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In many Central, South American, Western European and Mediterranean countries, milk and its products are often distributed and sold without being pasteurized. This is a very risky habit, because it may cause severe illnesses and even death, to those whose immune system has been weakened or who have not been exposed to the germs in those products: Salmonella, Brucella and many others. Unfortunately, many tourists become sick when they consume dairy products bough at roadside stands or from street vendors, believing that what they eat or drink is "natural" and "healthier" than what is found at grocery stores back home...

What kinds of germs are found in non-pasteurized dairy products?... Probably too many to count. However, among the most common are E. Coli, Salmonella and Brucella. The first two germs are fairly well known in the US due the occasional cases of beef contamination, at fast food outlets and also of spinach, lettuce, etc. The third germ, Brucella, is not well known because it causes fewer problems. However, the disease it causes is not often properly diagnosed, since its symptoms may mimic Lyme disease, because of fever, fatigue, joint soreness and pain. The most serious problem could be the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart [pericardium]; this causes not only disruptions with the heart's function, but it may be fatal.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, Brucella, that may be present in cows, deer, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, and many other animals. We could be infected when coming in contact with contaminated bodily fluids from these animals; hunters are at higher risk, particularly when handling animal organs. Dogs can easily acquire brucellosis and could be infectious for several weeks they must be kept away from patients who suffer from cancer or HIV, as well as from those who have undergone organ or tissue transplantation. It is possible that brucellosis could be spread between humans by sexual contact, breast feeding, open wounds, tissue transplantation and, although extremely rare, inhalation. Although brucellosis could clinically mimic several other diseases, it is diagnosed by blood and bone marrow tests. Its treatment with antibiotics could be difficult and last for several months. Unfortunately, a vaccine is not available at this time.

Learn more about this author, Alice M Crawford Md.
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