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Posterior Calf Soft Tissue Abscess as an Unusual Manifestation of Brucellosis: Case Report
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Gohar Lotfi    |
| Assistant Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran , glotfi12340@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (177 Views) |
Background and Aim: Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic infections in endemic regions, presenting with a wide spectrum of clinical features, ranging from nonspecific systemic symptoms to multi-organ involvement, most commonly affecting the osteoarticular system. Soft tissue abscesses are a rare presentation of brucellosis and may delay diagnosis.
Case Presentation: We present the case of a 39-year-old male livestock farmer from a rural area who developed progressive pain and swelling in the posterior aspect of the left calf. Physical examination revealed a tender, warm swelling. Laboratory investigations showed relative lymphocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Serological tests, including Wright, Coombs Wright, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) tests, were strongly positive, consistent with active brucellosis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined fluid collection in the posterior compartment of the calf, consistent with an intramuscular abscess. Aspiration of the lesion confirmed the presence of Brucella species. The patient was treated with a three-drug regimen of doxycycline, rifampin, and gentamicin, followed by an extended eight-week oral regimen of doxycycline and rifampin. At the two-month follow-up, the patient had achieved complete clinical recovery, with normalization of serological titers.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of unusual soft tissue abscesses, particularly in endemic areas. |
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| Keywords: Brucellosis, Calf, Soft tissue abscess |
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Full-Text [PDF 864 kb]
(75 Downloads)
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Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
Medicine - Infectious
Received: 2025/11/1 | Accepted: 2025/12/2 | Published: 2026/09/26
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