Brucellosis: A Zoonotic Bacterial Disease
Brucellosis: A Zoonotic Bacterial Disease Recent Case in India Recently, an eight-year-old girl from Kottakkal in Malappuram district of Kerala succumbed to Brucellosis , bringing attention to this zoonotic disease. What is Brucellosis? Type: Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by species of the Brucella genus. Common Brucella Species: Brucella melitensis (most prevalent in humans) Brucella abortus (common in cattle) Brucella suis (affects swine) Brucella canis (affects dogs) The disease primarily affects livestock but can be transmitted to humans. Transmission of Brucellosis Animal-to-Human Transmission: Direct contact with infected animals (cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs). Consumption of contaminated dairy products such as unpasteurized milk and cheese. Inhalation of airborne bacteria, especially in farms, slaughterhouses, and laboratories. Human-to-Human Transmission: Extremely rare but can occur through blood transfusions, sexual contact, or breastfeeding. Symp...