Clinical characteristics of human brucellosis in different age groups in the Republic of North Macedonia-A case series.

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection that presents a major challenge to public health worldwide.

Aim: This research compares demographic characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes across different age groups in patients with human brucellosis.

Material and methods: Between 2003 and 2022 a total of 508 patients with brucellosis were subjected to diagnostics and treatment at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje. The patients were classified into three age groups: children (up to 14 years old), adults (from 14-64 years) and older adults (older than 64 years). The demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between patients from the different age groups were retrospectively evaluated.

Results: A family history of brucellosis (p < 0.001), fever (p = 0.013), and hepatosplenomegaly (p < 0.001) were significantly more prevalent in children compared to other age groups. Direct contact with animals (p < 0.001), arthralgia (p = 0.007), and weight loss (p = 0.004) were significantly less frequent in children, whereas the duration of illness before brucellosis diagnosis was significantly shorter in children (p < 0.001) compared to other age groups. Sacroiliitis was more predominant in adults than children (p = 0.043), while focal hematological involvement was more prevalent in children than in adults (p = 0.004). Spondylitis was more dominant in the old age group compared to the other two age groups (p < 0.001). Favorable outcomes were achieved in 88.5% of children, 89.9% of adults, and 87.1% of older patients with specific treatment.

Conclusion: Brucellosis presents highly variable clinical and epidemiological features across all age groups; however, certain characteristics may be associated with age.