CYPRUS FEVER

CYPRUS FEVER

Brucellosis is a disease caused by a group of bacteria from the genus Brucella. Both humans and animals are susceptible to the disease. The initial signs of the infection may have similarities to that of a normal fever. However, in some cases, symptoms may occur suddenly or develop after a few months.

Transmission factors for Brucella include eating contaminated food which can include raw meat and unpasteurized milk. Infection may be prevented if people will only drink pasteurized goat and cow’s milk. The bacteria caused by the disease can be eliminated through pasteurization. However, coming in contact with an open wound or exposure to air where the bacteria is present are also ways in which the bacteria can be transmitted.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of Cyprus fever vary greatly among affected persons. Some people may have no apparent symptoms while others may exhibit serious complications that affect various organ systems.

Symptoms of brucellosis include the following:

  • appetite loss
  • back pain
  • chills
  • fever that comes and goes
  • headaches
  • lethargy
  • pain in the abdomen
  • pain in the joints
  • weight loss

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor may request some tests to screen you for brucellosis, especially if you exhibit unexplained flu-like symptoms. These include:

  • blood culture
  • bone marrow culture
  • cerebrospinal fluid testing
  • testing for antibodies to brucellosis
  • urine culture

Tell your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and have been exposed to animals that might have brucellosis. Exposure doesn’t need to be recent. You could have brucellosis even if your contact with animals occurred months ago. If you get this disease, it can take anywhere from one week to two months for symptoms to appear.

TREATMENT

Brucellosis is usually treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe both rifampin and doxycycline. You will need to take these medicines for at least six weeks. However, if serious complications persist, such as meningitis or endocarditis, a combination of trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole added with rifampin may be used.

In addition to antibiotic treatment, a heart valve replacement may also be required for individuals with endocarditis who contacted with brucellosis. Other treatment options for cyprus fever are supportive and symptomatic.

 

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