Authors: Afnan Ahmed Amer , Mohammed Nemer

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis, caused by Brucella spp. It is a common zoonotic bacterial infection worldwide, with significant concern in Saudi Arabia. of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, sweating, and muscular and joint pain, the diagnosis of Brucellosis is typically confirmed using blood tests. Rifampin, Doxycycline, or Streptomycin are basic treatment drugs.

Case Presentation: We report a family cluster of three people with brucellosis: a 16-year-old boy who drank unpasteurized milk, his 53-year-old mother with no chronic illnesses, and his 56-year-old father with prediabetes. All had fever and joint pain. All were diagnosed by blood test. The son's Brucella titer was highest (1:5621), the mother’s was 1:1280, and the father’s was 1:320. The son had the most severe case and received doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) and rifampicin (900 mg once daily) for 12 weeks. The mother and father had milder cases and were treated with rifampicin (600 mg daily) and doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) for six weeks.

Conclusion: Our report shows likely spread of brucella from child to mother, possibly by direct contact with the son’s body fluids, and possible sexual spread from mother to father. Though rare, this report stresses the need for more clinical awareness. Brucellosis should be suspected in people with fever, tiredness, and muscle or bone pain not explained by other infections. Early treatment is important.

Keywords: Familial cluster, brucellosis, transmission, combination therapy.