Incidence Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Spatiotemporal distribution and ecological factors of brucellosis among children from 2016 to 2020 in Inner Mongolia, China

ObjectiveIn recent years, the increasing incidence of brucellosis in children has become more serious. However, relatively few studies have been conducted to characterize the spatialtemporal distribution of brucellosis in children. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and ecological influencing factors of brucellosis incidence among children in Inner Mongolia.MethodsThis study used data on brucellosis incidence in children aged 0–14 years reported in Inner Mongolia from 2016 to 2020. A Bayesian model was used to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of brucellosis in children from 2016 to 2020 in Inner Mongolia. Geographical weighted regression model was used to analyze the ecological factors related to the incidence of brucellosis in children.ResultBayesian spatiotemporal analysis indicated that the highest brucellosis risk and increased disease incidence were observed in Hinggan, Inner Mongolia, in children aged 0–14 years. Alxa had the lowest risk but the incidence rate increased rapidly. The incidence of childhood brucellosis was positively associated with the number of sheep at the year-end (β: 2.5909 ~ 2.5926, P < 0.01), average temperature (β: 2.8978 ~ 2.9030, P < 0.05), and precipitation level (β: 3.3261 ~ 3.3268, P < 0.01).ConclusionFrom 2016 to 2020, the overall incidence of brucellosis in children in Inner Mongolia showed an upward trend, with cases exhibiting spatial aggregation. We should focus on areas where the incidence of brucellosis in children is rising rapidly. The incidence of childhood brucellosis was associated with the number of sheep at the year-end, average temperature and precipitation level.Implications and contributionThe findings suggest that brucellosis in children is not to be taken lightly. For children should also focus on protection, take corresponding protective measures. While we focus on high-risk areas, we must also monitor areas where the risk of disease is low, but the incidence is rising fast, to prevent outbreaks in low-risk areas from becoming high-risk areas.

Investigated of Epidemiological and Incidence of Human Brucellosis in Southwest of Iran, a Retrospective Study from 2014 to 2021

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide, primarily caused by Brucella abortus, and can lead to potential infertility in both men and women. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of brucellosis over a seven-year period (2014 - 2021) in Andika city. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the medical records of brucellosis patients at the Health Vice-Chancellor of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, during 2014 - 2021. The study variables included age, gender, history of contact with infected animals, place of residence, occupation, consumption of dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt), and education. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: A total of 162 patients were reported from 2014 to 2021. The highest number of brucellosis cases occurred in 2015. In this study, 42% of the patients were men and 58% were women. Of the total patients, 62.3% were from rural areas, while 37.7% were from other areas. Among occupational groups, homemakers had the highest frequency of brucellosis cases at 30.2%. The age group with the highest incidence was 21 - 30 years, at 21%. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the majority of patients were from rural areas and were female. The incidence of brucellosis in Andika city appears to be decreasing. Since human brucellosis incidence closely correlates with the incidence in animals, controlling the disease in animals can help reduce human cases.

Human Brucellosis in Iraq: Spatiotemporal Data Analysis From 2007-2018.

Brucellosis is both endemic and enzootic in Iraq, resulting in long-term morbidity for humans as well as economic loss. No previous study of the spatial and temporal patterns of brucellosis in Iraq was done to identify potential clustering of cases. This study aims to detect the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in Iraq and identify any changes that occurred from 2007 to 2018. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the Surveillance Section at the Communicable Diseases Control Center, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health in Iraq. The trends of cases by sex and age group from 2007 to 2018 were displayed. The seasonal distribution of the cases from 2007 to 2012 was graphed. We calculated the incidence of human brucellosis per district per year and used local Getis-Ord Gi* statistics to detect the spatial distribution of the data. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and GeoDa software. A total of 51,508 human brucellosis cases were reported during the 12-year study period, with some missing data for age groups. Human brucellosis persisted annually in Iraq across the study period with no specific temporal clustering of cases. In contrast, spatial clustering was predominant in northern Iraq. There were significant differences in the geographic distribution of brucellosis. The number of cases is the highest in the north and northeast regions of the country, which has borders with nearby countries. In addition, people in these areas depend more on locally made dairy products, which can be inadequately pasteurized. Despite the lack of significant temporal clustering of cases, the highest number of cases were reported during summer and spring. Considering these patterns when allocating resources to combat this disease, determining public health priorities, and planning prevention and control strategies is important.

