Biological Weapon - Brucellosis

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What It Is

The Brucellae are a group of gram-negative cocco-baccillary organisms, of which four species are pathogenic in humans. Abattoir and laboratory worker infections suggest that Brucella spp. are highly infectious via the aerosol route. It is estimated that inhalation of only 10 to 100 bacteria is sufficient to cause disease in man. The relatively long and variable incubation period (5-60 days) and the fact that many infections are asymptomatic under natural conditions has made it a less desirable agent for weaponization, although large aerosol doses may shorten the incubation period and increase the clinical attack rate. Brucellosis infection has a low mortality rate (5% of untreated cases) with most deaths caused by endocarditis or meningitis. It is an incapacitating and disabling disease in its natural form.

What It Does

Incubation period from 5-60 days; average of 1-2 months. Highly variable. Acute and subacute brucellosis are non-specific. Irregular fever, headache, profound weakness and fatigue, chills, sweating, arthralgias, mylagias. Depression and mental status changes. Osteoarticular findings (i.e., sacroiliitis, vertebral osteomyleitis). Fatalities are uncommon.

Be Prepared

No approved human vaccine is available. Avoid consumption of unpasteurized milk and cheese.

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