Febrile neutropenia in an immunocompetent patient with brucellosis: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect various organs, with symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy, and arthritis. Hematologic complications, including febrile neutropenia, are rare. This report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of brucellosis with febrile neutropenia.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 36-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of fever, polyarthralgia, and night sweats. Examination showed febrile symptoms, joint swelling, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests revealed neutropenia and elevated inflammatory markers. Imaging was unremarkable, and blood cultures were negative, but brucellosis was confirmed by serology. Treatment with doxycycline and rifampicin led to clinical improvement.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Brucellosis diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and requires high suspicion, especially in non-endemic areas. In this case, early identification and targeted therapy led to symptom resolution. This case underlines the importance of considering zoonotic diseases in febrile neutropenia with inconclusive initial findings.

CONCLUSION

Brucellosis with febrile neutropenia is rare but manageable with timely diagnosis and treatment, leading to favorable outcomes.