Brucellosis associated with acute kidney injury and pancytopenia: a case report and review of the literature - Report - MDSpire

Brucellosis associated with acute kidney injury and pancytopenia: a case report and review of the literature

  • By

  • Ya Wang

  • Fangqiu Yu

  • Wei Wang

  • June 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Brucellosis Complicated by Acute Kidney Injury and Pancytopenia

Overview

This report details a case of a 51-year-old man with brucellosis who developed acute kidney injury and haemophagocytic syndrome. Following combined anti-Brucella therapy and etoposide chemotherapy, the patient's symptoms and renal function improved significantly.

Background

Brucellosis is a prevalent zoonotic infection that can affect multiple organ systems, leading to various clinical manifestations. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rare but serious complication of brucellosis, often presenting diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms. Understanding these complications is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the article.

Key Findings

['A 51-year-old man presented with fever, acute kidney injury, and progressive pancytopenia due to brucellosis.', 'Positive blood cultures confirmed the diagnosis of brucellosis.', 'Imaging revealed increased renal cortical echogenicity, indicating renal involvement.', 'The patient responded well to combined anti-Brucella therapy and etoposide chemotherapy.', 'This case emphasizes the importance of considering rare pathogens in patients with unexplained fever and atypical clinical presentations.']

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should maintain a high index of suspicion for brucellosis in patients presenting with unexplained fever and organ dysfunction, especially in endemic areas. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This case highlights the potential for severe complications from brucellosis, such as acute kidney injury and haemophagocytic syndrome, underscoring the need for awareness and prompt management of this infectious disease.

Related Resources & Content

  1. CDC, Clinical Overview of Brucellosis, 2026 -- Clinical Overview of Brucellosis
  2. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- Beta-lactam dose reductions in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a scoping review
  3. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with a positive Coombs test presenting as acute kidney injury: a case report
  4. Infection, 2025 -- Renal Complications Associated with Leptospirosis: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
  5. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Report of 2 Cases of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Caused by Brucella After Joint Replacement and Literature Review
  6. Clinical Overview of Brucellosis | Brucellosis | CDC
  7. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: current treatment advances, emerging targeted therapy and underlying mechanisms | Journal of Hematology & Oncology | Springer Nature Link

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