Pigs, pooches and pasteurisation <i>The changing face of brucellosis in Australia</i>



Mor, Siobhan M ORCID: 0000-0003-0121-2016, Wiethoelter, Anke K, Massey, Peter D, Robson, Jennifer, Wilks, Kathryn and Hutchinson, Penny
(2018) Pigs, pooches and pasteurisation <i>The changing face of brucellosis in Australia</i>. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE, 47 (3). pp. 99-103.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Brucellosis, also known as undulant, Mediterranean or Malta fever, is a systemic infection that causes fever, sweats, arthralgias and myalgias. A globally important disease, brucellosis is re-emerging in Australia in association with feral pig hunting activities.<h4>Objective</h4>This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of brucellosis, covering epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prevention.<h4>Discussion</h4>Brucellosis should be suspected in all patients with non-specific, flu-like illness who fall into one of the major risk groups (feral pig hunters, overseas travellers and migrants). Depression is common and often severe, relative to other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications, which include osteoarticular, genitourinary or, more rarely, neurological or cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosing acute infections is&nbsp;based on serology and blood cultures; imaging and biopsy may be required for diagnosis of focal infections. Dual therapy with doxycycline and gentamicin is the recommended treatment. Relapse occurs in up to 10% of patients. Prevention is achieved through the use of protective gear during hunting and avoidance of unpasteurised dairy products in countries where occur in animals.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Animals, Cattle, Goats, Sheep, Swine, Dogs, Humans, Brucella abortus, Brucella canis, Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis, Brucellosis, Zoonoses, Arthralgia, Headache, Fever, Fatigue, Anorexia, Doxycycline, Gentamicins, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Risk Factors, Disease Reservoirs, Travel, Dairy Products, Australia
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 21 Jun 2018 09:44
Last Modified: 07 Feb 2024 14:15
DOI: 10.31128/AFP-08-17-4289
Open Access URL: https://www.racgp.org.au/AJGP/2018/March/Brucellos...
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3022733