Brucellosis: Current review of zoonosis

Brucellosis or Malta fever is the most frequently stated zoonosis in our country. The disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries because of unique environmental aspects and maintaining relatively large number of sheep and goat rearing. Worldwide, the most common bacterial zoonosis with estimated new cases annually more than half a million, while Brucella melitensis infection is the main cause of brucellosis and causes severe infection in humans. The disease presents a strong polymorphism and clinical manifestations of great range. The disease depending on the duration and course is distinguished into acute, subacute and chronic form. The diagnosis of brucellosis is based on the combination of clinical presentation, isolation of the microbe and finding antibodies by serological methods and confirmed by the isolation of Brucella in blood culture. Treatment depends on the location, form and severity of the disease, the patient and the ability of the antibiotic to act intracellularly. The incidence of Brucellosis in humans is depending on the incidence of the disease in animals. It is therefore necessary to take preventive measures such as vaccination of animals and pasteurization of dairy products. The purpose of this article is the comprehensive information of the health professional (doctor, nurse, health visitor), particular in primary health care with modern data relating to the prevention and treatment of brucellosis

Keywords: Brucellosis, brucella, zoonosis, undulant fever