Chapter 12 - Genitourinary brucellosis

Abstract

This chapter discusses the clinical features and complication related prostatitis, vesiculitis, and epididymoorchitis caused by brucellosis. Epididymo-orchitis is a frequent complication of brucellosis. Systemic features may precede or follow the onset of testicular pain and swelling. Usually the patient develops the systemic manifestations initially including high fever, chills, shaking rigors or chills and sweating. Testicular pain and swelling may start suddenly or gradually. The diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis is relatively less difficult in endemic countries than in countries where the disease is not endemic. Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis with other causes of epididymo-orchitis. Prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis are much less frequent complications of brucellosis, and all reported cases have been chronic in nature. The prostate secretion has antibacterial substances that probably protect against a higher incidence of brucella infection of the prostate. Patients with prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis caused by brucellosis usually present with long-standing systemic features of brucellosis, dysuria, frequency of micturition, chills, fever, perianal, and pelvic discomfort being the most frequent symptoms.