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Spinal brucellosis: case report in the United States
Charles A Reitman1, William C Watters
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Spine
|April 30, 2002
Summary
Spinal brucellosis, a rare infection often missed in the US, requires a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Prompt antibiotic treatment leads to favorable outcomes, even after delayed diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Brucellosis is an uncommon cause of spinal infections in the United States.
- Regional increases in brucellosis prevalence necessitate heightened awareness.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with spinal brucellosis experiencing a delayed diagnosis.
- The patient's history revealed consumption of unpasteurized goat cheese, a potential source of infection.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through appropriate testing after a protracted treatment course.
Findings:
- The patient underwent multiple surgeries and received various medications.
- Definitive antibiotic therapy resulted in a positive response to treatment.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for favorable treatment outcomes.
Implications:
- Spinal brucellosis is frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis of back pain due to its rarity.
- Shifting risk patterns for brucellosis demand increased clinical suspicion.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are associated with predictable positive results.