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Pleural fluid characteristics in pulmonary brucellosis
1Department of Paediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
Although pulmonary symptoms accompany up to 16% of cases of infection with Brucella melitensis, pleural effusion has rarely been reported. A 12 year old girl had brucellosis with pulmonary disease and a pleural effusion. The pleural fluid was clear and straw coloured with 2700 leucocytes/mm3 (93% lymphocytes), a protein level of 48 g/1, and a glucose concentration of 4.1 mmol/l. Culture of the pleural fluid grew Br melitensis.
Insights
Brucella melitensis infection rarely causes pleural effusion, a fluid buildup around the lungs. This case highlights a rare instance of Brucella melitensis causing pulmonary disease and pleural effusion in a child.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brucella melitensis is an important zoonotic pathogen.
- Pulmonary involvement occurs in up to 16% of Brucella infections.
- Pleural effusion is an uncommon manifestation of Brucella infection.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old female presented with symptoms of brucellosis and concurrent pulmonary disease.
- The patient developed a pleural effusion.
- Pleural fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic predominance, elevated protein, and normal glucose.
Findings:
- Pleural fluid culture was positive for Brucella melitensis.
- This confirms Brucella melitensis as the causative agent of the pleural effusion.
- The case represents a rare presentation of pediatric brucellosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Brucella in the differential diagnosis of pediatric pleural effusions.
- Suggests that pleural fluid analysis and culture are crucial for diagnosing uncommon presentations of brucellosis.
- Contributes to the understanding of the spectrum of pulmonary manifestations in Brucella infections.