Abstract

Sunny Saurya, Adityakiran Das, Olga G. Goryacheva and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*

ABSTRACT

Brucellosis osteoarthritis is a prominent and debilitating manifestation of human brucellosis, a globally prevalent zoonotic infection caused by Brucella species. The condition primarily affects the musculoskeletal system, with the spine, sacroiliac joints, and large peripheral joints being the most commonly involved. In endemic regions, delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment often contribute to high morbidity, chronic pain, and permanent joint damage. The disease remains underrecognized due to its non-specific clinical presentation and resemblance to other inflammatory or infectious arthropathies. Diagnosis of brucellosis osteoarthritis requires a multidisciplinary approach combining clinical assessment, serological testing, imaging, and microbial cultures. Serological assays such as the standard agglutination test and ELISA are crucial for early detection, while imaging modalities like MRI aid in evaluating the extent of joint and bone involvement. Culture confirmation remains the gold standard but is limited by low sensitivity and prolonged incubation times. In chronic or relapsing cases, histopathological analysis and advanced imaging are invaluable.