Brucellosis: symptoms, testing and treatment

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection acquired from infected animals or unpasteurised animal products.

It is sometimes called Malta fever. People can become infected after consuming unpasteurised dairy products or through contact with infected animal blood, tissues or birth products. Symptoms may be gradual and can resemble other illnesses, so exposure history is useful during an assessment.

Fever, joint pain, muscle aches and night sweats are common presentations of brucellosis. Some people also feel tired, have headaches, lose appetite or notice general discomfort. The combination and timing vary, and these symptoms can have many causes.

Contact a clinician promptly if fever follows contact with livestock, animal tissues or unpasteurised dairy products, particularly when symptoms persist or return. Tell them about travel, work, animal handling and food exposures.

Brucella bacteria are carried by some infected animals. Infection can occur when unpasteurised milk, cheese or other dairy products are consumed, or when bacteria enter through broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth during animal handling. Jobs involving livestock, veterinary work, meat processing or laboratory materials can involve exposure.

Symptoms can emerge gradually and may come and go. Without appropriate treatment, the infection can continue and occasionally affect particular organs or tissues. Early evaluation is helpful because the treatment plan depends on the suspected source, symptoms and any area of the body involved.

Risk is higher for people who handle livestock or animal birth products, process meat, work in some laboratories, or consume unpasteurised dairy products. Gloves, eye protection and careful hand hygiene are especially relevant when contact with blood or tissues is possible.

A clinician will ask about symptoms and possible animal or food exposure, then may arrange blood tests. In some situations, other samples or scans are considered when symptoms point to a particular area of the body. Let the clinician know about all medicines, pregnancy and any immune-system condition, as these can affect planning.

Brucellosis is treated with prescribed antibiotics. The medicines and length of the course are chosen by a clinician according to your circumstances and the areas affected. Take each medicine exactly as directed and do not stop early simply because you feel better, as symptoms can return and infection may be harder to manage.

Report troublesome medicine effects and attend planned follow-up. Your care team may adjust treatment or investigate ongoing symptoms. Rest, fluids and practical help with demanding work can make recovery more manageable while treatment is underway.

Brucellosis can sometimes involve joints, bones, the liver, reproductive organs or the nervous system. New focal pain, severe headache, confusion, weakness or symptoms that return after treatment should be discussed urgently with a clinician. Follow-up helps check recovery and identify problems that need further care.

Choose pasteurised milk, cheese and other dairy foods. When working with animals or their tissues, use appropriate protective equipment, cover cuts and wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves. Follow workplace procedures for handling animal materials and report an exposure to the relevant supervisor or health professional.