Menu
Open Search

Brucellosis

Brucellosis, also called Undulant Fever or Malta Fever, is an infection caused by several species of Brucella bacteria that can be transmitted from animals to humans in certain situations. Human infections of brucellosis are rare in the United States and generally occur in travelers abroad that visit brucellosis-endemic regions. The CDC reports between 80-140 human cases annually. 

  • Brucella abortus (from cattle) and Brucella melitensis (from sheep and goats) can be transmitted to humans through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat, contact with aborted reproductive tissues, or bodily fluids like blood and urine. Infection of livestock in the United States with these bacteria are rare. Brucella melitensis is not endemic to sheep and goats in the United States. Human infections with these bacteria are usually found in travelers who have consumed unpasteurized dairy products abroad.       
  • Brucella suis infects swine and can be transmitted to humans and hunting dogs who have close contact with the blood and tissues of infected feral swine. In South Carolina, most locally acquired human cases are caused by interaction with infected feral swine while hunting. 
  • Brucella canis infects domestic and wild dogs and can be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected dogs. Certain persons are at higher risk for this type of brucellosis including those who have occupational exposure to dogs and their bodily fluids and reproductive products such as veterinarians, dog breeders, kennel and shelter workers. 

For more information on Brucella canis, see: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Public health implications of Brucella canis infections in humans. March 2012. Available from: https://www.nasphv.org/Documents/BrucellaCanisInHumans.pdf

Fact Sheets

Clinical Symptoms

Clinical symptoms in people are generally non-specific and can include:

  • Recurring fever (undulant fever)
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
  • Muscle aches 
  • Headache
  • Weight loss

Some people experience chronic, debilitating illness, including infection in the heart (endocarditis), enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and neurologic disease. Infection during pregnancy can cause abortion or fetal abnormalities. 

Since the symptoms of brucellosis are non-specific, a detailed history with questions related to animal exposures and testing are required to confirm a diagnosis of brucellosis. See CDC’s Brucellosis page for a list of questions to ask or call the DPH epidemiologist on-call at (803) 898-0861. 

Testing

Serological testing is available for people suspected to be infected with Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis. Currently there is no serological test available for Brucella canis and serological tests used to detect other species of Brucella in humans do not work for Brucella canis. A culture can be performed to determine the species a person is infected with. South Carolina’s Public Health Laboratory can perform testing for brucellosis. See the Public Health Lab’s webpage for more information.

See CDC’s Brucellosis Reference Guide for more information on testing and treatment for persons infected with brucellosis.

Brucellosis in humans is a nationally notifiable condition, and all human cases of brucellosis are reportable by law. See South Carolina’s List of Reportable Conditions on how and when to report brucellosis. If you are a health care professional and would like to have a consultation with a public health physician from the Department of Public Health on brucellosis, please contact the epidemiologist on-call at (803) 898-0861.

Resources for Veterinarians

Veterinarians and veterinary staff are at increased risk for contracting brucellosis because they are in close contact with animals, their reproductive tissues, and bodily fluids. 

See CDC’s Veterinary Guidance for Brucellosis webpage for information on protecting veterinary staff from brucellosis.

Diagnosis of brucellosis in livestock is a reportable condition. See South Carolina’s List of Reportable Animal Diseases for more information on how to report brucellosis.

Brucella canis infection in dogs is not a reportable animal condition in South Carolina. However, DPH is available for consultation on testing and risk assessment 24/7, please contact the epidemiologist on-call at (803) 898-0861 for assistance.

Canines

Livestock