Congenital brucellosis in a Chinese preterm neonate: A case report

Although extremely rare, congenital brucellosis can occur via perinatal transmission. We report a case of an infant born prematurely at 34-36 weeks' gestation who had pyrexia, shortness of breath, hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Blood cultures were positive for Gram-negative coccobacilli and Brucella infection was suspected. While, serological tests were negative for Brucella antibodies, B. melitensis infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serology of the parents' blood confirmed the presence of Brucella. The family did not live in an endemic area but had ridden a camel 12 months before the pregnancy. The bacteria may have been sexually transmitted from father to mother and then to foetus via an intrauterine infection. In endemic areas or where the family has been in close contact with infected animals, brucellosis should be suspected in a severely ill neonate with an unknown infection. Thorough medical histories from the family are essential as early diagnosis and prompt therapy will almost certainly improve neonatal outcome.