Analysis of 161 adult patients with brucellosis

To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, and complications of brucellosis. Materials and methods: Between January 2005 and December 2008, 161 patients with brucellosis who were admitted to our clinic were evaluated prospectively. Results: Of the patients, 97 (60.2%) were male, and the mean age was 47 ± 17 years (range: 16-79). There were 99 patients (61.5%) classified as acute, 36 (22.4%) classified as subacute, and 6 (3.7%) classified as having a chronic infection. Relapse or reinfection was observed in 20 (12.4%) patients. Blood culture positivity rates were 60.7% and 44.8% among acute and subacute cases, respectively (P = 0.008). In 40 of 70 culture positive patients, standard Brucella tube agglutination titers were found above 1/1280 (P = 0.03). Blood culture positivity was also higher in febrile patients (P = 0.001). Complications were detected in 66 of 161 patients (41.0%). Osteoarticular system involvement was the most common complication (50 patients, 31.1%). Fever, positive blood cultures, and hepatosplenomegaly were significantly higher in the group without complications (P < 0.05). Complications were significantly lower in acute infections than in subacute infections (P < 0.05). There were also higher complication rates detected in the patients with reinfection and relapse (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In endemic regions, brucellosis is an important infectious disease causing chronic infections and complications.