[Brucellosis--a rare zoonosis].

BACKGROUND

Brucellosis is a rare infectious disease in Norway.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We present a patient admitted to the department of medicine at Haraldsplass Hospital, Bergen and give a review of the epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Brucellosis.

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: The clinical picture of Brucellosis is often non-specific, with swings in fever, general malaise and myalgia. Complications such as osteomyelitis, endocarditis and coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) infection occur in rare cases. The diagnosis is established by detection of Brucella species in blood cultures or tissue aspirate. Brucella is often difficult to isolate, but the available serological tests are highly sensitive and specific. The infection is treated with long-term administration of a combination of two appropriate antibiotic drugs. Surgery may be necessary in case of serious complications. If adequately treated, Brucellosis has a good overall prognosis.