Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiangsu Province, 2006-2017

Abstract

Objective To explore the epidemiological situation and characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2017, and to provide scientific evidences for its prevention and control. Methods Using a retrospective study, data of brucellosis epidemic in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2017 were collected. The epidemic data of brucellosis and the population data were derived from China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, etiological data of brucellosis from 2011 to 2017 were derived from the surveillance report of brucellosis in Jiangsu Province. The overall incidence of brucellosis, pathogen research and regional, seasonal, and population distribution characteristics of cases were analyzed. Results A total of 607 prevalent cases of brucellosis were reported in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2017, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.065/100 000, including 595 incident cases. The number of reported case showed a sharp upward trend in 2011-2017, the incidence rates were in an increasing trend (t= 5.623, P < 0.01). A total of 132 Brucella strains were isolated from serum samples in Jiangsu Province in 2011-2017, all of the strains were sheep breeds, of which sheep type 3 accounted for 84.85% (112/132). The top five cities with annual incidence of brucellosis from 2006 to 2017 were Xuzhou, Lianyungang, Suzhou, Huai′an and Suqian, with the incidence rates of 0.223/100 000, 0.210/100 000, 0.128/100 000, 0.108/100 000 and 0.102/100 000, respectively. Brucellosis cases were distributed in each month, with the 540 cases (90.76%, 540/595) from January to September. There were 446 males and 161 females in 607 cases of brucellosis, the sex ratio was 2.77: 1.00. A total of 579 cases were reported in the age group of 20-74 years old, accounting for 95.39%. The occupational distribution was mainly peasants, which accounting for 60.13% (365/607). Conclusions The epidemic situation of human brucellosis in Jiangsu Province is becoming increasingly serious recently. Males and peasants are main incidence population. Thus, we should pay more attention to the livestock quarantine and the surveillance and control of brucellosis cases in high risk population so as to control the epidemic situation of brucellosis effectively. Key words: Brucellosis; Epidemiology; Descriptive analysis