6533b873fe1ef96bd12d5731

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Brucellar aortitis and brucellar spondylitis

subject

description

Brucellosis is the most common bacterial zoonosis, and causes a considerable burden of disease in endemic countries. Cardiovascular involvement is the main cause of mortality due to infection with Brucella spp., and most commonly manifests as endocarditis, peripheral and cerebrovascular aneurysms, or arterial and venous thrombosis. We report a case of brucellosis presenting as bacteremia and aortic endarteritis 18 years after the last known exposure to risk factors for brucella infection. The patient was treated with doxycycline, rifampin, and gentamicin, and underwent surgical repair of a penetrating aortic ulcer, with a good clinical recovery. We review the signs and symptoms, diagnostic approach, prognosis, and treatment of brucella arteritis. We draw attention to the absence of consensus about the optimum therapy for vascular brucellosis, and the urgent need for additional studies and renewed scientific interest in this major pathogen.