Technical Information
Technical information is taken directly from the December 2001 CDC Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases: Brucellosis

Brucella melitensis Gram-stain (date unknown)

Clinical Features
Extremely variable. In the acute form (<8 weeks from illness onset), symptomatic, nonspecific and "flu-like," including fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, as well as muscle and back pain. Neurologic symptoms may occur acutely in up to 5% of cases. In the chronic form (>1 year from onset), symptoms may include chronic fatigue syndrome-like, depressive episodes, and arthritis.

Etiologic Agent
Brucella species, usually B. abortus (cattle), B. melitensis, B.ovis (sheep, and goats), B. suis (pigs), and rarely B. canis (dogs).

Incidence
In the United States, < 0.5 cases per 100,000 population. Most cases are reported from California, Florida, Texas, and Virginia.

Transmission
Animal to human transmission. Commonly transmitted through abrasions of the skin from handling infected mammals. In the United States, occurs more frequently by ingesting contaminated milk and dairy products. Highly infectious in the laboratory via aerosol spray; cultures are considered to warrant biosafety level-3 precautions.

Risk Groups
Abattoir workers, meat inspectors, animal handlers, veterinarians, and laboratorians.

Surveillance
Brucellosis is a nationally notifiable disease and reportable to the local health authority.

Trends
For the last 10 years, approximately 100 cases per year have been reported.

Opportunities
Identify, transfer to CDC laboratories, test, and improve as needed, rapid diagnostic technologies developed for identification of Brucella spp. for bioterrorism preparedness.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Brucellosis

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Brucellosis Information

NOTE: All images taken from the CDC Public Health Image Library website.