Seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies and associated risk factors among the hospitalized patient, Aleppo, Syria: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction and importance: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Recent reports show that Syria is among the top ten countries where brucellosis is most prevalent. The purpose of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies among the hospitalized patients, in one of the largest hospitals in northern Syria. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the hospitalized patients. The authors used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and brucellosis-related data from the patients. The authors also collected blood samples from these patients to be screened for brucellosis antibodies using Wright Coombs Agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, during the period from November 2021 and March 2022. Results: Among the 776 patients who were recruited in the study, the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies was 13.1% (n=776). The highest prevalence was among the female sex (16.7%, n=298), middle aged group 12-40 years (24.1%, n=116), and patients with history of brucellosis (30.1%, n=53). Among the positive samples, the findings of 2-mercaptoethanol tests show that (14.7%, n=102) were positive (presence of IgG Antibodies), and (75.5%, n=102) were negative. Conclusion: This study is the first to describe the epidemiology of brucellosis in northern Syria. It clearly shows high rates of positivity, which reflects immense challenges facing the public health sector in Syria. The best next step in light of this crisis is to raise awareness among population about brucellosis and its risk factor.

Successful surgical treatment of congenital chylous ascites co-existed with congenital hypothyroidism: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chylous ascites is a rare condition in children wherein milky fluid accumulates in the abdomen. It is caused by various factors and presents with abdominal distension. Diagnosis involves imaging and fluid analysis obtained through paracentesis. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgery. The association with congenital hypothyroidism is not well-established. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-week-old male infant presented with abdominal distention. Diagnosis revealed congenital chylous ascites and congenital hypothyroidism. Initially, he was treated conservatively with medium-chain triglycerides and total parenteral nutrition, paracentesis, and thyroid hormone supplementation. The patient's condition worsened, necessitating octreotide therapy, blood transfusion, and antibiotics. The conservative treatment failed, and the patient underwent surgery; however, the exact source of fluid leakage could not be identified. Follow-up ultrasound examinations showed no ascitic fluid in the subsequent months. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Congenital chylous ascites can be caused by congenital malformations or idiopathic factors. Symptoms include abdominal distension and respiratory difficulties. Diagnosis involves imaging and fluid analysis through paracentesis. To our knowledge, this represents the third case of congenital chylous ascites in the associated with congenital hypothyroidism described in the literature and the first one to be treated with surgery. CONCLUSION: Treatment options range from conservative measures such as diet management and paracentesis to somatostatin therapy. Surgery is considered in refractory cases. An association between congenital hypothyroidism and congenital chylous ascites has been reported in few cases.