First Case of Brucella Pneumonia in a Lung Transplant Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Brucella is one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide. It is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Brucella pneumonia is a rare complication of brucellosis that can present with a variety of clinical and radiological manifestations. It was described only once previously in the setting of solid organ transplant. A 32-year-old female from Saudi Arabia with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis presented five weeks after a bilateral lung transplant with fever and cough. Investigation showed high inflammatory markers in addition to a pulmonary infiltrate in the chest imaging. All microbiological workups were negative including bronchoalveolar lavage cultures. Brucella serology was positive and she was started on anti-Brucella therapy which resulted in complete resolution of her symptoms and radiological changes. This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of Brucellosis. It highlights the importance of epidemiology in evaluating post-transplant infections. We reviewed and summarized the literature on brucellosis post solid organ transplant and the various treatment regimens for Brucella pneumonia. This is the first case report of Brucella pneumonia in a lung transplant patient. Brucella is a rare complication post solid organ transplant but it has a good prognosis.