Severe pharyngitis in stockbreeders: An unusual presentation of brucellosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is a known occupational hazard for shepherds, abattoir workers, veterinarians, dairy industry professionals and personnel in microbiological laboratories. Any organ may be affected by Brucella species but to date, severe manifestations in the pharynx have never been reported as the prevailing features of brucellosis. We report two cases in stockbreeders who presented with high-grade fever and severe exudative pharyngitis accompanied by severe odynophagia in the first and with high-grade fever and a history of relapsing tonsillitis in the second. We therefore recommend including brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of febrile patients suffering from unexplained pharyngitis or tonsillitis who belong to high-risk groups for contracting brucellosis. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved.