Detection of brucellosis through active surveillance, Armenia, 2014

Abstract

ObjectiveIn the spring of 2014, people from vulnerable households in allmarzes of Armenia were examined with the aim of active surveillance.IntroductionBrucellosis is a serious disease caused by bacteria of the Brucellagenus. It principally affects ruminants but may be transmitted tohumans. Registration of cases in cattle farms causes considerableeconomic losses and creates favorable conditions for mass infectionamong humans. In Armenia the expansion of animal industries andurbanization are the main reasons for occurrence and developmentof brucellosis.MethodsBlood was sampled from people on farms reported as havinginfected animals. Blood samples were tested by the Wright-Huddleston method. The standard case definition of brucellosis wasused for diagnosis. A questionnaire-based interview was carried outamong the population to identify the form of contact with animals andto analyze epidemiological links. During the investigation provisionswere followed in governmental decree RA 19.01.2006 N480-Nand brucellosis prevention, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment,preventive measures.ResultsA total of 11160 people from 1054 households were enrolled in thestudy, of which 3625 (32.5%) underwent a laboratory examination.Nearly 6% (641) refused to be tested. Over 6% of those tested (226)were positive for antibodies to Brucellae. Of these, 129 (3.5%) hadchronic brucellosis. Those testing positive for brucellosis were treatedappropriately. These included 203 (90%) adults and 23 (10%) below14 years old; 147 (65%) were male and 79 (35%) were female.Of those diagnosed with brucellosis, working in animal husbandryaccounted for 46.6% (106), while those who harvested milk accountedfor 37.6% (85) and those using raw milk made up 15.4% (35).ConclusionsCases were most frequently reported among people 20-55 years ofage; the highest percentage of positives were among 41-45 year oldmales who had contact with infected animals. The main risk factor foracquiring brucellosis is animal husbandry.