Neurobrucellosis complicating pregnancy: a case report

Brucellosis in humans is an infectious disease which may occur following contact with infected domestic animals or the ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products. It has rarely been described in pregnancy. The diagnosis, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and management of brucellosis in a 3rd-trimester pregnant woman are discussed.

A 24-year-old Mexican female, G(3)P(2002), at 30 weeks gestation presented with fever, shaking chills, night sweats, a non-productive cough, weakness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and vague, dull, upper abdominal pain as well as neuropsychiatric findings. Extensive evaluation revealed serologic and culture evidence of Brucella infection. Her worsening neuropsychiatric condition necessitated preterm delivery with satisfactory neonatal and improved maternal outcomes.

Bacteriologic infection of pregnant women with neuropsychiatric manifestations should prompt a careful investigation, and brucellosis should be considered if there is a travel history possibly compatible with contact with domestic animals or the ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products.