Although human brucellosis has been recognised for 121 years it remains difficult to treat.1 It is transmitted mainly from domestic animals to humans through direct contact, contaminated animal products (particularly dairy products), and by inhalation of infectious particles. Brucella has developed many ways to evade the human immune system, and it induces a disease that is often relapsing or chronic. The geographical distribution of the disease is constantly changing, with new foci emerging,2 and Brucellaalso has the potential to be used in biowarfare as it is easily produced in a steady aerosolised form.3 Brucella’s unique interaction with the human immune system means that a protracted therapeutic regimen with a combination of antibiotics is needed to avoid treatment failure and relapses, serious complications, or residual damage from focal disease.4 5 The optimal treatment regimen is debatable.

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