BRUCELLOSIS IN A VETERAN'S HOSPITAL, 1963.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease sporadically reported in Canada, with approximately 100 cases annually.
• A cluster of three cases in Montreal highlighted occupational risks, particularly for those employed in packing plants.
• Brucellosis can manifest with varied symptoms, including cardiac involvement and neurological/psychological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on three cases of brucellosis admitted to a Montreal hospital in 1963.
• To discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of brucellosis in occupational settings.
• To underscore the importance of ongoing disease control programs in cattle.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case reporting and observation of three patients.
• Diagnostic methods included blood cultures and serological agglutination tests (specifically for Brucella abortus).
• Treatment efficacy was assessed through patient response to antibiotics.

Main Results:

• All three patients were linked to packing plant employment.
• Clinical presentations included suspected Brucella myocarditis, neurasthenia, and anxiety.
• Two patients had positive blood cultures; one showed high-titer agglutination to Brucella abortus.
• All patients responded favorably to tetracycline therapy.

Conclusions:

• Brucellosis remains a concern in Canada, particularly in occupational settings like packing plants.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, such as tetracycline, are crucial for patient recovery.
• Interpreting serological results requires careful consideration of patient history, especially with prior exposures.
• Canada's control program targeting cattle brucellosis aims for eradication by 1967.