Neurobrucellosis: the great mimicker
Cristiane Soares, Abraão Iuri Medeiros Angelim, Carlos Otávio Brandão, Roberto Queiroz dos Santos, Ravi Mehta, Marcus Tulius T. Silva
Abstract
Neurobrucellosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and is responsible for several clinical manifestations, making diagnosis challenging. The most common route of infection is through the consumption of unpasteurized or raw dairy products such as fresh milk, butter, and cheese. As neurological complications can develop chronically, they are frequently misdiagnosed as other infections, such as tuberculosis. This report reviews the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, treatment, and prognosis of neurobrucellosis, illustrating a case of chronic intracranial hypertension and meningoencephalitis secondary to brucellosis. The clinical presentation of brucellosis can mimic several systemic diseases, resulting in diagnostic delays and clinical complications. A high degree of suspicion is required, and neurobrucellosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic meningitis.