Pediatric brucellosis: A short review

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative coccobacilli (Brucella) which is commonly spread by ingestion of animal milk or its products or inhalation of infectious aerosols. Modernization of milk and meat processing has reduced the incidence of brucellosis significantly in most developed nations. Literature search was carried out in the search engines using medical subject headings terms. Articles published in English between 1990 and 2016 were included in the review. Articles that describe the pediatric brucellosis particularly in the Middle East region were evaluated while preparing this short review. The disease is currently endemic in several African countries. As a result of mass migrations from endemic regions, the disease is reemerging in several nonendemic countries, and the global prevalence of the disease is likely to see an upward trend in the coming years. The disease has a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs and could result in complications with significant morbidity. Pediatric brucellosis has major influence of the health of young children and is often underdiagnosed. This review details the overall prevalence of the disease in the community, the microbiological and clinical profile, diagnostic methods, and appropriate treatment strategies. The review findings highlight the need to implement strategies for early identification and treatment reemerging zoonotic infection to curb its complications and associated morbidity and mortality