3. BACKGROUND
Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the
bacterial genus Brucella. These organisms localize in the
reproductive organs of host animals, causing abortions
and sterility.
They are shed in large numbers in the animal's urine,
milk, and placental fluid.
Exposure to infected animals and animal products causes
the disease in humans.
4.
5. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in KSA
Patients and Methods: A natural survey of 23,613 subjects was conducted in
1997, in order to assess the seroprevalence of brucellosis in Saudi Arabia.
Investigations included interviews, clinical examination and blood sampling for
antibody determination, using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT).
Results: the seroprevalence of brucellosis was 15%. The seroprevalence
increased by age, and was higher in rural areas, and among people in high-risk
occupations.
7. MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Consumption of infected,
unpasteurized animal-milk products.
Direct contact with infected animal
parts.
Inhalation of infected aerosolized
particles.
Consumption of meat of infected
animal ???
8. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
HX
Generally nonspecific
Fever
Malodorous perspiration
Constitutional symptoms
O/E
Generally nonspecific
Lymphadenopathy
Hepatomegaly or spleenomegaly
11. (COMPLICATIONS (LESS COMMON
Central nervous system disorders
e.g meningitis, encephalitis, brain abcess.
Endocarditis
Respiratory disorders
e.g lobar pneumonia, pleural effusion.
Every organ and system of the human body can be
affected.
12. RELAPSE
Relapses usually occur at a rate of about 10 % , in the first year
after infection.
Often milder in severity than the initial disease, and can be
treated with a repeated course of the usual antibiotic regimens.
Most cases of relapse are caused by :
1. Inadequate treatment.
2. Associated with characteristics of the initial infection that include
a duration of < 10 days, male sex, bacteremia, and
thrombocytopenia.