Clinical characteristic, management, and outcomes of cervical spinal brucellosis: a retrospective cohort study over 1-year postoperative follow-up

BackgroundThe incidence of cervical spinal brucellosis is low, only a few case reports have been published, and case series are not widely reported in the medical literature. Therefore, clinical features, management, and outcomes of cervical spinal brucellosis are relatively unknown. In this series, the authors report 15 cases of patients with cervical spinal brucellosis, including clinical characteristic, imaging findings, management plans, the institution’s experience, and outcomes at 1 year postoperatively.MethodsThe study reviewed the clinical and radiographic records of 15 patients who received antimicrobial pharmacotherapy, and anterior cervical debridement and fusion for cervical spinal brucellosis. The data collected included patient demographic characteristics, spinal level affected, abscess, neurology, pathological reports, duration and type of antimicrobial regimens, details of orthopedic management, and complications incurred during the procedure.ResultsNeck pain (100%) and limb paralysis (86.7%) were the most common clinical presentations, and the disease had a rapid progression. The C6-7 segment was the most commonly affected segment, followed by C4-5 and C5-6. Imaging commonly revealed epidural or paravertebral abscesses (80%). There was a significant improvement in the VAS, JOA, and NDI scores three months after surgery, and the scores continued to improve until the final follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative scores (P < 0.05). The ESR and CRP levels returned to normal within three months postoperatively, being 7.7 ± 4.5 mm/h and 7.55 ± 3.48 mg/L, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the pre- and postoperative levels (P < 0.05). The positive rate of bacterial culture testing of pus or lesion tissues was only 40%, but blood cultures revealed an even lower positivity rate (33.3%). The average antimicrobial pharmacotherapy regimen duration was 6.1 ± 1.9 months. All patients achieved intervertebral bone fusion within 8 months (4.8 ± 1.4 months) after surgery and were cured with non-recurrence.ConclusionsSpinal brucellosis rarely affects the cervical region, but its impact is more dangerous due to potential complications such as paraplegia or tetraplegia arising from epidural abscesses that compress the spinal cord. Surgical debridement, along with essential antimicrobial therapy, is an effective strategy and can lead to satisfactory prognosis in managing cervical spinal brucellosis.

Spatial Epidemiology and Temporal Trend of Brucellosis in Iran Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Join Point Regression Analysis: An Ecological 10-Year Study

Background: Brucellosis is one of the common diseases between humans and animals. We aimed to assess the annual incidence rate, the geographical distribution of Malta fever using GIS and its time trend. Methods: This was an ecology study carried out in exploratory mixed design. The study population was the individuals with brucellosis in Iran during the years 2009-2018. Data analysis has been done using Joinpoint regression analysis and GIS at a significant level of α = 0.05. Results: The average annual incidence rate of the disease rate was 19.91 per one hundred thousand people. The trend of the changes in the incidence between 2009 and 2018 has increased and the Annual Average Percent Change increased by 4.6%. However, a joinpoint was observed in 2014 and the incidence has changed significantly at this point in time, so that the annual incidence of the disease has increased more strongly between 2009 and 2014 (APC=17.1%) and then from 2014 to 2018, the incidence of the disease has decrease (APC=-9.2%). The spatial distribution showed that the western and northwestern provinces have high incidence rate, but the northern and southern provinces have low incidence rate. Conclusion: The incidence of brucellosis in Iran is higher than in developed countries and similar to developing countries. Ten-year trend of disease incidence increased slightly, but it has decreased in recent years. It is necessary to improve the surveillance system and increase facilities for prevention and treatment in the high-risk areas including the west and northwest of Iran.

