From the Research
Diagnosis of Neurobrucellosis
- The diagnosis of neurobrucellosis is based on a combination of clinical features, laboratory tests, and imaging examinations 1, 2, 3
- Clinical features vary greatly and can include neuropsychiatric symptoms, meningitis, encephalitis, cranial neuropathies, and peripheral neuropathy 1, 2, 4, 3, 5
- Laboratory tests include serum standard agglutination test (SAT), serum Coombs' test, CSF SAT, and CSF Coombs' test 1, 2
- Imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to support the diagnosis 3
- A high degree of suspicion is required, and neurobrucellosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic meningitis, especially in endemic areas for brucellosis 4, 5
Treatment of Neurobrucellosis
- The treatment of neurobrucellosis typically involves a combination of antibiotics, including doxycycline, rifampicin, and ceftriaxone 1, 2, 3
- The treatment course is usually long, lasting several weeks or even months 1, 3
- The prognosis is generally good with early and appropriate treatment, but delayed treatment can lead to sequelae and mortality 1, 3
- A multimodal diagnostic approach is essential for early and accurate diagnosis and effective treatment 2
Clinical Features and Outcomes
- The clinical features of neurobrucellosis can be heterogeneous and non-specific, making diagnosis challenging 1, 2, 4, 3, 5
- Common clinical features include fever, headache, fatigue, and neurological symptoms such as limb weakness and hearing loss 2, 3
- The outcome of neurobrucellosis can vary, with some patients experiencing mild sequelae or full recovery, while others may experience more severe complications or mortality 1, 3