Chronic brucellosis with sacroiliitis: A case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease caused by Brucella bacteria.
• It typically affects multiple organs but osteoarticular involvement is rare.
• Brucella can evade host immune responses to establish chronic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering brucellosis in patients with prolonged fever and unexplained joint or back pain.
• To present a case of brucellosis with atypical osteoarticular localization.
• To emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for such cases.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 41-year-old woman with a history of goat farming.
• Diagnosis confirmed by positive serological tests (ELISA).
• Radiological imaging revealed sacroiliitis and a sacral fracture line.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with four months of fever, low back pain, and multiple joint pain.
• Serological tests confirmed Brucellosis.
• Radiological findings indicated right sacroiliitis and a right sacral ala fracture without trauma history.
• Treatment with NSAIDs and antibiotics led to complete symptom resolution within four weeks.

Conclusions:

• Brucellosis with atypical osteoarticular localization requires a high index of suspicion.
• Detailed patient history and physical examination are crucial for timely diagnosis.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy result in favorable outcomes.