Brucellosis Overview and Epidemiology

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Questions and Answers

What laboratory finding is associated with brucellosis in approximately 50% of cases?

Increased platelet count

Severe anemia

Leucopenia below 4000

Lymphocytosis (correct)

Which test is indicated as suggestive of brucellosis when a titer of 1/160 is observed?

Serum agglutination test (correct)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Bone marrow culture

Blood culture

What treatment regimen is typically recommended for adults diagnosed with brucellosis?

Amoxicillin and Azithromycin

Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole

Vancomycin and Gentamicin

Doxycycline and Rifampicin (correct)

What is the Prozone phenomenon in the context of brucellosis testing?

False negative results despite culture positivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with brucellosis?

Acute abdominal pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 2-mercaptoethanol test in diagnosing brucellosis?

To confirm a recent infection Signup and view all the answers

In which cases is a longer duration of treatment for brucellosis necessary?

When joint, neurologic lesions, or endocarditis are present Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is considered a differential diagnosis for brucellosis?

Cerebral malaria Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical manifestation of brucellosis during acute illness?

Excessive sweating Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is most commonly involved in granuloma formation due to brucellosis?

Spleen Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical incubation period for brucellosis?

2-4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical complication of chronic brucellosis?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is likely indicative of localized infection in brucellosis?

Papilledema Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is commonly affected in joint infections due to brucellosis?

Lumbar spine Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients with chronic brucellosis may experience symptoms for over a year?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of brucellosis during pregnancy?

Abortion Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary mode of transmission for brucellosis?

Consumption of contaminated unpasteurized milk Signup and view all the answers

Which Brucella species is primarily associated with bovine reservoirs?

Brucella abortus Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical manifestation of brucellosis?

Joint and back pain Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the chronic nature of brucellosis if not properly treated?

Delayed diagnosis and treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a Brucella species known to cause infections in humans?

Brucella canis Signup and view all the answers

Which antigen predominates in Brucella melitensis?

M antigen Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do Brucella bacteria possess?

They are non-motile and intracellular pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What effect does pasteurization have on brucellosis transmission?

It eliminates the bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brucellosis

A common occupational zoonotic illness
Caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella
Transmitted through contact with infected animals or animal products
Symptoms include fever, joint pain, back pain, and possible progression to chronic illness
Diagnosed through clinical presentation and laboratory tests
Treatment regimens vary, but may include antibiotics
Symptoms can be insidious or sudden onset
Manifestations can include swinging high temperatures, chills, sweating, headache, exhaustion, muscular pain, and constipation

Epidemiology

Infected animals are reservoirs of infection
Common animal reservoirs include cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs
Ingesting contaminated unpasteurized milk and products is a common route of transmission
Infected fluids and aerosols can transmit infection
Workers in microbiology labs, and those with occupations involving infected animals are at a higher risk of infection

Mode of Transmission

Ingestion of contaminated unpasteurized milk or dairy products
Close contact with infected animals (including ingestion of contaminated products such as placenta, carcasses, and milk)
Inhalation of contaminated aerosols
Handling infected materials in a lab setting

Pathogenesis

Brucella bacteria, after ingestion are capable of surviving through the stomach's acidic environment. Bacteria are then phagocytosed by neutrophils and macrophages which may then carry them to local lymph nodes where they replicate intracellularly
Bacteria can disseminate to other organs and tissues leading to inflammation and a range of clinical symptoms

Pathology

Granuloma formation in the liver and spleen

Clinical Manifestations

Acute illness may present with fever, chills, sweating, headache, lethargy, and muscular pains
Joint and bone involvement, including arthritis and vertebral infection
Localized infections, such as epididymitis and or orchitis
Possible neurologic involvement (e.g., meningoencephalitis)
Pregnancy complications, including spontaneous abortion and stillbirth.

Laboratory Findings

Normal or slightly decreased hemoglobin
Reduced leukocyte count
Reduced thrombocytes
Possible elevated transaminases
Increased alkaline phosphatase

Serology

Specific antibody tests help diagnose brucellosis (ELISA, agglutination)
Positive agglutination titer of 1/160 or higher is suggestive of active infection

Chronic Brucellosis

Persistent symptoms (fever, fatigue, or muscle pain) lasting for more than 2 months may suggest chronic brucellosis

Diagnosis

Includes clinical evaluation, blood culture, serological tests, bone marrow cultures

Treatment

Usually antibiotics such as doxycycline, streptomycin, and rifampicin
Duration of treatment varies based on the severity and site of infection
Treatment may need to be prolonged in patients with complications such as joint or neurological damage

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of brucellosis, a zoonotic illness caused by Brucella bacteria. It includes information about symptoms, transmission routes, and risk factors associated with infection. Test your knowledge on the epidemiology and treatment of this occupational disease.