Brucella arthritis—an update

Brucellosis commonly presents as pyrexia of unknown origin. However, it can also present with the involvement of reticular-endothelial or skeletal system wherein sacroilitis, spondylitis, arthritis, and osteomyelitis are the common presentations. Osteoarticular manifestations are often under diagnosed due to a low index of suspicion, and temporary response to symptomatic treatment. This can lead to a chronic incapacitating disease. Being treatable, it is important to identify them early and institute appropriate therapy. Diagnosis can be achieved by bacterial isolation and/or serology. New culture methods and molecular techniques can be useful whenever available. Treatment with antibiotics and surgery when indicated can help prevent the incapacitation and crippling, which otherwise results due to progressive disease. Elimination of animal brucellosis is the only way of prevention of human brucellosis. A safe and effective vaccine for human use is the future hope.