('''Undulant fever''' or '''Malta fever''') is an
Infectious Disease caused by the ''
Brucella ''
Bacteria .
The popular name of the condition is originated due to the inconstance (or undulance) of the fever, which raises and falls constantly. Brucellosis is named after its researcher
David Bruce . Maltese doctor and archaeologist Sir
Temi Zammit identified unpasteurized milk as the major source of the pathogen in
1905 , and it has since become known as Malta Fever, or ''deni rqiq'' locally.
In animals this disease is also known as and '''infectious abortion'''. In
1897 Danish Veterinarian Bernhard Bang isolated ''
Brucella Abortus '' as the agent and the additional name '''Bang's disease''' was assigned. In modern usage "Bang's disease" is often corrupted to just "'''bangs'''" when
Ranchers discuss the disease or
Vaccine .
The disease is transmitted either through contaminated or untreated
Milk (and its derivates) or through direct contact with infected animals, which may include
Sheep ,
Pig s,
Goat s,
Cattle ,
Camel s,
Bison , and other
Ruminant s. This also includes contact with their
Carcass es.
The
Incubation period of brucellosis is, usually, of one to three weeks, but some rare instances may take several months to surface.
Brucellosis induces inconstant
Fever s, sweating, weakness,
Anorexia ,
Headache s,
Depression and muscular and bodily pain.
The symptoms are like those associated with many other
Febrile diseases, but with emphasis on muscular pain and sweating. The duration of the disease can vary from a few weeks to many months.
The disease's
Sequelae are highly variable and may include
Granulomatous Hepatitis ,
Arthritis ,
Spondylitis ,
Anemia ,
Leukopenia ,
Thrombocytopenia ,
Meningitis ,
Uveitis ,
Optic Neuritis and
Endocarditis .
Antibiotics like
Tetracyclins ,
Chloramphenicol ,
Rifampicin and the
Aminoglycosides Streptomycin and
Gentamicin are effective against Brucella bacteria. However, the use of more than one antibiotic is needed for several weeks, due to the fact that the bacteria incubates within
Cell s.
The main way of preventing Brucellosis is by using fastidious hygiene in producing raw milk products, or by
Pasteurization of all milk that is to be ingested by human beings, either in its pure form or as a derivate, such as
Cheese .
The causative agent of brucellosis in
Dog s is ''
Brucella Canis ''. It is transmitted to other dogs through breeding and contact with aborted fetuses. Brucellosis can occur in humans that come in contact with infected aborted tissue. The bacteria in dogs normally infect the genitals and
Lymphatic System , but can also spread to the
Eye ,
Kidney , and
Intervertebral Disc (causing
Discospondylitis ). Symptoms of brucellosis in dogs include abortion in bitches and
Scrotal inflammation and
Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) in males. Fever is uncommon. Infection of the eye can cause
Uveitis , and infection of the intervertebral disc can cause pain or weakness. Blood testing of the dogs prior to breeding can prevent the spread of this disease. It is treated with antibiotics as with humans, but it is difficult to cure.
