Brucella melitensis: an unexpected isolate from cerebrospinal fluid.

A specimen of cerebrospinal fluid was initially handled with 'category 3' precautions because the patient came from Somalia, where tuberculosis and HIV infection are endemic. An isolate from the specimen, initially thought to be a Neisseria species, was subsequently handled on the open bench. It was later identified as Brucella melitensis. Laboratory procedures should allow for the possibility of brucella in such specimens until a positive identification has been made.