Sero-prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis among suspected febrile patients attending a referral hospital in southern Saudi Arabia (2014\u20132018)

Harish C Chandramoorthy,Ahmed M Al-Hakami,Mohamed E Hamid,Abdullah M Alkahtani,Mohammed M Assiry

doi:10.1186/s12879-020-4763-z

Harish C Chandramoorthy, Ahmed M Al-Hakami + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-020-4763-z

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Abstract

BackgroundHuman brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. It is one of the most public health problems that remains largely neglected in developing counties, including Saudi Arabia. Brucellosis is particularly prevalent among rural people who have constant contact with livestock.MethodsA cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study conducted in Aseer Central Hospital, South Saudi Arabia, between 2014 and 2018 among 7567 patients. Serum samples were analyzed for Brucella antibodies using slide agglutination test. Serology results and patient’s demographic data were analyzed by GraphPad Prism. Results were presented as mean ± SEM and differences between two groups were assessed by t-test and p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe prevalence of brucellosis among the admitted suspected 7567 cases was 12.8% (10.4–15.7%; CI 95%). The highest prevalence rate was detected during 2015, the rate decreased to the lowest level during the last three years (p < 0.05). Higher rate of brucellosis was observed among males than females (p < 0.05) and most cases were reported during summer season (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence rate was observed in age group 21–40 year old (40.5%) followed by 41–60 years (27.7%). The lowest prevalence rate was noticed in old and young children (15 and 3%, respectively). Cross-transmission of brucellosis was seen within family (1%) and high titers (> 1280) was noticed in 22% of the hospitalized patients. The major symptoms were fatigue, hyperhidrosis, fever and joint pain.ConclusionOur findings showed a high prevalence of human brucellosis among suspected patients in Aseer region. This indicates that clinical suspicion is a valid criterion and the endemic nature of the disease. The disease status requires early laboratory detection and confirmation to start prompt treatment to decrease patients suffering.

Highlights

Human brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp
Slide agglutination test for febrile brucellosis antibodies A total of 7567sera samples were included in this study, and 975 (12.8%) were found to be positive for brucellosis
This study showed a high prevalence of human brucellosis of 12.8% over the period of this study in the suspected patients and the prevalence decreased in the last two years

Summary

Introduction

Human brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. It is one of the most public health problems that remains largely neglected in developing counties, including Saudi Arabia. Mediterranean fever is an extremely infectious zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp., which is a Gramnegative bacteria that affects humans and animals and poses a serious threat to public health. The genus consists of 11 nominal species, including, suis and B. melitensis which are the most significant source of Alkahtani et al BMC Infectious Diseases (2020) 20:26 probability of person-to-person transmission is unconfirmed, but likely, as it was described in Royal Oak, Michigan, in the United States, when the microorganisms were isolated in an infected microbiologist’s wife, demonstrating that the sexual contact could be a cause of infection [4]. Human brucellosis causes a flu-like sickness with fever, malaise, myalgia, weight loss, and weakness. Brucella is one of the causes of fever of an extended duration in endemic areas and an important cause of fever of an unknown origin (FUO) [6, 7]

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