Brucella arthritis: a study of 80 cases in Mosul, Iraq

ABSTRACT

Brucella arthritis is common in Mosul, Iraq, with peripheral arthritis being the most common presenting manifestation. A prospective analysis of 80 patients [43 female, 37 male] attending the Ibn-Sina General Teaching Hospital between October 2001 and September 2002 recorded information on gender, age, residence, contact with animals and intake of unsterilized dairy products and studied the distribution of arthritis according to the pattern of joint involvement. The knee joint was the most common joint affected [34%], followed by the hip joint [30%]. Of the total joints involved, the arthritis was monoarticular in 56.3% and pausiarticular in 43.7%. It is recommended that the public and primary healthcare physicians are made aware of the occurrence, manifestations and importance of having correct treatment for this condition in view of its prevalence and economic implications