Summary about Disease
Bang's disease, also known as brucellosis, is a bacterial infection caused by various species of Brucella bacteria. It primarily affects livestock such as cattle, bison, elk, swine, goats, and sheep. Humans can become infected through contact with infected animals or their products.
Symptoms
Human symptoms are varied and can be flu-like, including:
Fever
Sweats (often at night)
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Loss of appetite
Weight loss Chronic brucellosis can manifest with recurring fever, arthritis, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining), and neurological symptoms.
Causes
Brucellosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Transmission to humans typically occurs through:
Contact with infected animals: Direct contact with blood, placenta, or other tissues of infected animals, often during birthing or veterinary procedures.
Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products: Drinking raw milk or eating cheese made from unpasteurized milk from infected animals.
Inhalation: Rarely, inhalation of aerosolized bacteria, especially in laboratory or slaughterhouse settings.
Accidental inoculation: Occasional accidental injection with live vaccine intended for animals.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for brucellosis. Common regimens include:
Doxycycline: Usually given for 6 weeks.
Rifampin: Often given in combination with doxycycline for 6 weeks.
Streptomycin or Gentamicin: May be used in severe cases or in combination with doxycycline during the initial phase of treatment. Treatment duration and specific antibiotic combinations depend on the severity of the infection and the presence of complications.
Is Communicable
Brucellosis is rarely transmitted from person to person. Transmission is almost always from animal to human.
Precautions
Pasteurization of milk and dairy products: Consume only pasteurized dairy products.
Safe handling of animals: Use protective clothing (gloves, masks) when handling animals, especially during birthing or slaughtering.
Vaccination of livestock: Vaccinating livestock can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Proper sanitation: Maintain proper hygiene and sanitation in areas where animals are kept or slaughtered.
Awareness: Educate individuals working with animals or consuming animal products about the risks of brucellosis.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an outbreak depends on the source of the infection and the effectiveness of control measures. In individual human cases, symptoms can last for weeks to months if untreated. If treated promptly, the illness duration is limited to the course of treatment (typically 6 weeks of antibiotics). In livestock, outbreaks can last for extended periods if control measures are not implemented effectively.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of brucellosis involves:
Blood tests: Serological tests to detect antibodies against Brucella bacteria. Common tests include the Standard Agglutination Test (SAT), Brucella enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and others.
Blood cultures: To isolate the Brucella bacteria from the blood. This can be more definitive but is not always successful.
Bone marrow aspiration: In some cases, bone marrow aspiration and culture may be performed.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR testing can detect Brucella DNA in blood or other tissues.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: The time between exposure and the onset of symptoms can range from 5 days to several months, typically 2-4 weeks.
Acute phase: Initial symptoms are flu-like (fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, muscle pain) and can last for several weeks.
Subacute phase: Symptoms may persist or recur intermittently over several months.
Chronic phase: In some cases, symptoms can persist for a year or longer, leading to chronic fatigue, joint pain, and other complications.
Important Considerations
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans.
Occupational risk is higher for farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and laboratory personnel.
Relapse of brucellosis is possible even after antibiotic treatment.
Prevention is key, particularly through pasteurization of dairy products and safe handling of animals.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.