A Rare Presentation of Brucellosis With Testicular Complications

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the Brucella species of bacteria. It is mainly transmitted to humans through consuming unpasteurized dairy products or through direct contact with infected animals. Brucellosis can present with a variety of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, weight loss, and organ-specific complications. Treatment typically includes a short course of an aminoglycoside with a longer course of a tetracycline. In this case report, we present a 50-year-old Hispanic male who developed brucellosis after consuming large quantities of unpasteurized goat's milk while tending to goats and horses. The patient originally presented with fever, dyspnea, and headache. Initially treated with doxycycline and gentamicin, he presented two months later with testicular pain and swelling and was found to have epididymo-orchitis secondary to brucellosis. This rare complication is only present in a few percent of cases. The patient was treated for focal infection with a combination of doxycycline, rifampin, and amikacin with a favorable response to therapy.