Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, between 2010 and 2014

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis, a zoonotic infection having an important public health issue in endemic countries; Saudi Arabia is one of these countries. The incidence of brucellosis in AlQassim region is much higher than the national one. Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of brucellosis is the first step in prevention and control. The objective was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Al-Qassim region during the period between 2010 and 2014. Methods: All epidemiological surveillance forms from 2010 to 2014 were analyzed for epidemiological characteristics. Results: There were 4283 notified cases of human brucellosis in AL-Qassim region between 2010 and 2014, the annual incidence decreased from 84.5 to 48.7 per 100,000 populations. The highest number of cases was reported from Uyoon Al-Jawa followed by Buraidah. The number of cases was highest from March to June. and lowest was in November; the male to female ratio was 3:1. Saudis represents 51.1% of cases. The mean age of the cases was 34±15 years; the most common age group was middle age. Shepherds and farmers represent 46.5% of cases. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (79.7%), joint pain (72.7%), and muscle pain (70.9%). The most common antibiotics used as treatment were doxycycline (80.9%) and streptomycin (63.2%). A history of animal contact was the most common risk factor (80.7%), followed by consumption of raw milk (55.6%). Conclusions: There was a marked decrease in the incidence of brucellosis from 2010 to 2014 in the Al-Qassim region. However, continued efforts are needed to eliminate the disease.