Unilateral Parotid Abscess Within a Warthin’s Tumour Secondary to Brucellosis: A Case Report

Brucellosis is a zoonotic multisystem disease that rarely causes infections in the head and neck region.Brucella infections of the parotid gland can lead to the formation of a parotid abscess, which can be associated with local and systemic complications.We report a case of parotid gland abscess with associated Warthin's tumour that presented acutely with pain, odynophagia and swelling.Imaging of the neck showed a parotid abscess with lymphadenopathy.Brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis was confirmed on aspiration from the abscess.The patient required abscess drainage and a prolonged course of antibiotics, and significant clinical improvement was noted on follow-up, with resolution of the presenting symptoms.In endemic countries, brucellosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for unilateral parotid abscesses, especially in patients with occupational and health-related risk factors, and should be adequately investigated and treated to rule out other systemic complications.