Risks of organ involvement in brucellosis cases: A 3-year single center retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: To identify predictive factors for brucellosis by analyzing cases with and without focal involvement.

Methods: This single-center retrospective study included adults (⩾18 years) diagnosed with brucellosis at Ağri Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024. Patients were evaluated for organ involvement based on localized symptoms and classified accordingly. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify demographic, clinical, and laboratory predictors of organ involvement.

Results: A total of 210 cases were analyzed including 115 females (54.8%) and 95 males (45.2%). Among patients with focal involvement, the proportion of males was higher (54.4%), and comorbidities were also more common (34.4%). Days of complaints before hospital admission was significantly longer in patients with focal involvement (median 31 days) compared to those without focal involvement (median 20 days) (P=0.004). Lower back pain and testicular pain were more common in focal cases, with elevated levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Osteoarticular involvement was found in 61/90 cases (67.7%). Logistic regression identified male sex (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.29-5.04), subacute (OR 3.74; 95% CI 1.36-10.32) or chronic presentation (OR 29.01; 95% CI 2.96-284.20), and elevated ESR (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05) as independent risk factors for focal involvement. The model explained 33.9% of the variance, with 74.3% accuracy.

Conclusions: Male sex, subacute or chronic brucellosis, and elevated ESR are key risk factors for focal brucellosis.

Keywords

Brucellosis / Complication / Risk factors / Warning signs / Zoonoses

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