Clinical research of brucellosis in children

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of brucellosis in children, in order to imporve the understanding of brucellosis and early diagnosis. Methods From September 2012 to September 2015, the clinical manifestation, laboratory tests results and diagnosis of five cases of brucellosis in children were analyzed. Results Among the five cases, three boys and two girls, aged one to five years . They all had a history of exposure to lamb or consuming infected lamb. The main clinical manifestation was fever in all cases and the peak body temperature was 37.5 to 39.8 ℃. The fever course was 8 to 13 days. The fever type was irregular fever except one case whose fever type was intefmittent. Joint pain existed in one case, thrombocytopenia in one case, hepatosplenomegaly in two cases. The laboratory test results were the inpaired liverfunction in one case, CRP, PCT, IL-6 higher in two cases, ESR higher in one case, ALT higher in one case. The Brucella agglutination test was positive in five cases. The period between admitted to the hospital to diagnose time was 7 to 10 days. Conclusions The clinical manifestation of brucellosis in children are various, and the regular laboratory test is unspecifical. More attention should be paid to the medical history, especially the epedimic history and take the tests associated with brucellosis and diagnose earlier. Key words: Brucellosis; Child; Bleading piont