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Published on: September 20, 2018
Brucella-Induced Acute Psychosis: A Novel Cause of Acute Psychosis
Chi-Chi Obuaya1, Gayathri Thivyaa Gangatharan2, Efthimia Karra3
1CNWL NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Background:
Infections have long been linked to psychosis and categorised within "secondary" psychoses. To date, there have been few reports of psychosis linked to brucellosis. This case report aims to present one such case. Case Presentation. A 31-year-old man was admitted to a general hospital with pyrexia, severe right upper quadrant pain, and an acute psychosis following a two-week holiday in South East Asia and the Mediterranean. Serological tests revealed that he had brucellosis. Following antibiotic treatment, the psychotic symptoms abated and he was discharged within ten days of hospitalisation.
Conclusions:
This case of organic psychosis highlights the importance of considering brucellosis as a rare cause of acute psychosis. The exact mechanism of Brucella-induced psychosis remains unclear.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of acute psychosis caused by brucellosis (a bacterial infection). Prompt antibiotic treatment resolved the psychotic symptoms, underscoring brucellosis as a potential cause of secondary psychosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuropsychiatry
Background:
- Psychosis is often categorized as secondary to underlying conditions.
- Brucellosis, a bacterial zoonotic infection, has rarely been associated with psychosis.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male presented with acute psychosis, fever, and abdominal pain after travel.
- Serological tests confirmed brucellosis as the cause of his symptoms.
Findings:
- Antibiotic therapy led to the resolution of psychotic symptoms.
- The patient was discharged within ten days of hospitalization.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of acute psychosis.
- The precise mechanisms underlying *Brucella*-induced psychosis require further investigation.
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