Epidemiological, clinical, biochemical, and treatment characteristics of brucellosis cases in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features of brucellosis and the efficacy of different treatment options in patients with various organ involvements.

Methodology: Patients diagnosed with brucellosis and treated in two different centers between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively screened and evaluated regarding epidemiological and clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment responses.

Results: The study included 297 complete-data patients (76% of rural patients were farmers). Farming (76%) and raw dairy (69%) were the main transmission methods. Most patients (98.6%) had positive tube agglutination tests. Ninety-two patients' blood and bodily fluid cultures grew Brucella spp. The incidence of leukopenia was 18.8%, thrombocytopenia 10.7%, anemia 34.3%, and pancytopenia 4.3%. Doxycycline and rifampicin were the major treatments, with streptomycin utilized in osteoarticular patients. Pregnant women with neurobrucellosis took ceftriaxone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. After one year, 7.1% of patients relapsed. Doxycycline + streptomycin and doxycycline + rifampicin had similar relapse rates (p = 0.799). The double- and triple-antibiotic groups had identical recurrence rates (p = 0.252).

Conclusions: In uncomplicated brucellosis cases doxycycline + streptomycin and doxycycline + rifampicin treatments were equally effective. Again, there is no statistical difference in relapse development rates between double and triple combination treatments in uncomplicated brucellosis cases. Relapsed patients generally miss follow-ups, interrupt therapy, have osteoarticular involvement, and get short-term treatment. Patients with focused participation should be thoroughly checked at diagnosis and medicine, and treatment should be lengthy to prevent relapses.