic infection that causes fever, sweats, arthralgias and myalgias. A globally important disease, brucellosis is re-emerging in Australia in association with feral pig hunting activities. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of brucellosis, covering epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prevention. DISCUSSION: Brucellosis should be suspected in all patients with non-specific, flu-like illness who fall into one of the major risk groups (feral pig hunters, overseas travellers and migrants). Depression is common and often severe, relative to other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications, which include osteoarticular, genitourinary or, more rarely, neurological or cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosing acute infections is based on serology and blood cultures; imaging and biopsy may be required for diagnosis of focal infections. Dual therapy with doxycycline and gentamicin is the recommended treatment. Relapse occurs in up to 10% of patients. Prevention is achieved through the use of protective gear during hunting and avoidance of unpasteurised dairy products in countries where occur in animals.
BACKGROUND:Brucellosis, also known as undulant, Mediterranean or Malta fever, is a systemic infection that causes fever, sweats, arthralgias and myalgias. A globally important disease, brucellosis is re-emerging in Australia in association with feral pig hunting activities. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of brucellosis, covering epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prevention. DISCUSSION: Brucellosis should be suspected in all patients with non-specific, flu-like illness who fall into one of the major risk groups (feral pig hunters, overseas travellers and migrants). Depression is common and often severe, relative to other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications, which include osteoarticular, genitourinary or, more rarely, neurological or cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosing acute infections is based on serology and blood cultures; imaging and biopsy may be required for diagnosis of focal infections. Dual therapy with doxycycline and gentamicin is the recommended treatment. Relapse occurs in up to 10% of patients. Prevention is achieved through the use of protective gear during hunting and avoidance of unpasteurised dairy products in countries where occur in animals.