Behavioral and non-behavioral Factors Affecting the Incidence of Brucellosis: a Qualitative Study

Behavioral and non-behavioral Factors Affecting the Incidence of Brucellosis: a Qualitative Study

SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE IN THE TREATMENT OF NEUROBRUCELLOSIS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection and therefore an important public health problem in the world. More than 0.5 million cases of brucellosis in humans are registered annually. Endemic areas for brucellosis include countries with developed animal husbandry. Kazakhstan is among the twenty-five countries with the highest incidence of brucellosis. Among the post-Soviet countries, Kazakhstan ranks second after Kyrgyzstan in the incidence of brucellosis. In recent years, 2500-3500 cases of human disease have been registered annually in the country, of which about 600 are children under the age of 14. The problem of brucellosis in Kazakhstan is caused by the agricultural orientation and prevalence of small cattle, which is the carrier of the most pathogenic Brucella melitensis. 42.2% of Kazakhstanis live in rural areas, and their main income is animal care. More than 85% of human brucellosis cases have been registered in 4 southern regions where animal husbandry (sheep breeding) is developed. Despite the long history of campaigns to combat brucellosis, Kazakhstan has not overcome this threat to public health. Brucellosis can affect many organs and systems. Complications of brucellosis are usually about 30 percent. Neurological damage occurs in up to 10% of cases. Manifestations include meningitis (acute or chronic), encephalitis, brain abscess, myelitis, sciatica and/or neuritis (with damage to cranial or peripheral nerves). The article presents rare clinical cases of neurobrucellosis on the background of concomitant diseases.

The spatiotemporal trend of human brucellosis in China and driving factors using interpretability analysis

Human brucellosis has reemerged in China, with a distinct change in its geographical distribution. The incidence of human brucellosis has significantly risen in inland regions of China. To gain insights into epidemic characteristics and identify factors influencing the geographic spread of human brucellosis, our study utilized the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and interpretable machine learning techniques. The results showed a consistent upward trend in the incidence of human brucellosis, with a significant increase of 8.20% from 2004 to 2021 (95% CI: 1.70, 15.10). The northern region continued to face a serious human situation, with a gradual upward trend. Meanwhile, the western and southern regions have experienced a gradual spread of human brucellosis, encompassing all regions of China over the past decade. Further analysis using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) demonstrated that higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and increased funding for education have the potential to reduce the spread. Conversely, the expansion of human brucellosis showed a positive correlation with bed availability per 1000 individuals, humidity, railway mileage, and GDP. These findings strongly suggest that socioeconomic factors play a more significant role in the spread of human brucellosis than other factors.

Spatiotemporal dynamics and influencing factors of human brucellosis in Mainland China from 2005–2021

BackgroundBrucellosis poses a significant public health concern. This study explores the spatial and temporal dynamic evolution of human brucellosis in China and analyses the spatial heterogeneity of the influencing factors related to the incidence of human brucellosis at the provincial level.MethodsThe Join-point model, centre of gravity migration model and spatial autocorrelation analysis were employed to evaluate potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2005 to 2021. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) models were constructed to analyze the spatial and temporal correlation between the incidence rate of human brucellosis and meteorological and social factors.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2021, human brucellosis in China showed a consistent upward trend. The incidence rate rose more rapidly in South, Central, and Southwest China, leading to a shift in the center of gravity from the North to the Southwest, as illustrated in the migration trajectory diagram. Strong spatial aggregation was observed. The MGWR model outperformed others. Spatio-temporal plots indicated that lower mean annual temperatures and increased beef, mutton, and milk production significantly correlated with higher brucellosis incidence. Cities like Guangxi and Guangdong were more affected by low temperatures, while Xinjiang and Tibet were influenced more by beef and milk production. Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang were more affected by mutton production. Importantly, an increase in regional GDP and health expenditure exerted a notable protective effect against human brucellosis incidence.ConclusionsHuman brucellosis remains a pervasive challenge. Meteorological and social factors significantly influence its incidence in a spatiotemporally specific manner. Tailored prevention strategies should be region-specific, providing valuable insights for effective brucellosis control measures.

Epidemiology of brucellosis in Mazandaran, North of Iran in a nine-year period (2009-2017).

Brucellosis is a common disease between humans and animals that still exists in most parts of Iran. This study investigated the epidemiology of brucellosis in Mazandaran province, Iran, during a nine-year period from the beginning of 2009 until the end of 2017. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted based on the guidelines of Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education on the data of 3732 brucellosis patients. The data were retrieved from the private and public laboratories gathered in a Ministry's database. We used the generalized estimating equation (GEE) for the Poisson regression model (Poisson GEE) to examine the disease incidence based on the studied variables. The age-standardized incidence rate has been 13.2 per 100,000 people (15.6 in men and 21.3 in rural areas). The highest rate (17.2) was in 2012 and the lowest (10.6) was in 2014. The cities of Galugah (35.0) and Qaemshahr and Fereydunkenar (3.0) had the highest and lowest incidence rates. The patients' professions had been 30% housewives, 14.9% ranchers, and 14.4% livestock-related professions. The highest standard incidence was in people older than 55 years old. The results of the Poisson GEE regression model showed that the disease incidence has been higher in men compared to women and in rural compared to urban areas (risk ratio = 1.5, 3.4, P = 0.001). Mazandaran faces the risk of increased brucellosis incidence rate. Taking preventive measures, including educating people, are recommended for the near future.

