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Brucellosis: atypical presentation with peritonitis and meningitis
S M Diab1, G F Araj, A J al-Asfour
1Department of Medicine, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, Kuwait.
Tropical and Geographical Medicine
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Brucellosis can mimic tuberculosis, presenting with serious complications like peritonitis and meningitis. Prompt serologic testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, leading to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Gastrointestinal involvement in brucellosis can be complex and mimic other conditions.
Observation:
- A patient presented with peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, granulomatous hepatitis, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion, and meningitis.
- Initial diagnosis was disseminated tuberculosis, with treatment initiated accordingly.
Findings:
- Serologic tests for brucellosis were strongly positive, leading to a revised diagnosis.
- The patient recovered fully after receiving appropriate brucellosis treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering brucellosis in differential diagnoses, especially when symptoms overlap with tuberculosis.
- Underscores the need for thorough serologic evaluation to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
- Emphasizes the potential for severe gastrointestinal and systemic complications in brucellosis.