Haemophilus and Brucella

Haemophilus species are gram-negative coccobacilli similar to other gram-negative bacilli. As their cell walls are made up of lipooligosaccharides which are similar to lipopolysaccharide of gram-negative bacilli, they are defined as oligosaccharides. Haemophilus species require the haem factor and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide for their growth and reproduction. 

All the members of the Haemophilus species cause a number of diseases and therefore have a common morphology and require blood-derived factors during growth. 

Different Types of Haemophilus species and the diseases they cause

• The Haemophilus species are the most infectious disease-causing germs and are divided into seven types – a,b,c,d,c,e,e’, and f
• Type B Haemophilus are very dangerous and cause meningitis in children younger than 2 years. They are responsible for causing respiratory tract infections in all.
• Haemophilus parainfluenzae cause pneumonia or bacterial endocarditis
• Haemophilus aphrophilus too causes bacterial endocarditis.
• Haemophilus aegyptius causes conjunctivitis and Brazilian purpuric fever 
• Haemophilus haemolyticus lyse red blood cells. 

Haemophilus type b (Haemophilus influenzae) -(Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b is a bacterial infection that affects young children. The various diseases caused by HIb are-

• Meningitis is an infection of the meninges and the spinal cord
• Sepsis is Blood poisoning
• Pneumonia is a lung infection 
• Pericarditis is an infection of the heart lining
• Epiglottitis is an infection occurring in the epiglottis
• Septic arthritis is an infection of joints 
• Cellulitis is a skin and tissue infection
• Osteomyelitis is a bone infection 

How does Haemophilus spread 

Hib bacteria can reside in the upper respiratory tract of normal people and not cause anything. However, HIb bacteria is readily spread just like normal colds through infected droplets in coughs and sneezes. By coming in contact with the contaminated surface a normal person can catch the disease. 

Remedy

The serious outbreaks of Haemophilus influenzae can be controlled by vaccination or prophylactic therapy. The HIb vaccine is provided to the children as a part of the routine vaccination program. The HIb vaccine is given in 3-4 doses. 

For infants- the HIb vaccine is given at the age of 2 months and later another shot is given at 12-15 months.

For children between the age of 12 months and 5 years of age – The children who have not received previous doses of HIb can get this shot at this age.

For children above the age of 5 years or adults- usually, older children or adults do not require HIb vaccine but if they have a damaged spleen or have HIV, then it is recommended to take HIb shots.

Brucella

Brucella is an aerobic, gram-negative coccobacillus that is neither moving in nature nor does they form spores. Brucella can be a threat to humans as well as the animals and their products.  In humans, brucella affects the reproductive organs and thus the disease is characterized by abortion. Also, by eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products of the infected animals, humans can get infected. Also, the bacteria from an infected animal can enter the wounds in the skin of any person who is in close contact with the animal. 

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is an acute symptomatic disease caused by Brucella. The symptoms of brucellosis are-

Initial symptoms such as fever, sweats, discomfort, headache, fatigue, pain in joints, muscles.

Severe and recurrent symptoms include persistent fevers, arthritis, swelling in reproductive organs, heart, chronic fatigue, depression, neurological symptoms.

Animals affected by Brucella 

There are a variety of animals affected by brucella- goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, wild hogs, dogs, deer, bison, moose, camels, etc.

Remedy 

The most common treatment of Brucellosis is a combination of doxycycline and rifampin for a period of a minimum of 6-8 weeks. However, care should be taken if:-

• Someone is pregnant
• Is allergic to the drugs doxycycline or rifampin
• Has an immunosuppressed disorder

Prevention

Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy items

Pasteurization or heating of food always destroys the harmful bacteria present in the food. So, avoiding unpasteurized dairy items or uncooked meat can help in the prevention of the disease.

Wear protective gloves 

If someone has to necessarily come into contact with animals, he or she should wear gloves when they are handling sick or wounded animals or while helping in delivering the babies of the animals. 

Safety measures should be undertaken

All the workers or technicians, pathologists, or any workers involved directly or indirectly with animals or animal products workplaces, should wear impermeable clothes, rubber gloves, boots, masks.

Vaccination 

The best way to prevent a disease is to get vaccinated. The cattle or other animals at risk should be vaccinated with timely intervention so that the disease can be eliminated at large.

Conclusion:

As per the research estimated 10-13% of farm animals are infected with Brucella species, which caused around $60 million losses due to this disease. Since then, the government, scientists and experts are looking forward to undertaking the disease.