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Splenic abscesses in childhood brucellosis: a case-based review
P Pavone1, C Gulizia, S D'Amico
1Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital AOU "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy. ppavone@unict.it.
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|July 20, 2022
Summary
Brucellosis in children can present with rare splenic involvement. Early diagnosis and specific antibiotic treatment, even with initial negative tests, lead to complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Human brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with diverse clinical presentations.
- Focal splenic involvement is rare, especially in pediatric cases during the acute phase.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy presented with fever, anemia, and splenic lesions despite cephalosporin treatment.
- Initial Brucella tests were negative, but chemiluminescent immunoassay confirmed Brucella IgM antibodies.
Findings:
- Treatment with rifampicin and co-trimethoprim for 7 weeks led to undetectable IgM antibodies.
- Abdominal ultrasound showed resolution of splenic lesions after 6 weeks of treatment.
Implications:
- Standard diagnostic evaluations may miss brucellosis; extended laboratory analysis is crucial in suspected cases.
- Brucellosis with splenic abscesses in children requires consideration, as prompt antibiotic therapy ensures full recovery.
