Micro| Brucella Species

3.17 Brucella Species Microbiology review for the USMLE Step 1 exam Brucella species are gram-negative intracellular coccobacilli that are spread from animals to humans, causing a zoonotic infection called Brucellosis. B. melitensis is the most common species that causes infection in humans and is also the most virulent. Brucella only requires a very small dose (10-100 bacteria) to cause full-blown disease, often spread through contaminated unpasteurized milk or contact with animal carcasses. "Bruce Wayne's goat, Brucella Wayne, helps him SLAUGHTER bad guys" Symptoms include cyclical fever and chills, general malaise, headaches, joint pain, and nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis can be confirmed through blood cultures and PCR. Treatment involves antibiotics, typically doxycycline for a course of 6 weeks. People most at risk for infection include those who drink unpasteurized goat milk and those who work with animal carcasses, such as slaughterhouse workers.