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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Microscopy-based Assays for High-throughput Screening of Host Factors Involved in Brucella Infection of Hela Cells
Published on: August 5, 2016
Demographic characteristics, laboratory features and complications in 346 cases of brucellosis: A retrospective study
Irfan Varikkodan1,2, Vamanjore A Naushad1,2,3, Nishan K Purayil1,2,3
1Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Objectives:
To study the epidemiology and laboratory findings and outcomes of human brucellosis in the state of Qatar.
Methods:
A retrospective study involving adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of brucellosis was conducted.
Results:
Of the 346 patients 299 were males. The mean age was 39.62 years. 120 patients had history of drinking raw milk and 116 had a history of contact with animals. Fever (89.9%) and myalgia (56.6%) were the most common presenting symptoms observed. Raised C-reactive protein level was the most frequent laboratory finding noted. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised to three times the normal in 39.6% and 37% of patients, respectively. Blood culture was positive in 72.8% whereas Brucella immunoglobulin G antibody and immunoglobulin M antibody titer was positive in 72.5% and 73.1% patients, respectively. Approximately 21.4% had focal involvement and osteoarticular (11.6%) involvement was the most frequently observed focal form. Doxycycline with rifampicin or gentamicin was the common regimen received. Relapse was seen in 7.2% patients.
Conclusion:
Human brucellosis continues to be a serious health issue in Qatar predominantly affecting healthy young adult men resulting in significant morbidity. Preventive measures and community awareness particularly among high-risk groups will help in decreasing the prevalence of the disease and its aftereffects.
