Undulant Fever

Undulant fever is a bacterial infection that can affect humans. It’s also known as brucellosis. In this article, we’ll provide straightforward explanations for its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs.

Types of Undulant Fever:

  1. Acute Undulant Fever: The early stage with flu-like symptoms.
  2. Chronic Undulant Fever: When symptoms persist for months or even years.

There are four main types of brucellosis:

  1. a. Brucella melitensis
  2. b. Brucella abortus
  3. c. Brucella suis
  4. d. Brucella canis

Causes of Undulant Fever:

  1. Bacteria: Caused by Brucella bacteria (usually Brucella melitensis in humans).
  2. Contact with Infected Animals: Handling infected livestock like goats, sheep, or cows.
  3. Consuming Raw Milk or Cheese: Eating unpasteurized dairy products.
  4. Inhalation: Inhaling the bacteria through the air in places with infected animals or lab accidents.
  5. Occupational Exposure: Veterinarians, farmers, and slaughterhouse workers are at risk.
  6. Unprotected Sexual Contact: Rarely, the bacteria can be transmitted sexually.
  7. Eating Undercooked Meat: The bacteria can be present in undercooked or raw meat.
  8. Contaminated Objects: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the bacteria.
  9. Consuming Bone Marrow: Bacteria can hide in the marrow of infected animals.
  10. Travel: Infection risk is higher in regions where brucellosis is common.
  11. Drinking Contaminated Water: Rare, but can happen in some cases.
  12. Blood Transfusions: Rarely, through contaminated blood products.
  13. Mother-to-Baby Transmission: Extremely rare, but possible during childbirth or breastfeeding.
  14. Lab Accidents: Risk for laboratory workers handling the bacteria.
  15. Poultry: Possible infection from infected birds.
  16. Dog Contact: Rare transmission from infected dogs.
  17. Abortion Material: Handling materials from infected animal abortions.
  18. Eating Animal Organs: Particularly liver and spleen.
  19. Eating Raw Meat Sausages: Risk with undercooked or raw sausages.
  20. Accidental Injection: Rarely, accidental injection with contaminated syringes.

Symptoms of Undulant Fever:

  1. Fever: Often fluctuating and recurring.
  2. Chills: Feeling cold and shivering.
  3. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness.
  4. Sweating: Profuse night sweats.
  5. Joint Pain: Pain in the joints, often in the back.
  6. Muscle Aches: Generalized muscle pain.
  7. Headache: Recurrent headaches.
  8. Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss.
  9. Weakness: Feeling physically weak.
  10. Nausea: Frequent feeling of needing to vomit.
  11. Vomiting: Throwing up.
  12. Abdominal Pain: Pain in the abdomen.
  13. Diarrhea: Frequent loose stools.
  14. Cough: Persistent coughing.
  15. Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest.
  16. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes.
  17. Enlarged Spleen or Liver: May be felt in the abdomen.
  18. Neurological Symptoms: Rare but possible.
  19. Depression: Emotional changes.
  20. Skin Rash: Skin lesions in some cases.

Diagnostic Tests for Undulant Fever:

  1. Blood Culture: To identify the Brucella bacteria.
  2. Serology Tests: Detect antibodies to the bacteria.
  3. Bone Marrow Aspiration: Rarely done to confirm the infection.
  4. PCR Test: Detects the DNA of the bacteria.
  5. ELISA Test: Detects antibodies in the blood.
  6. Rose Bengal Test: A quick test for initial screening.
  7. Wright Test: Detects antibodies, helpful in chronic cases.
  8. Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds to check for organ enlargement.
  9. Lumbar Puncture: If neurological symptoms are present.
  10. Liver Function Tests: To assess liver health.
  11. Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for abnormalities.
  12. Urinalysis: May show signs of kidney involvement.
  13. Chest X-ray: For assessing lung involvement.
  14. Echocardiogram: If heart involvement is suspected.
  15. MRI/CT Scan: For detailed imaging of affected organs.
  16. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis: If neurological symptoms are present.
  17. Synovial Fluid Analysis: To check for joint infection.
  18. Tissue Biopsy: In severe cases, to confirm the diagnosis.
  19. Brucellin Skin Test: Detects cell-mediated immune response.
  20. Differential Diagnosis: To rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Treatments for Undulant Fever:

