Acute Abdomen Caused by Brucellar Hepatic Abscess

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Brucellosis is a prevalent zoonotic infection globally, endemic in Mediterranean regions.
• Human brucellosis presents with diverse clinical manifestations, often involving systemic infection.
• Hepatic involvement is common in chronic brucellosis, but abscess formation is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• This case report details a rare instance of hepatic abscess attributed to Brucella melitensis infection.
• The clinical presentation of the hepatic abscess closely simulated surgical acute abdomen.
• The patient's symptoms mimicked conditions requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Findings:

• Brucella melitensis was identified as the causative agent of the hepatic abscess.
• The abscess presented atypically, challenging initial diagnostic approaches.
• Successful management involved addressing both the abscess and the underlying brucellosis.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for Brucella spp. to cause rare but severe complications like hepatic abscess.
• Underscores the importance of considering brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of hepatic abscesses, especially in endemic areas.
• Emphasizes the need for a broad diagnostic perspective when faced with presentations mimicking surgical emergencies.