Brucellosis; Difficulty of Diagnosis in Endemic Areas

Authors : Asli HAYKIR SOLAY, Ferit KUŞCU, Emin Ediz TÜTÜNCÜ, Gülay DEDE, Yunus GÜRBÜZ

Pages : 282-287

Doi:10.16899/jcm.1180677

View : 13 | Download : 21

Publication Date : 2023-03-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease distributed worldwide and very important public health problem especially in the developing countries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical/laboratory findings of brucellosis patients and contribute of coombs testing to diagnosis at Iğdır State Hospital infection diseases and clinical microbiology department. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-five brucellosis patients followed up in our clinic between September 2012 and February 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, diagnostic methods of the patients were presented. Results: The mean age of the patients were 39±15 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(18-80); and 59% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=86); of the patients were female, 41% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=59); were male. Most frequent risk factors were animal breeding insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=115, 79%); and using underdone milk and milk products insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=98, 69%);. Most reported complaints were weakness insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(92%);, arthralgia insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(89%);, sweating insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(74%);, lack of appetite insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(70%); and fever insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(68%);. Fifty-seven of the brucellosis patients could not diagnosed with standard tube agglutination. Therefore, Coombs test was used for these undiagnosed patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(39%, n=57);. Eighty patients were evaluated as acute insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(55%);, 53 as subacute insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(37%); and 12 as chronic insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(8%); brucellosis. Conclusions: Brucellosis can affect all organ systems and cause different clinical manifestations. Therefore, difficulties are encountered in the diagnosis of the disease. Brucellosis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis especially in the endemic regions. When the clinical suspicion exists detailed laboratory evaluation must be performed.
Keywords : bruselloz, tanı, coombs testi