Malta fever refers to the Brucella infection caused by the Brucella bacterium. This term was used during times when the disease was frequently seen in Malta, hence it is known as “Malta Fever.” The Brucella bacterium can be transmitted to humans through contact with the meat or dairy products of infected animals. Infected animals include mammals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
Malta fever usually presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, sweating, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate, but the disease can become chronic and lead to serious complications. Malta Fever can be treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, early diagnosis and treatment are important because if left untreated, it can cause long-term or chronic complications. The best way to prevent Malta Fever infection is to avoid infected animals, avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and cook meats thoroughly.
What Are the Causes of Malta Fever?
Malta fever’s causes are generally related to exposure to Brucella bacteria. People can get infected by consuming the meat or dairy products of infected animals or by coming into contact with infected animals. The infection caused by Brucella bacteria can spread through the following ways:
Foods and Dairy Products: Consuming the meat of infected animals or unpasteurized dairy products is a common way for Brucella bacteria to spread to humans.
Direct Contact: Contact with infected animals, especially exposure to their body fluids or tissues, can lead to the transmission of Brucella bacteria.
Airborne: Particles from the respiratory secretions or feces of infected animals in the air can trigger airborne transmission.
Skin Cuts or Injuries: An injury or cut that comes into contact with the feces or tissue fluids of infected animals can cause bacteria to spread through the skin.
What Are the Symptoms of Malta Fever?
The symptoms of Malta fever include:
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- muscle aches
- headaches
- sweating
- loss of appetite
How Is Malta Fever Diagnosed?
Doctors can diagnose Malta fever through clinical examination, history taking, and laboratory tests in patients with symptoms:
Clinical Examination: The doctor will evaluate and examine the patient’s symptoms. Special attention will be given to fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and other symptoms.
Blood Tests: Common blood tests used to diagnose Brucella infection include Wright or Rose Bengal tests, agglutination tests, and serological tests.
Culture Tests: To directly identify Brucella bacteria, samples taken from blood or other body fluids can be cultured.
Imaging Tests: Sometimes, imaging tests may be performed to suggest specific complications of Brucella infection or to confirm the results of other diagnostic tests.
Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In rare cases, imaging tests such as CT or MRI may be required to evaluate complications caused by Brucella infection.
How Is Malta Fever Treated?
Treatment of Brucella infection is usually done with antibiotics:
Antibiotics: Doctors may choose a tetracycline and an aminoglycoside or a drug like rifampicin as the first line of treatment for Brucella infection.
Symptomatic Treatment: Appropriate medications such as pain relievers and antipyretics can be used to alleviate symptoms.
Rest and Recovery Process: It is important to rest and focus on the body’s recovery process during Brucella infection treatment.
Doctor Follow-up: The doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment and update the treatment plan if necessary.
Management of Complications: Complications that may arise during Brucella infection treatment, especially in chronic or severe cases, should also be managed.
How Should Malta Fever Be Managed?
The management of Brucella infection involves not only treatment but also preventing the spread and recurrence of the disease:
Disease Prevention: To prevent the spread of Brucella infection, avoid infected animals and infected animal products. Meat and dairy products should be well-cooked or pasteurized.
Antibiotic Treatment: Once Brucella infection is diagnosed, appropriate antibiotic treatment should be initiated immediately and fully completed.
Doctor Follow-up: Regular doctor follow-up is important during and after Brucella infection treatment.
Monitoring Symptoms: Monitoring symptoms during and after Brucella infection treatment is important.
Protective Measures: Appropriate vaccines should be administered to prevent animals from becoming infected, and individuals who come into contact with infected animals should use protective equipment.
Management of Complications: Complications that may arise during Brucella infection treatment, especially in chronic or severe cases, should also be managed.
