infections
Brucellosis
Introduction
Brucellosis is an infection caused by several species of the Overview of Gram-Negative Bacteria and characterized by fever and bodywide symptoms. Brucellosis is acquired mainly by having contact with infected animals or by consuming unpasteurized contaminated milk or other dairy products or undercooked contaminated meat. People typically have a fever, chills, a severe headache, low back pain, bone and joint pain, and other bodywide symptoms. Most people recover in 2 to 3 weeks, even without treatment. Doctors base the diagnosis on results of blood tests and cultures. Two antibiotics are given at the same time to increase the chance of a cure. (See also Overview of Bacteria .) Brucellosis is rare in the United States, Canada, and Europe but is more common in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Mexico, and Central America. People who travel to these areas are also at increased risk. Brucellosis is acquired mainly by Having direct contact with infected farm animals Consuming unpasteurized contaminated milk or other dairy products or undercooked contaminated meat People can also acquire brucellosis if they have contact with infected dogs, deer, moose, buffalo, or other animals or if they inhale airborne particles containing the bacteria. Brucellosis is rarely spread from person to person. People at increased risk of getting brucellosis include laboratory workers and people who may handle infected animals or animal tissue, including meat packers, veterinarians, hunters, farmers, and livestock producers. Inhaling only a few of the bacteria can cause infection. Thus, the bacteria could be used in Biological Weapons . 