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Brucellosis spondylitis is an arthritis of the spine caused by the bacterium Brucella. This bacterium spreads from animals to humans, often through consuming unpasteurized dairy products.1

The condition typically develops weeks after an initial Brucella infection. Symptoms include severe lower back pain, recurring fever, headaches, and general muscle and joint pain. The infection can damage intervertebral discs and nearby vertebrae. Treatment involves antibiotics and immobilizing the affected joints, though treatment can be lengthy and the infection may return. Brucellosis itself is an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals, characterized by fever, chills, sweats, and body aches.12

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