Culture-confirmed Brucellosis Presenting with Acute Kidney Injury and Multi-organ Dysfunction.

Abstract

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by Gram-negative Brucella coccobacilli. Renal involvement, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI), is uncommon. A 47-year-old construction worker with livestock exposure and raw milk consumption presented with intermittent fever, pedal edema, hematuria, and AKI. He subsequently developed presumed Brucella endocarditis, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and multiorgan dysfunction. Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis), bacteremia was confirmed by prolonged blood culture and PCR, supported by positive Brucella serology. Despite targeted antimicrobial and supportive therapy, the patient died. This case highlights brucellosis as an important differential diagnosis for AKI in endemic regions and its potential to cause fatal multisystem disease.