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Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by the Brucella genus. It primarily affects livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs but can be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact. The disease is also known as Malta fever, Mediterranean fever, or undulant fever due to its characteristic fluctuating fever pattern.
Key Facts
Causative Agent: Brucella species (B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, B. canis)
Transmission: Ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products, direct animal contact, inhalation of contaminated aerosols
Incubation Period: 1-6 weeks
Symptoms: Fever, joint pain, fatigue, weight loss, and hepatosplenomegaly
Treatment: Long-term antibiotic therapy
Causative Organisms
The disease is caused by Brucella species, which are Gram-negative coccobacilli and facultative intracellular bacteria. The main pathogenic species include:
Brucella abortus – Mainly affects cattle
Brucella melitensis – Found in goats and sheep, most virulent to humans
Brucella suis – Primarily in pigs
Brucella canis – Affects dogs but can infect humans
Modes of Transmission
Brucellosis spreads through direct and indirect contact with infected animals or their products:
Consumption of contaminated dairy products – Unpasteurized milk, cheese, or raw meat
Contact with infected animals – Handling livestock, veterinary procedures
Inhalation of aerosols – Exposure in laboratories or slaughterhouses
Human-to-human transmission – Rare but can occur through organ transplantation or breastfeeding
Brucellosis presents with a range of symptoms that can persist for weeks or months.
Acute Symptoms
Fever (undulating pattern)
Sweating and chills
Joint and muscle pain
Weakness and fatigue
Headache and weight loss
Chronic Symptoms
Hepatosplenomegaly – Enlargement of liver and spleen
Arthritis – Inflammation of joints
Neurological disorders – Depression, mood changes
Orchitis and epididymitis – Swelling of testes in males
Endocarditis – Infection of heart valves (rare but fatal)
Laboratory Tests
Blood Culture – Isolation of Brucella bacteria
Serological Tests – Detect antibodies (Rose Bengal test, ELISA)
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) – Confirms Brucella DNA in blood
Bone Marrow Aspiration – Useful in chronic cases
Differential Diagnosis
Brucellosis symptoms resemble:
Typhoid fever
Tuberculosis
Malaria
Leptospirosis
Antibiotic Therapy
Brucellosis requires prolonged antibiotic treatment to prevent relapses:
Doxycycline + Rifampin – First-line therapy (6 weeks)
Streptomycin or Gentamicin – Used for severe cases
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) – Alternative in children and pregnant women
Supportive Care
Pain management with NSAIDs
Rest and hydration
Surgery in complicated cases (abscesses, endocarditis)
Animal Health Measures
Vaccination of livestock – RB51 and S19 vaccines for cattle
Quarantine of infected animals
Pasteurization of dairy products
Hygienic slaughtering practices
Human Preventive Measures
Avoiding raw dairy consumption
Wearing protective gear for veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers
Proper cooking of meat
Early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications
Worldwide Burden
Brucellosis is endemic in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.
Approximately 500,000 new cases per year globally.
Brucellosis in India
Prevalent in rural and livestock-rearing areas.
Common in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra.
National Brucellosis Control Program (NBCP) launched for eradication.a
Prelims Perspective
Brucellosis is part of zoonotic diseases covered under General Science.
Questions on disease transmission, control programs, and One Health approach.
Mains Perspective (GS Paper 2 & 3)
Health & Governance – Role of Government in disease control.
Agriculture & Animal Husbandry – Impact of Brucellosis on dairy and meat industries.
Biodiversity & Environment – Zoonotic diseases and public health policies.
Essay & Interview
“The Role of Zoonotic Diseases in Public Health”.
Impact of infectious diseases on economic development.
Challenges in controlling animal-borne diseases in India.
Brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease affecting both humans and animals. It poses economic, public health, and veterinary challenges, requiring multisectoral intervention for effective control. UPSC aspirants must understand its transmission, impact, prevention, and global scenario to tackle related questions in exams effectively.
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource to grasp the disease’s implications in public health, agriculture, and governance.
Maximize the benefits of mock tests for IAS and KAS preparation with guidance from Amoghavarsha IAS Academy . For more details, visit https://amoghavarshaiaskas.in/.
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