A retrospective analysis of 7 cases with Brucellosis in Fujian Province

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical features of patients with brucellosis in Fujian Province and to update the relevant physician's knowledge on brucellosis. Method Retrospective analysis of the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, imaging, treatment and outcome data of 7 patients with brucellosis were carried out in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2011 and July 2015. Results Of the 7 patients with brucellosis, 6 were males and 1 was female aged between 29 to 61 years old, and 6 cases had a history of contact with goat. The main clinical presentations were repeated limb pain in 6 cases, 6 patients got fever, 4 cases with hepatomegaly, 6 cases splenomegaly, and 7 cases lung inflammation. Hematology examination results indicated that 4 cases were normal, 1 case decreased and 2 cases increased in white blood cells. Six cases had a liver dysfunction and 4 cases with low albumin level. All patients were detected positive of Malta Brucella by blood culture or bone marrow culture. In 6 cases and 4 cases out of the 6 cases, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were found through B ultrasonography, respectively. After treatment of the 7 cases by doxycycline combined with minocycline rifampicin, 3 cases were recovered, 2 cases were relapsed, and 2 cases were improved. Conclusions The clinical symptoms are typical in these brucellosis patients. What we need to do is focus on improving the clinical and related physician's awareness of brucellosis, collecting a comprehensive history, choosing suitable assistant examinations based on the conditions of patients, strengthening the contact between clinical departments and auxiliary departments, and timely diagnosis. Key words: Brucellosis; Clinical feature; Delayed diagnosis