Brucellosis outbreak in a remote village in northwestern Tajikistan in 2023: a matched case-control study.

A sharp increase in reported brucellosis incidence was observed in northwestern Tajikistan (from 1.0/100,000 people in January-May 2022 to 32.7/100,000 in January-May 2023). Most (82%) cases were from the same remote mountainous village (population = 10,712). The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for brucellosis infection and mitigate disease risk. Using a case-control design, we conducted face-to-face interviews and collected blood samples during May-June 2023. Fifty-seven cases and 114 controls were recruited. Cases were the first person in a household diagnosed with brucellosis during February-June 2023 with positive serum agglutination test and antibody titers ≥1/160 from blood samples. Two controls were selected for each case (neighbors from different households matched by age and sex). Controls testing positive were excluded and replaced. We conducted conditional multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among the 87 brucellosis patients reported, 57 (66%) agreed to participate and didn't have secondary cases in the household. Of the 57 cases, 68% were 15-44 years old, and 44% were male. Cases peaked in May 2023. Common symptoms were joint pain (95%), fever (84%), weakness (72%), and night sweats (65%). Of selected controls, 13% tested positive and were excluded. All cases and 94% of controls owned livestock (mostly cattle, sheep, or goats); no animals had not been vaccinated in the past 5 years. Brucellosis was associated with consumption of both homemade kaymak (clotted cream) and home-raised meat compared with neither (AOR: 59 [95%CI: 4.3-798], p < 0.01), home-raised meat but not kaymak compared with neither (AOR: 54 [4.0-731], p < 0.01), and involvement in animal slaughter compared with no involvement (AOR: 36 [2.8-461], p < 0.01). Contact with unvaccinated livestock or consumption of their products was a key contributor to this outbreak in a remote village of Tajikistan. With 13% of controls testing positive, true incidence was likely greater than reported. Following our investigation, a brucellosis awareness education campaign and animal vaccination campaigns were carried out in the region and only one case was reported in September 2023.

Частота, структура и динамика заболеваемости бруцеллезом за 2020- 2022 годы в Жалал-Абадской области Кыргызской Республики

