What infection is commonly associated with milk?

Brucellosis is indeed commonly associated with milk and dairy products, particularly those made from unpasteurized milk from infected animals. This bacterial infection, caused by the Brucella species, can enter the human body through consumption of contaminated milk or cheese. The bacteria are usually found in cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs, and they can thrive in raw milk. Pasteurization, a process that involves heating milk to a specific temperature to kill pathogens, is crucial in preventing the transmission of brucellosis. Therefore, it is important to ensure that dairy products are properly pasteurized to minimize the risk of infection.

While tuberculosis, salmonella, and listeria are also relevant concerns related to milk consumption, they are associated with different causes and routes of transmission. Tuberculosis can be transmitted through unpasteurized milk but is less common today due to robust public health measures. Salmonella infections can result from various foods, including eggs and poultry, but they are not specifically tied to milk, particularly low-risk with pasteurized products. Listeria monocytogenes is known for contaminating ready-to-eat foods and certain dairy products, but it more frequently arises from improperly handled or processed foods rather than fresh milk itself. Brucell