Abstract

Brucellosis is not commonly notified as an occupational disease in Malaysia. This could be due to the prevalence of brucellosis which is still low in this region. This report describes about a 20 week pregnant laboratory worker who was exposed to a confirmed brucella positive blood smear and developed brucellosis. The worker did not develop any symptoms initially and was not started on any prophylaxis. However her first blood serology for brucella was positive and during that time, the worker developed premature contraction and was admitted for tocolysis. The same test which was conducted two weeks later showed the similar positive result. Eventually she was started on Tablet Bactrim twice daily for three weeks. Currently she is fine. Workplace investigation revealed that the patient’s blood culture was handled in an open bench and the recommended practice was not followed.