Neurobrucellosis and steroid therapy

Brucellosis is a relatively frequent disease in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. We describe a young adult male presenting with a 6-month history of fever, headache, malaise, and mental dullness. CSF studies revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis with increased protein and low glucose. Serum and CSF analysis were strongly positive for brucella. He was prescribed ceftriaxone, doxycycline, rifampin, and co-trimoxazole, but two days later he developed quadriparesia with evidence of myelitis in cervical MRI for which he has received methyl prednisolone 500mg Iv for 5 days continued with prednisolone 50mg daily. His condition was improved significantly. This case is reported because of the importance of steroid therapy in brucellosis