Treatment of Pediatric Brucellosis

Aylin DİZİ IŞIKa , Gülşen AKKOÇa , Eda KEPENEKLİ KADAYIFÇIa

aMarmara University Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, İstanbul, Türkiye

ABSTRACT

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide and represents a significant public health problem throughout the world, especially in resource-limited countries. It is primarily transmitted to humans by the consumption of contaminated food, such as unpasteurized dairy products, of infected animals (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, pigs, or other animals) or by direct contact with their tissues or fluids. Brucellosis presents with acute or insidious onset, featuring symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, weight loss, night sweats, and arthralgia. Physical examination findings are non-specific and various. Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and/or lymphadenopathy may be observed. Patients with these symptoms and findings in endemic regions should be evaluated for brucellosis. Diagnosis is confirmed by bacteriological or serological tests. The treatment is based on the prolonged and combined use of antibiotics with intracellular action. Brucellosis may proceed with relapse, complications, sequelae, and even potential mortality if therapy is not given promptly and completely.

Keywords: Brucella; zoonotic infection; pediatric; treatment

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