Brucellosis

Brucellosis: Consequential Diseases

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by brucellosis: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Pneumonia (pneumonia) Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Uveitis – inflammation of the middle eye skin. Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Anemia (anemia) Leukocytopenia – decrease in white blood cells (leukocytes). Thrombocytopenia – decrease in … Brucellosis: Consequential Diseases

Brucellosis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel movements? … Brucellosis: Examination

Brucellosis: Lab Test

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Bacteriology (cultural): pathogen culture from blood (blood culture), bone marrow puncture, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and joint puncture. Serology: detection of AK against brucella Differential blood count [lymphocytosis; monocytosis] Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin). Renal parameters – urea, creatinine. Liver parameters … Brucellosis: Lab Test

Brucellosis: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations First-line therapy: antibiotic therapy, i.e., combination of doxycycline + aminoglycoside (e.g., streptomycin; see below); according to a Cochrane analysis, this combination is better than the 6-week administration of doxycycline + rifampicin Alternatively, other aminoglycosides: e.g., gentamycin (5 mg/kg bw/day i.m. or i.v. for 10-14 … Brucellosis: Drug Therapy

Brucellosis: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and laboratory diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal sonography (ultrasound examination of abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle). X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes. X-rays of … Brucellosis: Diagnostic Tests

Brucellosis: Prevention

To prevent brucellosis, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Direct contact with infected livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs, including feral pigs). Eating/drinking contaminated food (meat, dairy products). Rarely through sexual intercourse, breastfeeding

Brucellosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following forms of brucellosis can be distinguished: Subclinical brucellosis – infection that proceeds without clinical signs; 90% of cases. Acute/subacute brucellosis – sudden onset/slow onset infection with fever; fever-free intervals may occur Chronic brucellosis (> 1 year) – form occurring in circa five percent of infected individuals after undetected or improperly administered therapy. Localized … Brucellosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Brucellosis: Medical History

The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of brucellosis. Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Social history What is your profession? (professions at risk are: farmers, veterinarians, milkers, butchers; hunters). Do you have contact with cattle, goats, sheep and pigs (including wild boar)? … Brucellosis: Medical History

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) … Brucellosis: Causes

Brucellosis: Therapy

General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! In the occurrence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even if fever is only mild; if limb pain and lassitude occur without fever, bed rest and physical rest is also required, because myocarditis/heart muscle inflammation could occur as a result of the infection). Fever below 38.5 … Brucellosis: Therapy