Abstract

DIETZ SANCHEZ, Edid  and  ESCRIBA BERRO, Damián. Arthritis as the presentation of brucelosis: A case report. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2005, vol.32, n.2, pp.30-34. ISSN 1683-9803.

Introduction: Brucelosis is a zoonotic disease contracted by man through the exposure to domestic and wild animals, primarily cows, sheep and goats. Initial clinical manifestation is non-specific, with prolonged fever, night sweats, weakness, anorexia and weight loss. Physical exam can show lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, arthritis, meningeal signs, endocarditis and osteomyelitis. Diagnosis is based on contact with sick animals, culture and serology. In Paraguay 48 cases have been reported in the last 5 years; 5 of these cases are in subjects below 15 years of age. Clinical case: A 6 year old female patient from La Dorada (Pedro P. Peña) presented with a history of one month of non-specific symptoms including fever, intense joint pain in the right hip, a family history of brucelosis and contact with nonvaccinated goats. Positive clinical, epidemiological and serological findings supported the diagnosis, which was corroborated by the clinical and lab response to treatment. Comments: Brucelosis must be borne in mind in the differential diagnosis of arthralgias in large joints in children in rural areas. Vaccination must be done not only in cows but also in sheep and goats, which are often kept as domestic animals in contact with children.

Keywords : Brucelosis; arthritis; zoonosis.