What Causes Brucellosis?

Brucellosis, also known as 'Mediterranean Fever,' is a contagious disease that develops from exposure to a bacteria called Brucella. There are several different types of this bacteria, and it is carried by animals such as cows, sheep, dogs, goats, pigs, and camels. New strains of the Brucella bacteria have recently been found in foxes and seals. All of these animals can transmit the brucella bacteria to humans, leading to brucellosis. Typically, the disease begins with a fever, joint and back pain, extreme tiredness, and loss of appetite. As brucellosis progresses, it may lead to arthritis, more frequent fevers, depression, chronic fatigue, and swelling of the liver, spleen, or heart. Blood tests are required for diagnosis, and the ailment is, thankfully, treatable. There are approximately one hundred cases of brucellosis in the United States each year, and the World Health Organization estimates 500,000 individuals worldwide are diagnosed annually. Many of those who have been successfully treated will go on to experience another episode of the disease in the future.

Let's investigate some of the causes of brucellosis.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Around the world, consuming raw milk, cheese known as 'village cheese,' and other unpasteurized dairy products is a major cause of brucellosis. Typically, these foods are contaminated with either the Brucella melitensis or the Brucella abortus strains of the bacteria. The bacteria then enter the body when the dairy is ingested. Unpasteurized goat's milk, cow's milk, and sheep's milk are common sources of the brucella contaminant. While the Brucella abortus strain, which originates in cattle, has been eradicated in several countries, the Brucella melitensis strain is responsible for the majority of brucellosis cases. It is commonly carried by sheep and goats and is prevalent in South America, the Middle East, India, Spain, and Greece. Rarely, other strains of brucellosis bacteria from unpasteurized products have been linked to the disease. These include Brucella suis and RB51, which can be resistant to some antibiotics.

Continue for more on the causes of brucellosis.