Pigs, pooches and pasteurisation: The changing face of brucellosis in Australia

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Mor, Siobhan M
Wiethoelter, Anke K
Massey, Peter D
Robson, Jennifer
Wilks, Kathryn
Hutchinson, Penny
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2018
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Abstract

Background: 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. Objective: This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of brucellosis, covering epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prevention. Discussion: 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 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 (Brucella suis), and avoidance of unpasteurised dairy products in countries where B. melitensis and B. abortus occur in animals.

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Australian Journal of General Practice

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47

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3

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Veterinary bacteriology

Science & Technology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Medicine, General & Internal

General & Internal Medicine

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Mor, SM; Wiethoelter, AK; Massey, PD; Robson, J; Wilks, K; Hutchinson, P, Pigs, pooches and pasteurisation: The changing face of brucellosis in Australia, Australian Journal of General Practice, 2018, 47 (3), pp. 99-103

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