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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Brucella Spondylitis: Current Knowledge and Recent Advances
Nikolaos Spernovasilis1, Apostolos Karantanas2,3,4, Ioulia Markaki5
1Department of Infectious Diseases, German Oncology Center, 4108 Limassol, Cyprus.
Abstract:
The most prevalent zoonotic disease is brucellosis, which poses a significant threat for worldwide public health. Particularly in endemic areas, spinal involvement is a major source of morbidity and mortality and can complicate the course of the disease. The diagnosis of Brucella spondylitis is challenging and should be suspected in the appropriate epidemiological and clinical context, in correlation with microbiological and radiological findings. Treatment depends largely on the affected parts of the body. Available treatment options include antibiotic administration for an adequate period of time and, when appropriate, surgical intervention. In this article, we examined the most recent data on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and management of spinal brucellosis in adults.
Insights
Brucellosis is a major public health threat, with spinal brucellosis causing significant illness. This review covers the latest data on spinal brucellosis pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management in adults.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic disease globally, presenting a substantial public health challenge.
- Spinal brucellosis, a complication of brucellosis, significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality, especially in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the most recent data on spinal brucellosis in adults.
- To provide insights into the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on spinal brucellosis.
- Synthesis of information regarding epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Spinal brucellosis diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, integrating clinical, epidemiological, microbiological, and radiological findings.
- Treatment typically involves prolonged antibiotic therapy, often combined with surgical intervention when indicated by the extent of disease.
Conclusions:
- Spinal brucellosis is a complex condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.
- Early and accurate diagnosis, coupled with appropriate treatment, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term complications.
