Unexplained fever and arthritis in a teenager with Type 1 diabetes

Brucellosis is a relatively prevalent zoonotic infection in the Mediterranean region and the Arabian Peninsula. Due to the multi-system involvement and nonspecific nature of the complaints, making a diagnosis can sometimes be particularly challenging. We present the case of a Libyan-American adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) residing in the United Arab Emirates who presented with fever, flu-like symptoms, and arthritis. When his initial septic workup did not reveal a focus of infection, and he continued to be febrile with the development of multiple painful and swollen joints, a diagnosis of autoimmune arthritis was entertained given his background history of autoimmune T1DM. However, on further probing, we ascertained a history of raw camel cheese ingestion. This redirected us to look for and subsequently confirm the diagnosis of brucellosis. Appropriate antibiotic treatment led to rapid recovery of the patient.

Key-words:

Autoimmune - brucellosis - fever - polyarthritis

Publication History

Article published online:
07 July 2022