Введение. В статье приведено эпидемиологический анализ, структура заболеваемости и эпизоотическая оценка бруцеллеза у жителей городского населения Жалал-Абадской области за 2020-2022 годы с целью улучшить дальнейший контроль бруцеллеза. Цель работы- провести эпидемиологический анализ особенности заболеваемости бруцеллезом городского населения по области. Материалы и методы исследования: Основана на данных Областного центра профилактики заболеваемости и санитарно – эпидемиологического надзора, отчетная форма №1, месячная и годовая, формы «Об инфекционных и паразитарных заболеваниях», районных и городских ЦГСЭН представленных к областному ЦГСЭН, представленных к областному ЦУСЭН. Результаты и обсуждения. За последние три годы имелась тенденция роста заболеваемости в районах области, особенно в высокогорных, и снижения у городского населения. Также отмечался рост бруцеллеза среди детей до 14 лет, с 1,4 до 3,2 раз. В структуре заболеваемости бруцеллезом на первом месте стоит острый бруцеллез - 92,4%, на втором месте стоит хронический 5,2% и подострый стоит встречается 2,3%. Диагноз бруцеллез выставлен клинико-лабораторно у 5,3%, с помощью бактериологического метода у 68,7%, и клинико-эпидемиологический у 31,2%. Заключение. Таким образом, заболеваемость бруцеллезом населения, проживающего в городах Жалал-Абадской области, за последние три года снизилось с 32,0 до 17,4 на 100 тыс. населения, при этом, отмечалась тенденция роста заболеваемости в районах области (с 18,7 -24,2 на 100 тыс. население). Introduction. The article presents an epidemiological analysis, the structure of morbidity and epizootic assessment of brucellosis in residents of the urban population of the Jalal-Abad region for 2020-2022 in order to improve further control of brucellosis. The purpose of the work- to conduct an epidemiological analysis of the features of the incidence of brucellosis of the urban population in the region. Materials and methods. Based on data from the Regional Center for Morbidity Prevention and Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance, monthly and annual reporting form No. 1, forms "On infectious and parasitic diseases", district and city central state sanitary and epidemiological supervision submitted to the regional central department of state sanitary and epidemiological supervision. Results and discussions. Over the past three years, there has been a trend of an increase in the incidence in the districts of the region, especially in the highlands, and a decrease in the urban population. There was also an increase in brucellosis among children under 14 years of age, from 1.4 to 3.2 times. In the structure of the incidence of brucellosis, acute brucellosis is in the first place - 92.4%, chronic 5.2% is in second place and subacute is 2.3%. The diagnosis of brucellosis was made clinically and laboratory in 5.3%, using the bacteriological method in 68.7%, and clinical and epidemiological in 31.2%. Conclusion. Thus, the incidence of brucellosis of the population living in the cities of the Jalal-Abad region has decreased from 32.0 to 17.4 per 100 thousand over the past three years. At the same time, there was a tendency to increase the incidence in the districts of the region (from 18.7 -24.2 per 100 thousand population). Киришүү. Макалада бруцеллезду көзөмөлдөөнү жакшыртуу максатында Жалал-Абад облусунун 2020-2022-жылдардагы шаар тургундарынын бруцеллезуна эпидемиологиялык анализ, оорунун түзүмү жана эпизоотиялык баалоо келтирилген. Изилдөөнүн максаты - облус боюнча шаар калкынын бруцеллез оорусунун өзгөчөлүктөрүнө эпидемиологиялык анализ жүргүзүү. Материалдар жана методдор. Облустук оорулардын алдын алуу жана санитардык – эпидемиологиялык көзөмөлдөө борборунун маалыматтарына негизделген, айлык жана жылдык отчеттук №1 формасы, "Инфекциялык жана мите оорулар жөнүндө" формалары, райондук жана шаардык МСЭКБ, облустук санитардык эпидемиологиялык башкаруу центрине көрсөтүлгөн формалар колдонулду. Натыйжалар жана талкуулар. Акыркы үч жылда облустун аймактарында, өзгөчө бийик тоолуу райондордо оорурунун өсүү тенденциясы байкалып, шаар калкында азайуу байкалган. Ошондой эле 14 жашка чейинки балдар арасында бруцеллездун өсүшү 1,4 эседен 3,2 эсеге чейин байкалган. Бруцеллез оорусунун структурасында курч бруцеллез биринчи орунда турат - 92,4%, экинчи орунда өнөкөт 5,2% жана субактуалуу турат -2,3% кездешет. Бруцеллез диагнозу клиникалык-лабораториялык түрдө 5,3%, бактериологиялык методдун жардамы менен 68,7% жана клиникалык-эпидемиологиялык 31,2% көрсөтүлгөн. Жыйынтыгы. Ошентип, Жалал-Абад облусунун шаарларында жашаган калктын бруцеллез оорусу акыркы үч жылда 32,0 дөн 17,4 кө 100 миң калк көрсөтүчкүндө азайган, мында облустун райондорунда оорунун өсүү тенденциясы байкалган (18,7-24,2 ден 100 миң калкка).

Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial clustering analysis on human brucellosis in Jiangsu Province, 2006–2021

The marked increase in the incidence rate of brucellosis is a serious public health concern in Jiangsu Province. However, its temporal and spatial distribution has not been studied in depth. The main purpose of this study is to depict the demographic, temporal and spatial distribution patterns and clustering characteristics of brucellosis cases in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2006 to 2021 to develop and implement effective scientific prevention and control strategies. Data for human brucellosis cases in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2021 were obtained from the Nationwide Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting Information System (NIDRIS). Spatial autocorrelation analysis and temporal-spatial scan statistics were used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distributions of human brucellosis in Jiangsu Province. During the years 2006–2021, 1347 brucellosis cases were reported in Jiangsu Province, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.1036 per 100,000 individuals. Middle-aged and elderly individuals (aged 40–69 years) were the main infected populations, accounting for 69.72% (939/1347) of all reported cases. The incidence of brucellosis in Jiangsu showed a long-term increasing trend and displayed pronounced seasonal variations, with the peak occurring between April and June annually. The incidence gradually expanded from the northern and southern areas to the central areas between 2006 and 2021. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation in the incidence of brucellosis between 2008 and 2012–2021. Temporal-spatial clustering analysis showed that the primary cluster was detected in the northern, highly endemic regions of Jiangsu, and the three secondary clusters were in areas where there had been outbreaks of brucellosis. Human brucellosis remains a serious public health issue in Jiangsu Province. Northern and southern Jiangsu regions, with high rates of brucellosis, may require special plans and measures to monitor and control the disease. Additionally, the capacity to respond to outbreaks in high-incidence areas should be improved to prevent further brucellosis outbreaks.

