Resumo

ROCHA MAGUEY, Jesús. Spinal brucellosis. Acta méd. Grupo Ángeles [online]. 2016, vol.14, n.4, pp.211-219. ISSN 1870-7203.

Spinal infections continue to be considered severe health problems with great possibilities of developing neurological complications and an important mortality index. Brucella infection is one of the most important zoonoses with worldwide distribution. In face of a severe spondylodiscitis, Brucella sp. infection should be considered as the causative agent, especially in endemic areas and those with a suitable clinical background. Sometimes confirmation is difficult, but by means of radiological exams, laboratory tests, and histopathological techniques the precise diagnosis can be achieved. Immediate treatment is mandatory based on specific antimicrobial agents. Surgical options should be considered in cases where neurological compromise is observed, spinal instability is considered and as an alternative for pain control. We present 18 cases diagnosed as spondylodiscitis caused by Brucella at the Hospital General de Culiacan. All of them were treated by the Neurological Surgery Department advised by the Department for the Control of Infectious Diseases.

Palavras-chave : Brucellosis; spondylodiscitis; treatment.