Brucella epidydimo-orchitis successfully treated with dual oral drug regimen: A case report with differential diagnoses of malignancy and tuberculosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. When complicated, Brucella may affect any organ system, including the genitourinary system in the form of epidydimo-orchitis. Brucella orchitis is the second most common form of complicated brucellosis. The present case is for an adolescent who is otherwise healthy but presented with right testicular pain. Ultrasound imaging showed heterogeneous enlarged right testis with large heterogeneous mass and central necrosis. α-fetoprotein was normal and β-human choriogonadotropin was negative. Malignancy and tuberculosis were excluded based on histopathology and microbiology of the tissue biopsy, respectively. The history of raw dairy consumption and positive serology for B. melitensis and B. abortus established the diagnosis of Brucella epidydimo-orchitis. Treatment was successful with doxycycline and rifampin for four weeks. In pediatrics, it is important to rule out malignancy and make every attempt to avoid orchidectomy by making necessary investigations and involving infectious diseases consultation.

Keywords

• Brucellosis
• Brucella Epidydimo-orchitis
• Brucella orchitis
• Testis
• Testicles