Clinical Spectrum of Brucellosis from a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is an under reported, emerging zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, which is particularly endemic in many countries of the Mediterranean basin. We reviewed thirteen cases of culture proven Brucellosis and their clinical manifestations admitted at our Institute.  Materials and Methods: Medical records of thirteen cases of Brucellosis were reviewed between Jan 2013 to June 2017.Demographic data, clinical manifestations, clinical complications and outcome of these cases were analyzed. Results: The age range of patients was between 26-57 years with a female preponderance (7 females and 6 males). All the patients had history of occupational exposure to cattle and they were hailing from rural areas (13/13). In 8 patients with Fever of unknown origin (FUO) fever was the main presenting symptom and the duration of fever was for more than 3 months with associated joint pains, headache and vomiting. Five patients had features suggestive of Infective Endocarditis (IE) with vegetation on Aortic valve. 13/13 cases were positive for Brucella culture.5/13 cases positive for Brucella antibodies were also positive by culture. 8/13 cases were negative for Brucella antibodies. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of brucellosis facilitates prompt therapy that helps in timely management of this Infectious disease with a successful outcome.