EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN BRUCELLOSIS IN KANGAVAR CITY, KERMANSHAH PROVINCE, IRAN

Background and Aim:Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacterial genus Brucella. The bacteria are transmitted from animals to humans by ingestion through infected food products, direct contact with an infected animal, or inhalation of aerosols. The disease is an old one that has been known by various names, including Mediterranean fever, Malta fever, gastric remittent fever, and undulant fever. Humans are accidental hosts, but brucellosis continues to be a major public health concern worldwide and is the most common zoonotic infection.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out in Kangavar city, Kermanshah province, to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with human brucellosis (2014-2017). A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and human brucellosis related risk factors.Results:A total of 182 patients were involved in the study. Blood samples from the patients were collected and screened for Brucella using Serum Agglutination Test. Human Brucella seroprevalence was (n = 182). The prevalence was highest among males (62.1 %,) than female (37.9%) and the residence in rural areas(74.8% ).Conclusion:Brucellosis is highly prevalent in Kangavar district, and therefore, an important public health problem. The transmission risk was aggravated by consumption of unpasteurized milk products, residing in rural settings. There is a need to initiate screening, treat infected humans, and educate the public about risk factors and appropriate preventive measures of brucellosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Brucellosis ، Epidemiology ، Durood ، Lorestan ، Iran