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Brucella meningitis and papilledema in a child
1Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. ljaime@bgu.ac.il
Insights
Brucella meningitis, a rare infection in children, can cause papilledema. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of this neurobrucellosis case led to full recovery, highlighting the importance of considering raw milk exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection that can affect the central nervous system.
- Neurobrucellosis, particularly meningitis, is uncommon in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with symptoms of meningitis, including headache, fever, and vomiting, following consumption of raw goat's milk.
- Clinical examination revealed positive meningeal signs and bilateral papilledema with flame-shaped hemorrhages.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of Brucella meningitis was confirmed by positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures and a high serum agglutination titer.
- The patient received a combination antibiotic therapy (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, doxycycline) with a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- Brucella meningitis should be considered in children with meningitis symptoms and a history of consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
- Papilledema is a significant clinical sign in pediatric neurobrucellosis, but visual impairment is rare with timely intervention.
Purpose:
To report a rare case of Brucella meningitis with papilledema in a child and to discuss the findings of neurobrucellosis in children.
Methods:
A 6-year-old girl was admitted with headache, fever, and vomiting for 1 week. Her family reported intake of raw unpasteurized goat's milk in the past. Meningeal signs were strongly positive. Bilateral moderate optic disc edema with flame-shaped hemorrhages was observed.
Results:
The diagnosis of Brucella infection was established by positive blood culture for Brucella species, serum agglutination titer of antibodies to Brucella >1:160, and positive CSF culture. After treatment consisting of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, and doxycycline, the patient's condition gradually improved. One month later, the papilledema disappeared. One year after presentation, the patient remains free of symptoms.
Conclusions:
Brucella meningitis must be ruled out in symptomatic patients reporting ingestion of raw unpasteurized goat's milk. Papilledema is a frequent clinical feature, but irreversible visual impairment is extremely rare.
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