Clinical features of 41 cases of brucellosis from a hospital in Foshan of Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2016

Abstract

Objective To investigate the epidemiological and clinical features of brucellosis in Foshan. Methods The epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment and outcomes of 41 patients with brucellosis from 2013 to 2016 in the First People's Hospital of Foshan were retrospectively analyzed. Results Brucellosis onsets occurred mainly from February to June [85.4% (35/41)], and 58.5% (24/41) of them had positive epidemic history. Irregular fever, rachialgia/arthralgia, fatigue and hepatosplenomegaly occurred in 29 (70.7%), 20 (48.8%), 19 (46.3%) and 16 (39.0%) of the patients, respectively. The C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of patients infected with Brucella only was lower than that in patients infected also with other bacteria (26.72 vs 50.87 mg/L, Z=- 2.300, P 0.05). All the cases were infected by Brucella melitensis, and 33 of them were sensitive to general antibiotics in vitro. There were 40 cases discharged after treatment, and 34 cases still needed to increase antibiotic treatment courses. Most patients had good outcomes. Conclusions In Foshan, patients with irregular fever and rachialgia or arthralgia, and no significantly increased inflammation index, should be aware of brucellosis. We should strengthen the screening of brucellosis in Foshan. Key words: Brucellosis; Retrospective studies; Clinical characteristics