Brucella canis infection in a woman with fever of unknown origin.

A 58-year-old woman with prolonged febrile illness was found to have brucellosis caused by Brucella canis, presumably acquired through contact with infected dogs. After initial laboratory tests failed to yield a diagnosis, the disease was confirmed by the Brucella agglutination test. A combination of tetracycline and streptomycin therapy was begun, and the illness resolved. B canis, a recently recognized cause of human brucellosis, must now be considered in patients with fever of unknown origin. With adequate medical therapy, rapid and complete recovery can be expected.