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Childhood brucellosis: a deceptive infectious disease
Y al-Eissa1, F al-Zamil, M al-Mugeiren
1Department of Pediatrics, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Human brucellosis is a multisystem disease that may notoriously mimic many other illnesses leading to misdiagnosis and increased morbidity. Six pediatric cases of brucellosis who had no epidemiologic evidence of the infection escaped early or correct recognition. The diagnosis of brucellosis was later made on the basis of significant brucella serology and positive blood or bone marrow culture. In endemic areas, a high index of suspicion should prevail in the evaluation of patients with vague or unexplained symptoms.
Insights
Human brucellosis, a complex illness, often mimics other diseases, delaying diagnosis in children. Early recognition requires a high suspicion index for unexplained symptoms in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Human brucellosis presents as a multisystemic disease.
- It can mimic numerous other conditions, complicating diagnosis and increasing patient morbidity.
- Lack of clear epidemiological evidence can further obscure recognition.
Observation:
- Six pediatric cases of brucellosis were studied.
- These children lacked apparent epidemiological links to the infection.
- Initial diagnoses were delayed or incorrect.
Findings:
- Brucellosis diagnosis was confirmed through significant Brucella serology.
- Positive blood or bone marrow cultures were crucial for definitive diagnosis.
- The study highlights diagnostic challenges in pediatric brucellosis.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion is critical for diagnosing brucellosis in endemic areas.
- Vague or unexplained symptoms in children warrant thorough evaluation for brucellosis.
- Improved diagnostic strategies are needed for early brucellosis detection in pediatric populations.