Osteoarticular Brucellosis

Brucellosis, prevalent especially in Mediterranean and Central Asian countries, is a systemic infectious disease which affects different organs and systems and is caused by the bacteria of the Brucella genus. It is often transmitted to humans through infected animal products, consumption of milk and milk products which are not pasteurized or direct contact with the infected animals or inhalation. Osteoarticular involvement (peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, sacroiliitis, and osteomyelitis) is often seen (20-60%) in brucellosis, which is primarily a reticuloendothelial system disease. In this article, osteoarticular involvement of brucellosis and radiologic diagnostic methods are reviewed.