Neurobrucellosis

Abstract

Purpose of reviewBrucellosis is one of the most common zoonosis worldwide, affecting 500 000 people, annually. Neurobrucellosis incidence is approximately 4%, and it is almost always heterogeneous. As there are no typical clinical features, its diagnosis is frequently misdiagnosing by other infections.Recent findingsNeurobrucellosis picture includes meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, cranial neuropathies, intracranial hypertension, sinus thrombosis, hemorrhages radiculitis, peripheral neuropathy, myelitis, and psychiatric manifestations. The diagnosis should be based on symptoms and signs suggestive of neurobrucellosis, not explained by other neurological disease, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, a positive Brucella serology or culture, and a response to specific antibiotics, with a significant improvement of cerebrospinal fluid parameters.SummaryNeurobrucellosis can be insidious, and despite its global distribution, it is still unrecognized and frequently goes unreported. The understanding of the current epidemiology is necessary for eradication of the disease in humans, as well as the disease control in animals and prevention based on occupational hygiene and food hygiene.

A comparison of clinical features between neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis

“…Occurs in 1–5% of those with tuberculosis [ 12 ]. While the incidence of neurobrucellosis in brucellosis is about 4% [ 13 ]. In the early stage of these disease, symptoms such as fever, headache and sometimes nausea and vomiting may be present.…”

The challenge of managing ischemic stroke in brucellosis: a case report

“…The diagnosis of Brucella infection can be confirmed through culture, serological testing, or nucleic acid amplification tests. Previous studies have shown that CSF and venous blood cultures have a low positive rate and are time consuming ( 13 ). However, with the advancement of automated blood culture systems, Brucella can now be detected in over 95% of blood cultures collected from patients with acute brucellosis within 1 week ( 14 ).…”

Brucellosis infection complicated with myelitis: a case report and literature review

“…Neurobrucellosis (NB) refers to the involvement of the nervous system and occurs in 3-7% of all patients with brucellosis ( Haji-Abdolbagi et al., 2008 ). The most frequently observed manifestations of neurobrucellosis include meningitis and meningoencephalitis, myelitis, craniocerebral diseases, peripheral neuropathy, and others ( Soares et al., 2023 ). NB has a slow onset., The effects of brucellosis on the nervous system may result from persistent intracellular microorganisms ( Dando et al., 2014 ), or infection may trigger immune mechanisms, resulting in inflammatory immune responses of cytokines or endotoxins and leading to myelopathy and/or demyelination inflammatory central and peripheral demyelination ( Ceran et al., 2011 ).…”