An usual case of acute brucellosis presenting with coombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Abstract

Brucellosis can mimic several primary hematological diseases. Mild anemia and leukopenia have been frequently associated with acute brucellosis, but pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hemolysis are less frequently seen. To our knowledge, brucellosis has not previously been described in association with coombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Here, we report a case of acute brucellosis presenting with coombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The patient responded well to short-term pulse corticasteroid therapy followed by antibrucellosis treatment. We suggest that Brucella infection may be the probable cause of the immune hemolytic anemia in this patient. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of coombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia should include brucellosis, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. © 2008 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.