Complete Blood Count, C-reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Changes in People with Brucellosis

Background: Brucellosis is a major health and economic problem in many parts of the world, including the Middle East. Blood disorders such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia can be seen in brucellosis. However, laboratory findings of this disease are different.  Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte  sedimentation rate (ESR) in people with brucellosis in Gonabad community health centers. Methods: During the 4 years from May 2016 to May 2019, a prospective study was performed on 221 patients with brucellosis. According  to the national guidelines for brucellosis, titers greater than 1/80 for Wright and more than 1/40 for 2-ME were considered positive cases  of brucellosis. Using the checklist, information related to CBC, CRP, and ESR test parameters was collected. Results: The results showed that out of 221 patients studied, 58.4% were male and 41.6% were female. The mean age was 44.9±19.8 years  for men and 49.3±17.3 years for females. High ESR was seen in 43.4% and positive CRP in 59.7% of patients. Leukopenia in 8.6%,  leukocytosis in 9%, neutropenia in 6.8%, neutrophilia in 9.5%, lymphopenia in 3.6%, lymphocytosis in 10%, anemia in 17.2% and  thrombocytopenia in 9.5% of patients were seen. Conclusion: Brucellosis in endemic areas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with  thrombocytopenia. Also in high Wright titers, CRP is a more valuable indicator than ESR.