Brucellosis: observations on 100 patients

ABSTRACT

This study is based on a retrospectively review of 100 patients with brucellosis observed over a two-year period ending May 1985. Fifty-eight percent were males, and the average age was 32 years. Fever and rheumatological findings dominated the clinical picture. Most commonly involved joints were hip, sacroiliac, knee and lumbar spine. Complications included ostemyelitis, 6%; orchitis, 6%; and neurological involvement, 5%. Bacteremia was noted in 33% of the patients. Initial serological titer was > 640 in 75% of the patients. There were no significant differences in the levels of titers between the bacteremic and nonbacteremic patients. Routine laboratory tests were not helpful in the diagnosis of brucellosis. Commonly used antimicrobial regimens consisted of streptomycin plus tetracycline or rifampin plus doxycycline. Both regimens appeared to be equally effective. Because of it nonspecific presentation, brucellosis can easily be overlooked. In suspected cases of brucellosis, serological tests appear to be most helpful in making an early diagnosis