A clinical and laboratory evaluation of 32 cases of brucellosis

Abstract

Objective: Brucellosis is a zoonosis with high morbidity and low mortality in Turkey. It causes extreme financial losses in societies that depend on agriculture and livestock breeding and physical inadequacy and workforce loss when people are infected. This study evaluated the clinical features of brucellosis and measures of protection against brucellosis in Turkey. Material and Methods: During the 6-year study period, 32 children were evaluated retrospectively in our paediatric infectious disease clinic. Results: The mean age was 10.4±3.7 years and the ratio of girls to boys was 11/21. Of the 32 patients, 12.5% were living in rural areas, and 87.5% in urban areas. Among these cases, 87.5% had consumed unpasteurized milk and milk products, 12.5% had had contact with animals and the possible source of infection was unknown in 12.5%. Most cases (46.9%) were admitted in the summer months, particularly September (25%). The main complaints were fever (81.3%), arthralgia (65.6%), fatigue (37.5%), abdominal pain (18.8%), weight loss (18.8%) and headache (6.3%). Arthritis was the most common pathologic finding on physical examination (50%); splenomegaly (34.4%) and hepatomegaly (12.5%) were also seen. The Brucella agglutination titre was negative in 9.4% and positive in 90.6%. Blood cultures were positive in 39.5%. Doxycyline and gentamycin were administered to 24 patients aged over 8 years. TMP-SMX and rifampisin combination was used in eight patients younger than 8 years. Relapse occurred in three patients. Conclusion: Childhood brucellosis remains a significant public health problem in Turkey, which is endemic for brucellosis. Preventive studies and education should be improved, especially in endemic regions due to clinical findings was not sensitive, the high number of complications, loss of manpower, and effects on a wide range of people. © 2013 by Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.