Brucellosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is a common Zoonosis affecting half a million people annually. The most common mode of infection is by consuming unpasteurized milk or milk products. The general manifestations are those of fever with generalized symptoms. The nervous system is affected in 4-7% of cases. The manifestations are protean and include meningo-encephalitis as well as peripheral nervous system involvement. The diagnosis relies on culture, which is cumbersome and can be falsely negative. Agglutination tests for the various species of the organism are the mainstay for diagnosis. Treatment is for 3-6 months with combination therapy including Doxycycline, Rifampicin and ceftriaxone. The main issue is prevention and better animal husbandry.

Keywords: Brucellosis; Chronic meningitis; Meningo-encephalitis; Unpasteurized milk; Zoonosis.