Management of spinal brucellosis and outcome of rehabilitation.

Abstract

Review of cases. To review cases of brucellosis in order to clarify diagnostic guidelines, treatment regimes and prognosis. University Hospital, Turkey. Study of 11 patients (9 male, 2 female) with either brucellar spondylitis or epidural brucellar abscess. Diagnosis made on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, radiographic evidence and a minimum brucellar anti body of 1 : 160, a positive bacteriological culture and/or histological finding of inflammation of granulomatous tissue. All patients were treated with a combination of oral antibiotics. Surgery was performed in 8 patients. At least 6 months antibiotic therapy using Rifampicin and Doxycycline is recommended. Surgery is indicated in the presence of spinal instability, cord compression or radiculopathy. In our series eight patients required surgery. The patients complaining of back pain, particularly in endemic areas should be investigated as possible cases of brucellosis.