Recurrent enterocolitis-like symptoms as the possible presenting manifestations of neonatal Brucella melitensis infection.

A premature infant had three episodes of enterocolitis-like symptoms during the first three months of life. Brucella melitensis was isolated in a prolonged blood culture on day 85. The clinical manifestations disappeared under treatment and did not recur. A maternofetal transmission is suggested in this case. The importance of prolonged blood cultures when brucellosis is epidemiologically suspected is emphasized.