Case series of brucellosis from a tertiary care hospital of North Karnataka

Abstract

Brucellosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, which is particularly endemic in many countries of the Mediterranean basin. We studied 10 cases of brucellosis with various presentations. Methods: A total of 10 cases with brucellosis were included in the study. History and clinical examination,laboratory parameters were noted. Also the clinical outcomes and complications were determined. Results:Majority of patients were from rural areas (8 out of 10). There were 6 males and 4 females. The age distribution was between 16-35 years. Direct contact was found to be significantly most important predisposing risk factor.Fever and joint pains were the main presenting symptoms. Low hemoglobin (7 cases), relative lymphocytosis (5 cases), low platelet (3 cases), raised creatinine (4 cases) and altered liver function (5 cases) were observed. Conclusion: Brucellosis is an important emerging zoonotic disease but it is often under-diagnosed due to lack of suspicion and diagnostic facilities despite the fact that cattle farming (an important high risk group) is one of the main occupations in rural area. This report should infuse the awareness about this reemerging disease.