Spectrum of Brucella melitensis Infection: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Brucellosis remains an underdiagnosed zoonotic disease in India due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and limited diagnostic awareness.

A retrospective analysis of all culture-confirmed brucellosis cases between January 2019 and September 2025 was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were extracted from the medical records of affected patients.

During the study period, 14 patients with culture-confirmed brucellosis were identified. The median age was 49.5 years, and 57% were male. Blood cultures accounted for 86% of isolates, followed by pus and ascitic fluid. Fever was the most common presenting symptom. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent comorbidity. Clinical manifestations ranged widely, including epididymo-orchitis, spondylodiscitis, cellulitis, Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and complications in chronic liver disease. Treatment regimens varied but predominantly included doxycycline with an aminoglycoside.

Brucella melitensis infection demonstrates diverse clinical presentations. Automated identification systems facilitate timely detection. Improved awareness among clinicians is essential for early diagnosis in endemic regions.