Brucellosis, Low Back Pain
Conditions
Keywords
brucella antibodies, low back pain
Brief summary
The goal of this observational case-control study is to assess the presence of Brucella antibodies in patients with low back pain who are at high risk for brucellosis exposure, such as those with animal contact or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The main question it aims to answer is: Is there a significant association between Brucella seropositivity and low back pain in high-risk individuals? Researchers will compare patients with low back pain to age- and sex-matched healthy controls without back pain but with similar exposure risks, to see if Brucella antibodies are more frequent in the patient group. Participants will: Undergo a detailed clinical history and physical examination Provide blood samples for serological testing using ELISA for Brucella IgG/IgM/IgA Be evaluated for other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTBrucella Antibody Testing (ELISA)
Serological testing for Brucella antibodies using the SERION ELISA classic Brucella IgG/IgM/IgA kit (Institut Virion\\Serion GmbH, Würzburg, Germany). The test detects Brucella-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies in serum samples to assess current or past exposure. All samples were processed and interpreted according to the manufacturer's instructions. This diagnostic intervention was used for both the low back pain group and the control group.
Sponsors
Elham Ahmed Hassan
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adults of any sex at high risk of Brucella exposure (e.g., contact with livestock or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products) * Patients presenting with non-specific low back pain * Willing and able to provide informed consen
Exclusion criteria
* Evidence of tuberculosis (Pott's disease) * Evidence of septic spondylitis * Known metastatic bone lesions * Known degenerative or autoimmune rheumatologic spinal diseases * History of prior spinal surgery or trauma
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of Brucella Antibodies in High-Risk Patients with Low Back Pain | February 2024 to February 2025 | The presence of Brucella antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in serum was assessed using the SERION ELISA classic Brucella kit. A positive result indicates prior or current exposure to Brucella species. The outcome compares the proportion of seropositive individuals between patients with low back pain and matched controls. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed