RESUMO
We reviewed 140 Saudi Arab patients with brucellosis. The diagnosis was based on clinical and serological features. Brucellosis is common in many parts of the developing world. It may mimic other illnesses leading to mis-diagnosis with subsequent delay in starting treatment and an increased morbidity. The lack of awareness of clinicians generally, that brucellosis is a common disease is another contributing factor in mis-diagnosis and delaying treatment. The observation that 90 patients had low back pain and/or arthritis, 32 patient had subacute hepatitis, that abortion had occurred in 6 patients, epididymo-orchitis in 6 patients and endocarditis in 2 patients, emphasizes the fact that delay in diagnosis may increase morbidity. A nationwide study in necessary and a programme for eradication of the disease is biologically feasible