Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in high-risk patients with low back pain: a case-control study

Abstract

Low back pain is a common and disabling condition with diverse etiologies, including infectious causes like brucellosis, particularly in endemic regions. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies among high-risk patients presenting with low back pain. A case-control study was conducted involving 66 patients with nonspecific low back pain and 30 age- and sex-matched controls without low back pain, all at high risk for brucellosis. Clinical data were collected, and Brucella antibodies were measured using the SERION ELISA Classic Brucella IgG/IgM/IgA kit. Brucella seropositivity was significantly higher in those with low back pain (54.5%) compared to controls (23.3%) (p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between seropositive and seronegative patients in demographic or clinical characteristics. Most patients with low back pain had rural backgrounds and occupational exposure to livestock. Brucellosis could be an overlooked cause of low back pain in endemic areas. Early serological screening, especially using ELISA, is crucial for prompt diagnosis and to prevent complications.