Brucellosis and rheumatic syndromes in Saudi Arabia

Seventy-three episodes of brucellosis in 55 patients are reported. Twenty-two had a systemic illness, 10 arthritis, 10 spondylitis, and four arthritis and spondylitis. Cultures were positive in 77% of cases where appropriate methods were used. A number of rheumatic syndromes may be mimicked by brucellosis and others may coexist with it. A high index of suspicion should prevail in the evaluation of patients from endemic areas.