  1. Antibiotics: A combination of antibiotics, such as doxycycline and rifampin.
  2. Rest: Adequate rest is crucial during treatment.
  3. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids.
  4. Pain Relief: Medications for pain and fever.
  5. Nutrition: A balanced diet to support recovery.
  6. Physical Therapy: For joint and muscle issues.
  7. Hospitalization: In severe cases or if complications arise.
  8. Isolation: To prevent spreading the infection.
  9. Follow-Up Tests: To monitor progress.
  10. Occupational Safety: For healthcare workers.
  11. Patient Education: Understanding the disease and its prevention.
  12. Pregnancy Management: Special care for pregnant women.
  13. Animal Control: Reducing exposure to infected animals.
  14. Vaccination: Preventing brucellosis in livestock.
  15. Wound Care: Proper cleaning and dressing of wounds.
  16. Antipyretic Medications: To lower fever.
  17. Gastrointestinal Medications: For digestive symptoms.
  18. Psychological Support: For emotional well-being.
  19. Anticonvulsants: If neurological symptoms occur.
  20. Surveillance: Public health monitoring.
  21. Catheter Removal: If it’s the source of infection.
  22. Blood Transfusion: Rarely needed in severe cases.
  23. Oxygen Therapy: For respiratory complications.
  24. Surgical Drainage: For abscesses.
  25. Cardiac Medications: If the heart is affected.
  26. Counseling: For coping with chronic symptoms.
  27. Long-Term Antibiotics: In chronic cases.
  28. Chronic Pain Management: For persistent pain.
  29. Kidney Dialysis: In severe kidney involvement.
  30. Liver Transplant: Extremely rare, in severe liver damage.

Drugs for Undulant Fever:

  1. Doxycycline: An antibiotic.
  2. Rifampin: An antibiotic.
  3. Ciprofloxacin: Another antibiotic option.
  4. Streptomycin: Used in severe cases.
  5. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: An antibiotic combination.
  6. Gentamicin: Another antibiotic option.
  7. Isoniazid: Used in combination therapy.
  8. Pain Relievers: Like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  9. Antiemetics: For nausea and vomiting.
  10. Anticonvulsants: For neurological symptoms.
  11. Corticosteroids: May help with severe inflammation.
  12. Antipsychotic Medications: If needed for mental health.
  13. Antifungal Medications: Rarely, for fungal complications.
  14. Calcium Supplements: In cases of bone involvement.
  15. Vitamin D: For bone health.
  16. Antihypertensive Medications: If blood pressure is affected.
  17. Anticoagulants: For blood clot prevention.
  18. Diuretics: If there’s fluid retention.
  19. Antifibrinolytics: Rarely, for bleeding issues.
  20. Immunomodulators: Experimental treatments in some cases.

Conclusion:

Undulant fever, or brucellosis, is a bacterial infection with various causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs. If you suspect you have this condition, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Taking preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with infected animals and consuming pasteurized dairy products, can reduce the risk of contracting this disease.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, always seek the advice of a medical professional before trying any treatments to ensure to find the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this page or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://illnesshacker.com/
  7. https://endinglines.com/
  8. https://healthmedicus.com/
  9. https://www.jaad.org/
  10. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  11. https://books.google.com/books?
  12. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  13. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  14. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  15. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  16. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  18. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  19. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  20. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  21. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  22. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  23. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  24. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  25. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  26. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  27. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  28. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  29. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  30. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  31. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  32. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  33. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  34. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  35. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  36. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  37. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  38. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  39. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  40. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  41. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  42. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  43. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  44. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References