Understanding and Preventing Brucellosis: A Global Health Concern

Brucellosis, caused by bacteria from the Brucella genus, is a zoonotic disease primarily affecting livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. Its public health significance lies in its ability to cross species barriers and infect humans, posing risks especially in regions with inadequate veterinary and food safety systems.

Modes of Transmission
The most common source of brucellosis in humans is the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products—milk, cheese, and yogurt—produced from infected animals. Brucella bacteria can persist in these products, especially in regions where pasteurization is not widely practiced. Handling raw meat from infected animals without proper precautions can also result in bacterial transmission.

Occupational exposure is another major route of infection. Farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and laboratory personnel are at heightened risk. The bacteria can enter through skin abrasions, mucous membranes, or conjunctiva when handling infected tissues or animal fluids. For example, animal birthing materials, particularly from goats and sheep, are highly infectious.

Inhalation of airborne bacteria, a risk in laboratories or livestock facilities, is an emerging concern. Although rare, human-to-human transmission via blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or breastfeeding underscores the need for vigilance in healthcare settings.

Symptoms and Impact
In humans, brucellosis manifests as a febrile illness often accompanied by joint pain, fatigue, and sweats. Chronic forms can result in organ inflammation, arthritis, and neurological complications, severely impacting quality of life. Economically, it burdens livestock industries by reducing productivity through miscarriages, infertility, and reduced milk yields.

Prevention Strategies
Mitigation hinges on a multi-pronged approach. Vaccinating livestock is vital to curtailing animal reservoirs of the disease. Proper pasteurization of dairy products is an effective safeguard for consumers. Adherence to occupational safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and employing proper sanitation, minimizes risks for high-exposure groups. In laboratories, biosafety level-3 containment protocols are essential when handling Brucella cultures.

Efforts to control brucellosis must prioritize public awareness, food safety infrastructure, and stringent animal health programs. Global collaboration is essential to combat this often-overlooked disease, particularly in endemic regions across Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Understanding and Preventing Brucellosis: A Global Health Concern