Brucellosis: A Global Challenge

Abstract

Brucellosis (Malta fever, Mediterranean fever, or undulant fever) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. This disease affects both humans and animals, posing significant public health and economic concerns worldwide. Brucellosis remains a prevalent global issue, particularly in regions with inadequate veterinary control and surveillance systems. The transmission of brucellosis occurs primarily through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated products such as unpasteurized milk, cheese, and meat. The disease can spread through inhalation of infected aerosols or contaminated environmental sources. Human-to-human transmission is rare but possible, mainly through sexual intercourse, vertical transmission from mother to child, or laboratory. Clinically brucellosis in humans varies widely showing a flu-like illness, with symptoms including fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, myalgia, and joint pain. In some cases, brucellosis can become chronic and lead to more severe complications, such as arthritis, endocarditis, neurologic disorders, and reproductive. The management of brucellosis involves a multidisciplinary approach, i.e. accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive surveillance and control measures. Antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy, typically administered for several weeks or months, depending on the clinical presentation and severity of the disease. Preventive measures include the implementation of vaccination programs for livestock, strict hygiene practices in animal husbandry, pasteurization of dairy products, and public education regarding the risks associated with consuming unpasteurized animal products. Control of brucellosis requires collaboration between veterinary and human health sectors, as well as active participation from governments, international organizations, and communities. Improved diagnostic methods, surveillance systems, and public awareness are crucial to reducing the burden of brucellosis and preventing its spread.

Adaptation of epizootic brucella strains to the conditions of artificial nutrient media and the body of experimentally infected animals

“…The complex of diagnostic measures regulated by the current regulatory documents includes research methods that allow to identify the infectious process at its various stages [6]. For the analysis of the epizootic situation, the establishment of the factors of pathogen introduction and the prediction of infectious process manifestation, information about the properties of the pathogen of brucellosis circulating in the focus is of great importance [7].…”