Symptoms of Brucellosis
Symptoms of brucellosis can vary widely and may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. The most common symptoms of brucellosis include intermittent fever, night sweats, joint pain, fatigue, and muscle aches. Because the condition mimics many other illnesses, it is often misdiagnosed in its early stages.
One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms is an undulating fever — meaning it rises and falls throughout the day. The fever may be low-grade or spike to 39–40°C, often accompanied by chills and profuse night sweats with a distinctive “wet hay” odour in some cases.
Joint and muscle pain are also common, particularly in the lower back, knees, hips, and wrists. Inflammation of joints (arthritis) or spinal discs (spondylitis) may develop, especially in chronic cases. This symptom is frequently mistaken for rheumatic conditions or other musculoskeletal disorders.
Fatigue and weakness may become debilitating. Many patients report feeling exhausted for weeks or months, even after the fever subsides. This prolonged tiredness can interfere with work, daily responsibilities, and mental wellbeing.
Other symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, and abdominal discomfort. Enlarged liver or spleen (hepatosplenomegaly) is sometimes found on physical examination or imaging.
Symptoms of Brucellosis
In men, brucellosis can cause inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), which may lead to infertility if untreated. Rare complications include inflammation of the heart lining (endocarditis), nervous system involvement (neurobrucellosis), or inflammation of the eyes (uveitis).
The chronic form of brucellosis — where symptoms persist or recur for more than a year — is especially challenging. It may present with vague, fluctuating complaints and lead to emotional distress or misdiagnosis as depression or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Recognising symptoms of brucellosis early allows for prompt treatment and prevents complications. Anyone with persistent fever, joint pain, or fatigue who has travelled to or lives in an at-risk area should seek medical advice and disclose any contact with livestock or unpasteurised food.
[Next: Diagnosis of Brucellosis →]
