[Childhood brucellosis in the Negev]

33 children (22 girls) with brucellosis seen between 1972-1988 were studied retrospectively. All but 1 were Bedouins. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.8 years (range: 17 months-17 years). Duration of illness prior to diagnosis was less than 1 week in 13 (39%), 1-4 weeks in 8 (24%) and 1-3 months in 10 (30%). In 2 cases the symptoms lasted 6 and 8 months, respectively, before diagnosis. Presenting symptoms included fever (85%), articular involvement (65%), hepatomegaly (45%) and splenomegaly (33%). Less common manifestations were anorexia (30%) and weight loss (15%) cases. Meningoencephalitis developed in 2 patients and uveitis and glomerulonephritis in 1 each. Diagnosis was based on positive agglutination titers (greater than 160), which were found in all. Brucella melitensis was isolated in blood cultures in 8 of the 33. 18 were treated with tetracycline and 9 with tetracycline and streptomycin, all of whom responded well. 3 of the 6 treated with trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole were only cured when therapy was changed to tetracycline in 2 and tetracycline plus streptomycin in 1. All patients recovered without sequelae. We conclude that brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis is endemic among the Bedouin of the Negev. An increased incidence of brucellosis among hospitalized children has been noted in the past 2 years, indicating the need for diagnostic awareness.