title: Negative serology: could exclude the diagnosis of brucellosis?
abstract: Two cases of brucellar spondylodiscitis of the lumbar area were presented. Although both cases showed typical radiological changes, serological tests could not detect Brucella agglutinating antibodies. One of the patients was bacteremic and Brucella spp. was identified from blood culture. In the second patient needle biopsy was required for definite diagnosis. Although small, serologic tests have a certain rate of false negative results in brucellosis. Thus, a negative serology should not exclude the diagnosis of brucellosis, as it is demonstrated in the current cases.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases Department, Trakya University Medical Faculty, Edirne, Turkey. adogancelik@yahoo.com.tr
authors.forename: Aygul Dogan
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Çelik
authors.forename: Zerrin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yulugkural
authors.forename: Cumhur
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kilincer
authors.forename: Mustafa Kemal
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Hamamcioglu
authors.forename: Figen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kuloglu
authors.forename: Filiz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Akata
mesh_terms: D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002002:Brucella / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D015299:Discitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents