Brucellosis in United Kingdom – a risk to laboratory workers? Recommendations for prevention and management of laboratory exposure
- Srinivasulu Reddy (srinivasulu.reddy{at}bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk)
- Rohini Manuel (rohini.manuel{at}bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk)
- Elizabeth Sheridan (liz.sheridan{at}bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk)
- Garry Sadler (garry.sadler{at}bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk)
Abstract
Brucella spp. is an uncommon class 3 pathogen isolated in laboratories serving nonendemic areas. We report four recent cases of brucellosis diagnosed at five different London laboratories which highlights the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for brucellosis in patients with a history of travel to and/or consumption of unpasteurised foods from endemic areas. We propose a protocol for risk categorisation, and describe the strategy adopted for serological follow-up of exposed staff and use of postexposure prophylaxis.
