Abdominal Lymphadenopathies: Lymphoma, Brucellosis or Tuberculosis? Multidisciplinary Approach-Case Report and Review of the Literature

Enhanced diagnostic accuracy of combined serological and bacteriological tests for brucella infection

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects and value of combining serological and bacteriological tests in diagnosing Brucella infection.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients suspected of having Brucella infection admitted to Lishui Second People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were assessed using serological, bacteriological, and combined (serological + bacteriological) tests. The diagnostic performance of each test was compared using previous clinical results as the gold standard. We also compared the acceptance rate and satisfaction with clinical diagnostic results for the different testing modalities.

RESULTS

The combined examination (serological + bacteriological test) showed higher diagnostic efficiency for Brucella infection compared to single serological and single bacteriological tests (P < 0.05). Similarly, the satisfaction rate for the clinical diagnostic effects of the combined examination was higher than for the serological and bacteriological tests alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of serological and bacteriological tests provides superior diagnostic value for Brucella infection, with high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. It is recommended as the preferred method for clinical diagnosis.

Brucellosis Presenting as Isolated Abdominal Lymphadenopathy Masquerading as Lymphoma: A Case Report

Mesenteric lymphadenopathy associated with high-grade fever can be frequently associated with hematologic malignancies, especially if accompanied by joint pain, weight loss, and anorexia. However, this constellation of symptoms, also known as "B Symptoms," can be the uncommon presenting manifestation of brucellosis, still a common zoonotic disease in the Middle Eastern basin. In this article, we report the case of a Lebanese man who presented with "B symptoms" of three weeks duration, who was thought to have lymphoma but was later found to have systemic brucellosis.