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Brucellosis as a cause of backache
M Sadat-Ali1, M S al-Mousa, A H al-Salem
1College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Tropical and Geographical Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Raw milk consumption leads to brucella spondylitis, a significant cause of backache. Despite pasteurized milk availability, infections persist, highlighting the need for a national brucellosis eradication program.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease often linked to raw milk consumption.
- Backache is a common symptom, and brucellosis can be an underdiagnosed cause.
- Brucella spondylitis specifically affects the spine, causing significant morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of brucellosis, particularly brucella spondylitis, in patients presenting with backache.
- To identify the prevalence of specific Brucella species in infected individuals.
- To emphasize the public health implications of raw milk consumption and brucellosis transmission.
Main Methods:
- Prospective screening of 173 patients with backache and raw milk ingestion history.
- Serological testing for Brucella antibodies (Brucella melitensis and abortus).
- Radiographic examination of the thoraco-lumbar spine for bony changes.
Main Results:
- 21 out of 173 patients (12.1%) were diagnosed with brucella spondylitis.
- The overall incidence of brucellosis in the screened population was 28 in 10,647.
- 67% of brucella spondylitis cases presented acutely, with 6 requiring hospitalization; 42% showed spinal bony changes on radiographs.
Conclusions:
- Brucellosis is a critical, often overlooked, cause of backache.
- Infection rates remain high despite the availability of pasteurized milk.
- A national brucellosis eradication program is recommended to control transmission.