CURRENT STATUS OF THERAPY OF BRUCELLOSIS IN HUMAN BEINGS

Abstract

The successful management of brucellosis in human beings depends on a recognition of certain basic features of the disease. Brucellosis is caused by one of three species of brucellae, namely, Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis. This distinction is important because the natural course of the disease differs in severity according to the species of brucellae that has invaded the tissues. Illness caused by Br. abortus is less severe than that caused by the other two species. This form of brucellosis is most prevalent in the United States. Disease resulting from Br. melitensis is more serious and is characterized by prostration, complications, and chronicity. Br. melitensis is the cause of most brucellosis in human beings, worldwide. The outstanding feature of brucellosis due to Br. suis is a debilitating and prolonged febrile illness, with complicating suppurating lesions of the bone and viscera. Brucellosis caused by Br. suis is prevalent in