Misdiagnosis of Malaria May Mask True Prevalence of Brucellosis in Millions of Cases

Brucellosis is a significant yet often overlooked infectious disease prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries worldwide. This bacterial illness shares symptoms commonly associated with malaria—such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue—leading to frequent misdiagnosis. Recent research from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) reveals that up to 7 million individuals globally could be incorrectly diagnosed with malaria each year, when in fact they are suffering from brucellosis.

Published in the journal BMC Public Health, the study highlights how the symptom overlap results in many cases of brucellosis remaining untreated and misrepresented in health statistics. Since malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, and brucellosis results from bacteria spread mainly via livestock or unpasteurized dairy products, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

The misconception persists partly because healthcare professionals and policymakers lack awareness of brucellosis's widespread occurrence and clinical similarities to other febrile illnesses. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, or by consuming contaminated dairy products. If it remains untreated, brucellosis can develop into a chronic condition leading to neurological, cardiovascular complications, and even death.

To refine the estimated global impact, researchers collaborated with statistical experts to analyze data from affected countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Armenia. They used advanced models to approximate how many malaria cases might actually be cases of brucellosis, resulting in an estimation that the disease’s true incidence could increase by 0.25% to 4%, translating to approximately 2.1 to 7 million affected individuals worldwide.

The study emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns targeting health professionals, veterinarians, and policymakers to improve diagnosis and control efforts. Educational initiatives aim to better inform these groups on disease symptoms, modes of transmission, and prevention strategies, including controlling brucellosis in livestock.

Preventative measures focus on controlling infection in animals to reduce human cases. The research team, led by Dr. Angela Arenas, is committed to training healthcare and veterinary workers, particularly in developing countries, to increase local capacity. They also emphasize the importance of community education, especially around safe consumption of dairy products and livestock management.

With potential concerns about brucellosis’s use as a bioweapon and its rapid spread, global health security depends on early detection and control. Efforts are ongoing to train the next generation of researchers and health workers, ensuring sustainable management of the disease even after external support diminishes.

In summary, this research underscores the critical need for increased awareness, better diagnostic methods, and comprehensive control measures to accurately identify and treat brucellosis, ultimately saving millions from unnecessary suffering and improving global health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-millions-malaria-brucellosis.html