Brucellosis Induced Acute Renal Failure in an Elderly Patient

Abstract

Although subclinical renal involvement in brucellosis is not rare, brucellosis is a rare cause of acute renal failure. Here, we present an uncommon case of Brucella-induced acute renal failure in a previously healthy 85-year-old male farmer. He was admitted with acute renal failure and vasculitic rash on his legs. He had a 20-day history of fever, malaise, anorexia, and vomiting, and a 10-day history of vasculitic rash on his legs. He had no history of reduced urine output in this period The diagnosis was established by serological tests. Skin biopsy was concordant with leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Steroid and antibiotherapy was started. The serum creatinine began to decrease slowly after starting the specific antibiotherapy. On day 15, the renal parameters and urinalysis returned to normal. Antibiotic therapy was continued for six weeks. Brucella infection must be considered as a rare cause of acute renal failure in endemic areas.