diff --git a/src/mlm_client_engine.inc b/src/mlm_client_engine.inc
index 3a05d577..d463f9e9 100644
--- a/src/mlm_client_engine.inc
+++ b/src/mlm_client_engine.inc
@@ -1723,7 +1723,11 @@ int
 mlm_client_set_consumer (mlm_client_t *self, const char *stream, const char *pattern)
 {
     assert (self);
-
+    // https://github.com/zeromq/malamute/issues/217
+    // problem  : if pattern "*" is used, the related stream will be broken and
+    //            mlm broker will start overcosumming 100% CPU forever
+    if (streq(pattern,"*"))
+        return -1;
     zsock_send (self->actor, "sss", "SET CONSUMER", stream, pattern);
     if (s_accept_reply (self, "SUCCESS", "FAILURE", NULL))
         return -1;              //  Interrupted or timed-out