Demographic characteristics, laboratory features and complications in 346 cases of brucellosis: A retrospective study from Qatar

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.11.007
• Publication Date: 2023-11-15T16:42:34Z
• Authors: Irfan Varikkodan; Vamanjore A. Naushad; Nishan K. Purayil; Muhammad Zahid; Jaseem Sirajudeen; Naseem Ambra; Areej Marwan Moha...; Jignesh Trivedi; Shibu P. Kandalam; Prakash Joseph; Anand B. Kartha; Abdelnaser Elzouki
• Keywords: Original Report; Brucella' Brucellosis' focal brucellosis' melitensis; 3. Good health

To study the epidemiology and laboratory findings and outcomes of human brucellosis in the state of Qatar.A retrospective study involving adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of brucellosis was conducted.Of the 346 patients 299 were males. The mean age was 39.62 years. 120 patients had history of drinking raw milk and 116 had a history of contact with animals. Fever (89.9%) and myalgia (56.6%) were the most common presenting symptoms observed. Raised C-reactive protein level was the most frequent laboratory finding noted. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised to three times the normal in 39.6% and 37% of patients, respectively. Blood culture was positive in 72.8% whereas Brucella immunoglobulin G antibody and immunoglobulin M antibody titer was positive in 72.5% and 73.1% patients, respectively. Approximately 21.4% had focal involvement and osteoarticular (11.6%) involvement was the most frequently observed focal form. Doxycycline with rifampicin or gentamicin was the common regimen received. Relapse was seen in 7.2% patients.Human brucellosis continues to be a serious health issue in Qatar predominantly affecting healthy young adult men resulting in significant morbidity. Preventive measures and community awareness particularly among high-risk groups will help in decreasing the prevalence of the disease and its aftereffects.