Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Brucella Epididymo-Orchitis in an Endemic Region
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia, cilt.79, sa.8, ss.1302-1310, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 79 Sayı: 8
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.aeu022
- Dergi Adı: Archivos Espanoles de Urologia
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, DIALNET, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1302-1310
- Anahtar Kelimeler: brucellosis, endemic region, epididymo-orchitis, genitourinary brucellosis, male infertility
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: The most common genitourinary complication of brucellosis is Brucella epididymo-orchitis (BEO), which, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, may lead to severe testicular complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes of BEO in an endemic region. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included male patients diagnosed with brucellosis between August 2017 and October 2022 at a tertiary referral center. We identified patients with BEO based on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings and analyzed the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, microbiological findings, treatment regimens, and follow-up outcomes. Results: Among 278 male patients with brucellosis, 16 patients (5.75%) were diagnosed with BEO. The median age was 42 (32– 55) years. All patients had scrotal pain and scrotal swelling. The most predominant clinical form was acute brucellosis (68.75%). Bilateral testicular involvement was observed in one patient (6.25%). Brucella Coombs and Rose Bengal tests were positive in all patients, while blood culture positivity was detected in 37.50% of cases. Patients who had BEO had significantly higher white blood cell counts than those who did not have BEO (p = 0.038). All patients received combined antimicrobial therapy. Relapse occurred in five patients (31.25%), all of whom responded favorably to modified antibiotic regimens. No patient required orchiectomy or developed severe complications during the follow-up period. Conclusions: BEO remains a significant complication of brucellosis in endemic regions and should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis (EO). Early diagnosis and prompt combined antimicrobial therapy appear highly effective in preventing severe complications and unnecessary surgical intervention.