Seronegative neurobrucellosis—do we need new neurobrucellosis criteria?. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papadopoulos, Vassilis E.; Patas, Kostas; Tountopoulou, Argyro; Velonakis, Georgios; Boufidou, Fotini; Chatzipanagiotou, Stylianos; Vassilopoulou, Sofia
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 111(2021)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Brucellosis -- Agglutination tests -- Oligoclonal bands -- RNA, ribosomal, 16S; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: A rare case of a seronegative relapse of neurobrucellosis is reported. Seronegative neurobrucellosis represents a diagnostic challenge. Oligoclonal bands and a cerebrospinal fluid agglutination test proved essential in diagnosis. Neurobrucellosis diagnostic criteria should be established. Abstract: Neurobrucellosis presents in various clinical forms and should always be considered in neurological patients in highly endemic areas such as the Mediterranean basin. Establishing a diagnosis can be challenging since serological testing can sometimes yield negative results. We present a rare case of a seronegative relapse of neurobrucellosis in a patient who had been successfully treated for systemic brucellosis. Oligoclonal bands, an agglutination test, and 16S rRNA sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid proved essential in unmasking a confined central nervous system relapse. This case reinforces the need for establishing diagnostic criteria for neurobrucellosis, which could potentially include oligoclonal bands and an agglutination test on the cerebrospinal fluid.