Southern Medical Journal · 2018 · 12 citations · 11 references
Veterinary MedicineChild HealthInfectious DiseasesInfectious Disease EpidemiologyMedical MicrobiologyPediatric Infectious DiseasesBacterial InfectionsBacterial ZoonosesZoonotic Disease DiagnosisZoonotic InfectionsBacterial Zoonotic DiseasesBrucella SpeciesMilkborne ZoonosesPediatric CasesUnpasteurized Dairy ConsumptionZoonotic Bacterial Disease EpidemiologyZoonotic Bacterial Infections
OBJECTIVES: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. Most cases in the United States occur among travelers or immigrants from endemic regions, mostly Central America. In this study, we aimed at describing and comparing the epidemiology and clinical presentation of brucellosis in pediatric and adult patients at two large tertiary care centers in Houston, Texas. METHODS: sp, a serum agglutination titer ≥1:80 (or both positive blood culture and serum agglutination titer ≥1:80), along with an epidemiologic risk factor and clinical presentation that is consistent with brucellosis. RESULTS: = 0.02). Relapsed infection was a frequent occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In the southern United States, brucellosis is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of immigrants presenting with undifferentiated fever and joint complaints. A careful history often reveals an epidemiologic risk factor such as ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products.
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