Brucella
- Brucella bacteria are associated with livestock; epidemics among farm animals lead to economic devastation.
Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus and Brucella suis
Brucella melitensis is associated with most human infections.
- Intracellular pathogens that cause chronic infections with granuloma formation, particularly in the reticuloendothelial system.
- Treatment includes doxycline and streptomycin or rifampin; relapse is common.
- Brucellosis mimics other infectious diseases; because of this, diagnosis is often delayed.
Brucellosis
- Early infection is characterized by undulant fever with chills, sweating, coughing, vomiting, and weakness.
- Advanced infection is systemic with multi-organ effects and increased risk of abortion.