Treatment
Before treatment begins, a diagnosis of brucellosis infection must be made by a doctor.
Tests will be performed to look for bacteria in samples of blood, bone marrow, or other body fluids. In addition, a blood test can be performed to detect antibodies against the bacteria.
Once a diagnosis is made, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.
Depending on the timing of treatment and severity of illness, recovery may take a few weeks to several months. Death from brucellosis is rare, occurring in no more than 2% of all cases.
Generally, the antibiotics doxycycline and rifampin are recommended in combination for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Let your doctor know if you are:
- pregnant
- allergic to doxycycline or rifampin
- suffer from a reduced or absent immune response (immunosuppressed)
Page last reviewed: November 12, 2012