Childhood Brucellosis in Eastern India

Objective To investigate the presence of childhood brucellosis presenting as PUO (pyrexia of unknown origin) cases in Eastern zone of India. Methods Blood samples were collected from PUO patients aged <= 18 y. The main diagnostic tools were STAT, RBPT, ELISA-IgM, IgG and PCR. Although mainly PUO cases were selected for the study, other associated clinical manifestations were also noted. Results The findings revealed significantly higher percentage of infection in female children (14.3%) than in male children (10.9%). The positive results by different diagnostic tools, STAT, RBPT, ELISA-IgM, ELISA-IgG and brucella genus specific PCR were 10.6%, 7.2%, 7.2%, 0.85% and 1.3% respectively. Main associated clinical symptoms were joint pain, low backache, fatigue and night sweat. Conclusions This hospital based study reflects a significant number of childhood brucellosis cases in Eastern zone of India, and thus emphasizes the need for further monitoring of such subjects.