Brucella IgM in Khar Road West, Mumbai

Brucella is a kind of bacteria that leads to the spread of an infectious disease known as 'Brucellosis.' The bacteria have many strains and are usually found in animals like cows, goats, pigs, camels, sheep, and dogs. Recently, the strain was also found in red fox and some marine animals.

Brucella passes on from animals to humans when they come in contact with a diseased animal or infected animal product. It may also spread from one person to another. Breastfeeding mothers infected with brucellosis may pass on the bacteria to their young infants. Additionally, sexual contact between an infected and non-infected person can also spread it.

The bacteria usually enter your body through:

• A scratch or open cut on your skin
• Contaminated air
• Undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk laced with bacteria
• Touching the body fluids or blood of an infected animal

The following four bacteria strains of brucella affect humans:

• B. melitensis: This bacteria is primarily found in goats and sheep and causes a maximum number of brucellosis cases in humans. This is also the one that most commonly occurs in India.
• B. Suis: This strain of bacteria is present in wild pigs.
• B. Canis: This form of brucellosis infection spreads in dogs.
• B. Abortus: This bacteria strain comes from cattle and is common worldwide.

You may have brucellosis if you experience the following symptoms:

• Chills
• Fever
• Sweats
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache
• Pain in muscles, joints, and back

Sometimes these symptoms may disappear for several weeks and then re-appear. People may also suffer from long-term brucellosis. Its symptoms may persist over the years, despite treatment. These symptoms might be:

• Recurrent fevers
• Fatigue
• Joint inflammation or arthritis
• Endocarditis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers
• Sacroiliitis, a condition that causes arthritis in joints where the pelvis connects with the spine
• Spondylitis, also known as the spinal bones’ arthritis

Since the symptoms of brucellosis are much like any regular flu, it's hard to distinguish between the two in the early stages. However, if your fever persists or you experience severe weakness or intense muscle aches, it's wise to seek medical attention.

Your doctor will likely to order a 'brucella IgM’ test. Getting this test will help:

• Confirm if you are suffering from brucellosis 
• Measure the count of brucella antibody (IgM) in your blood 
• Determine the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment to ensure the treatment plan is on-track

Apollo 24|7 offers a safe and reliable brucella IgM test. It can be quickly done, right from the comfort of your home. Book your brucella IgM test today!