Assessment of the findings on the existence of complications in brucellosis

Abstract

Aim: Brucellosis is a prevalent disease in Turkey. The object of this study was to assess the findings in brucellosis cases with and without complications. Materials and methods: A total of 324 patients diagnosed with brucellosis between 1999 and 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of brucellosis was established serologically and/or by positivite blood culture. Epidemiologic features, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings of the patients were assessed in both complicated and noncomplicated brucellosis cases by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.0 +/- 18.3 years (range 15-83 years). In addition, 56% of the patients were male. Animal husbandry (62.7%) and consumption of raw milk and/or fresh cheese (27.7%) were identified as being the main risk factors for brucellosis. Fever, malaise, sweating, and arthralgia were the most frequent clinical symptoms. The most common physical findings were fever, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Complications were detected in 142 of 324 cases (43.8%). Osteoarticular involvement (25.9%) was the most common complication. Dealing with animal husbandry, living in a rural area, being between 31 years and 50 years of age, and an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level were significantly associated with the existence of complications by univariate analysis (P < 0.05). Elevated CRP level remained independently associated with complications by multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Elevated CRP levels, in accordance with clinical manifestations of the patient, may be a sign of complications, and needs further investigation.