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Brucellosis and international travel
Ziad A Memish1, Hanan H Balkhy
1Department of Infection Prevention and Control and Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|February 11, 2004
Summary
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted via contaminated animal products, particularly raw milk and cheese. Travel health physicians must recognize its varied symptoms and implement preventive measures for affected travelers.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Public health
Background:
- Brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease with global distribution, primarily impacting individuals in close contact with domestic animals and their products.
- While controlled in developed nations, brucellosis remains endemic in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and western Asia.
- Human transmission predominantly occurs through consuming raw milk or unpasteurized cheese contaminated with pathogenic Brucella species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform travel health physicians about the clinical presentation of brucellosis.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing brucellosis in travelers.
- To outline preventive strategies for brucellosis in at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on brucellosis transmission, clinical manifestations, and epidemiology.
- Analysis of case reports and epidemiological data related to brucellosis in travelers.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on diagnostic and preventive approaches.
Main Results:
- Brucellosis presents with a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fever, night sweats, and joint pain.
- Rarely, brucellosis can involve hepatic, cardiac, ocular, or central nervous system complications.
- Travelers are at risk of contracting brucellosis, necessitating awareness among healthcare providers.
Conclusions:
- Brucellosis poses a risk to travelers, requiring medical professionals to be aware of its diverse clinical manifestations.
- Understanding the transmission routes, particularly through contaminated dairy products, is crucial for prevention.
- Effective preventive strategies and prompt diagnosis are essential for managing brucellosis in travelers.