Brucellosis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease)

Brucellosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. After entering the body, they are transported to the nearest lymph node. From there, they can infect the entire body hematogenously (through the bloodstream). Inflammatory granulomas (nodular tissue neoplasms) form in the affected organs, often bone marrow, liver, and spleen.

Etiology (causes)

Biographic causes

  • Occupations – farmers, veterinarians, milkers, butchers; hunters.

Behavioral causes

  • Direct contact with infected livestock (cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, including wild boar).
  • Eating/drinking contaminated food (meat, dairy products).
  • Rarely through sexual intercourse, breastfeeding

Causes related to disease

Other causes

  • Blood transfusions (very rare).
  • Bone marrow transplantation (very rare)