A case series of pediatric neurobrucellosis: a rare complication to a common disease

Neurobrucellosis (NB) is a rare complication of the most common zoonotic infection worldwide. Meningitis and encephalitis are the most common manifestations. While it is endemic in many countries, it is frequently misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific presentations, and it requires a high index of suspicion and special care to be cured.

The first case is from a rural area and presented with a prolonged fever associated with profuse sweating, which was complicated later by headache and sudden left-sided weakness associated with urine incontinence without signs of meningeal irritation. Laboratory and radiological tests confirmed the diagnosis of NB after other cerebral infections were ruled out, and the patient received the full brucella regimen and recovered well. The second patient presented with a gradual onset of fever that did not respond to conventional treatment. Days later, his condition was complicated by a convulsion that was not preceded by an aura and was not accompanied by symptoms of weakness, increased intracranial pressure, or sphincteric disturbances. He has a history of drinking raw milk, and tests for brucella were positive, ruling out other intracranial infections and masses. He received full brucella treatment and showed good recovery.

A patient from an endemic area who has a prolonged fever and neurological symptoms should be considered positive for NB until it is ruled out.