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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
A traveler with neurobrucellosis
E Van den Enden1, E Vlieghe, R Demeester
1Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium. evdenden@itg.be
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|September 1, 2009
Summary
A traveler's fever and neurological issues were misdiagnosed as East African trypanosomiasis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of neurobrucellosis with antibiotics improved his condition and brain lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- East African trypanosomiasis and neurobrucellosis are serious infections presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A traveler returning from East Africa presented with fever and neurological deterioration.
- Initial treatment for presumed trypanosomiasis with suramin, melarsoprol, and prednisolone was ineffective, and cerebral lesions developed.
Findings:
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with neurobrucellosis.
- Combination antibiotic therapy resulted in clinical improvement and regression of cerebral lesions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the danger of misdiagnosing serious infections based on insufficient evidence.
- Early and accurate diagnosis, avoiding potentially lethal treatments for incorrect conditions, is vital in tropical medicine.
- Clinicians should consider a broad differential diagnosis in patients with neurological symptoms and travel history.
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