ABSTRACT

Brucellae are mainly zoonotic pathogens; ho-wever can cause human infections by close con-tact with the infected animals and via consump-tion of their products. Brucellosis is endemic in some regions, particularly developing countries including Turkey, musculoskeletal system is a target for brucellosis, and spine is one of the most affected parts of this system. Lumbar spi-ne is affected more than thoracic or cervical parts of the spine. Localized spinal pain is the earliest sign of the spinal involvement. Neurolo-gical symptoms occur during later stages of the infection. Spinal brucellosis can be differentiated from other infectious spondylodiscitis by the well-protected architecture of the vertebrae. Iso-lation of the bacteria from blood or tissue cultu-res is essential for diagnosis of brucellosis. Scre-ening tests such as tube agglutination or Rose Bengal tests, ELISA, PCR are used for diagnosis. Imaging techniques such as direct radiog-raphy, computerized tomography, magnetic re-sonance imaging are helpful for diagnosis of spinal brucellosis. Combined antibiotics (strep-tomycin, rifampicin, tetracycline, doxycycline, of-loxacin, gentamycine) are used for the treatment for at least 6 weeks. Surgical treatment is indica-ted if there are neurological symptoms and/or if the antibiotic treatment is not successful. Prog-nosis of brucella spondylitis is good with early di-agnose and appropriate treatments.