A rare reason in acute hepatitis: Brucella

Abstract

Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by the genus Brucella. It is the most common zoonosis especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Brucellosis is a systemic disease may involve multisystem or any organs. Clinical manifestations and symptoms have variable characteristics. For this reason, it is known as a ‘great imitator’ in the medical literature. Reticuloendothelial system involvement is one of the most important features of brucella infection. The liver is the largest organ of the reticuloendothelial system. Therefore, the most frequently affected organ is the liver. The patients may have mild elevation of transaminases. Acute hepatitis is a rare manifestation of brucellosis. Two sisters diagnosed with acute hepatitis due to brucellosis are presented in this case report. The aim of the case report is to emphasize the importance that brucellosis is kept in mind for the differential diagnosis of acute hepatitis in regions where the brucellosis is endemic. © Copyright 2019 by Gazi University Medical Faculty