From the Research
The typical site of spinal involvement in Brucellosis is the lumbar spine, specifically at the L3-5 level, as reported in the most recent study 1. Brucellosis, a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, commonly affects the musculoskeletal system, with the spine being a frequent target. When it involves the spine, the lumbar region is most often affected, followed by the thoracic and cervical regions. This predilection for the lumbar spine is likely due to its rich blood supply and the increased mechanical stress it experiences. The infection can lead to osteomyelitis and spondylitis, potentially causing vertebral destruction, disc space narrowing, and in severe cases, neurological complications. Key symptoms of spinal brucellosis include back pain, fever, and sweats, as noted in studies 2, 1. Early recognition of lumbar spine involvement is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment of Brucellosis, typically involving long-term antibiotic therapy, as seen in cases reported in 3, 4. It is essential to consider brucellar spondylitis in patients with back pain and fever, especially in endemic areas, and to shorten the time from symptom onset to diagnosis to reduce the risk of spinal involvement, as emphasized in 1.
Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of spinal brucellosis include:
- The importance of detailed history taking and thorough physical examination in identifying the infection, as highlighted in 4
- The use of diagnostic tests such as the Rose-Bengal test and Brucella standard tube agglutination test, as mentioned in 3
- The role of imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting spinal involvement, as noted in 3, 2
- The need for prolonged antimicrobial therapy, typically lasting several months, as reported in 3, 2