Diagnostic Approaches for Brucellosis
During a physical examination, various symptoms may be checked by a doctor to identify the possibility of brucellosis. These symptoms may include swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, fever without any clear reason, joint swelling and pain, and a rash on the body. The primary method for diagnosing brucellosis is serology, which uses tests such as:
- – The Rose Bengal Test (RBPT),
- – Serum agglutination test (SAT),
- – Complement fixation test (CFT),
- – Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
- – And Mammary ring test (MRT) to detect Brucella bacteria in the blood.
While bacterial isolation is considered the standard for diagnosis, it requires specialized laboratory facilities and biosafety levels. PCR is an alternative molecular detection technique that can also be used for diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Brucellosis
Brucellosis is an illness that can result in symptoms similar to the flu, which includes fever, malaise, weakness, and weight loss. However, the condition may also appear in unusual forms, and some patients may experience mild symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. The incubation time for the disease can differ widely and typically lasts between one week and two months, with an average of 2-4 weeks.
Several treatment options are available for brucellosis, including:
- – A combination of Doxycycline in a dose of 100 mg taken twice daily for 45 days along with streptomycin about 1 g taken daily for 15 days.
- – Another primary treatment alternative is Doxycycline in a dose of 100 mg two times daily for 45 days combined with rifampicin in a dose of 15 mg/kg/day (600–900 mg) for 45 days.
- – Gentamicin at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day for 7-10 days can also be used instead of streptomycin, but there are currently no studies comparing the two regimens.
- – The most effective treatment for pregnant women, newborns, and children under eight years old has not been determined yet.
For children, the options include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole drugs (co-trimoxazole) in combination with an aminoglycoside (streptomycin, gentamicin) or a drug with name rifampicin.
Disease Mitigation Strategies
To prevent brucellosis, it is important to avoid consuming meat and dairy products that have not been adequately cooked or pasteurized. This includes products like milk, cheese, and ice cream. Pasteurization is known as a process in which raw milk is heated to an optimum high temperature for a short period of time to eliminate pathogenic bacteria that can make the milk unsafe to consume. It is crucial to only consume dairy products that have been properly pasteurized.
If you handle animal tissues, such as hunters or herders, it is important to take precautions to avoid potential infection. This includes using rubber gloves, glasses, and protective coats or aprons to stop bacteria from highly infected animals from entering your eyes or any cuts or abrasions on your skin. By taking these measures, you can reduce your risk of contracting brucellosis.
References;
Centre for Disease control and prevention. (2019, 3). Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/brucellosis/prevention/index.html
Tariq Jamil, A. U. (2021). Frontiers in Public health. Retrieved from www.frontiersin.org: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.660508/full