Congenital brucellosis in a premature infant

Abstract

One of the most common public health problems in the world is brucellosis, a disease primarily of domestic animals caused by bacteria of the Brucella group. The most invasive and pathological cases caused by all species of Brucella are related to Brucella melitensis. The infection is transmitted to humans through consumption of unpasteurized milk, direct contact with infected animals and inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Congenital brucellosis occurs by means of transplacental transmission due to maternal infection during pregnancy or ingestion of contaminated maternal secretions during birth and breastfeeding. Diagnosis of brucellosis is made by culture or serology. The definitive diagnosis and management of brucellosis during pregnancy can be lifesaving for the fetus. The most rational approach for preventing human brucellosis is control and elimination of the infection in infected animals. In this article, the case of a premature infant with congenital brucellosis presumed to have been acquired through transplacental transmission is reported because of the rarity of such cases. We note that preventive procedures should be taken in order to protect pregnant women living in high-risk areas where brucellosis is endemic.