Cervical spinal tuberculosis combined with brucellosis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Tuberculosis and brucellosis are common causes of spinal infections, particularly in developing countries.
• Co-infection of the spine with both tuberculosis and brucellosis is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 47-year-old male presented with numbness, weakness, and fever in both upper limbs.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed cervical vertebral destruction and nerve compression.
• Initial suspicion was brucellar spondylitis, but pathology confirmed co-infection.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with co-existing cervical spinal tuberculosis and brucellosis.
• Post-operative treatment led to significant symptom improvement within two weeks.
• Complete symptom resolution and normalization of laboratory tests were observed at 6-month follow-up.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare co-infections in endemic areas.
• Comprehensive diagnostic workups are essential to avoid misdiagnosis of spinal infections.
• Prompt and accurate diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis and brucellosis leads to favorable patient outcomes.