Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access published online on February 21, 2008
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, doi:10.1093/tropej/fmn017
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Case Report |
Brucellar Meningitis in an Infant—Evidence for Human Breast Milk Transmission
aDr. Bidari's Ashwini Institute of Child Health and Research Centre, Bijapur – 586103, Karnataka, India;
bDepartment of Microbiology, Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belgaum – 590001, Karnataka, India
Correspondence: Dr Nitin V Tikare, Dr. Bidari's Ashwini Institute of Child Health and Research Centre, B.L.D.E Road, Bijapur - 586103, Karnataka, India. Tel: (91) 8352 - 263428, 261328; Fax: (91) 8352-262324; E-mail < nitintikare{at}rediffmail.com>.
| Abstract |
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Brucellar meningitis is relatively uncommon, especially in children younger than 1 year. We present another case of meningitis due to Brucella melitensis biotype 1 in a 11-month-old infant transmitted by breast milk. This is the first report of successful isolation of B. melitensis from the breast milk in the literature. Babies of infected nursing mother should be monitored closely for evidence of infection since the breast milk is the source of transmission of brucellosis. It would be prudent to abstain from breast feeding until infection of nursing mother has been eradicated. One should be aware of this in endemic areas.
Key Words: Brucellosis Meningitis Infant Breast milk transmission Breast milk culture Brucella melitensis