SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Bioterrorism Agent Lurking in Unpasteurized Milk: A Case Report of Brucellosis

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This case report describes a 49-year-old Latino man who developed brucellosis after traveling to Mexico and eating unpasteurized goat cheese and whey. Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Brucella species, especially B. melitensis, and is endemic in parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America. It can affect multiple organ systems and is notable as a potential bioterrorism agent because it has a very low infectious dose and can spread by airborne exposure.<br /><br />The patient presented with two weeks of fever, night sweats, major weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea. Initial findings included hyponatremia, hypokalemia, elevated liver enzymes, leukopenia, anemia, and splenomegaly. During hospitalization, he remained febrile and developed worsening liver function tests and pancytopenia, requiring blood transfusion. Because the presentation was broad, teams evaluated him for infectious, rheumatologic, and malignant causes. On hospital day 4, blood cultures grew gram-negative coccobacilli later identified as B. melitensis, confirming brucellosis. He was started on doxycycline and rifampin. After treatment, his fevers resolved, liver tests improved, and his blood counts recovered. He was discharged on the same antibiotics and remained well at follow-up, with normalization of labs.<br /><br />The report emphasizes the importance of taking a detailed travel and dietary exposure history, especially in patients from or traveling to endemic regions. It also highlights that unpasteurized dairy products are a major source of infection and that early recognition and treatment can prevent complications.

Asset Subtitle

Rogelio Pinon-Gutierrez

Meta Tag

Author List Rainney Chiu, Rogelio Pinon-Gutierrez

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Brucellosis

Concept Blood Culture

Concept Serology

Concept Antibiotic Regimen

Concept Zoonotic Infection

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UC Davis Medical Center

Presenting Author Rogelio Pinon-Gutierrez

Track Adult

Keywords

brucellosis

Brucella melitensis

unpasteurized goat cheese

travel to Mexico

zoonotic infection

fever and night sweats

splenomegaly

pancytopenia

doxycycline and rifampin

unpasteurized dairy

Brucellosis

Blood Culture

Serology

Antibiotic Regimen

Zoonotic Infection