Socioeconomic, meteorological factors and spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in China between 2004 and 2019-A study based on spatial panel model.

Human brucellosis continues to be a great threat to human health in China. The present study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in China from 2004 to 2019, to analyze the socioeconomic factors, meteorological factors and seasonal effect affecting human brucellosis incidence in different geographical regions with the help of spatial panel model, and to provide a scientific basis for local health authorities to improve the prevention of human brucellosis. The monthly reported number and incidence of human brucellosis in China from January 2004 to December 2019 were obtained from the Data Center for China Public Health Science. Monthly average air temperature and monthly average relative humidity of 31 provincial-level administrative units (22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities directly under the central government) in China from October 2003 to December 2019 were obtained from the National Meteorological Science Data Centre. The inventory of cattle, the inventory of sheep, beef yield, mutton yield, wool yield, milk yield and gross pastoral product of 31 provincial-level administrative units in China from 2004 to 2019 were obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The temporal and geographical distribution of human brucellosis was displayed with Microsoft Excel and ArcMap software. The spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis was used to describe the association among different areas. Spatial panel model was constructed to explore the combined effects on the incidence of human brucellosis in China. A total of 569,016 cases of human brucellosis were reported in the 31 provincial-level administrative units in China from January 2004 to December 2019. Human brucellosis cases were concentrated between March and July, with a peak in May, showing a clear seasonal increase. The incidence of human brucellosis in China from 2004 to 2019 showed significant spatial correlations, and hotspot analysis indicated that the high incidence of human brucellosis was mainly in the northern China, particularly in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Heilongjiang. The results from spatial panel model suggested that the inventory of cattle, the inventory of sheep, beef yield, mutton yield, wool yield, milk yield, gross pastoral product, average air temperature (the same month, 2-month lagged and 3-month lagged), average relative humidity (the same month) and season variability were significantly associated with human brucellosis incidence in China. The epidemic area of human brucellosis in China has been expanding and the spatial clustering has been observed. Inner Mongolia and adjacent provinces or autonomous regions are the high-risk areas of human brucellosis. The inventory of cattle and sheep, beef yield, mutton yield, wool yield, milk yield, gross pastoral product, average air temperature, average relative humidity and season variability played a significant role in the progression of human brucellosis. The present study strengthens the understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic, meteorological factors and the spatial heterogeneity of human brucellosis in China, through which 'One Health'-based strategies and countermeasures can be provided for the government to tackle the brucellosis menace.

Epidemiological characteristics and spatio-temporal analysis of brucellosis in Shandong province, 2015–2021

BackgroundBrucellosis is one of the major public health problems in China, it not only causes huge economic losses to the society, but also threatens the human’s physical and mental health. The reported cases of brucellosis in Shandong province were at a high level, therefore, it is necessary for us to understand the epidemic characteristics and distribution trend of Brucellosis in Shandong province. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering characteristics of brucellosis in Shandong Province, provide a reference for the scientific prevention and control.MethodsHuman brucellosis data in Shandong province from 2015 to 2021 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, the data were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods, spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial-temporal cluster analysis methods use ArcGIS and SaTScan software, the results were presented in ArcMap.ResultsA total of 22,251 human cases of brucellosis were reported, the annual incidence ranged between 2.41/100,000 and 4.07/100,000 from 2015 to 2021 in Shandong province, incidence has been decreasing year by year, while there was a significant increase in 2021. The distribution of brucellosis was of a seasonal trend, mainly concentrating during March to August. The age of the cases was mainly concentrated in the 30–74 age ranges, the average annual incidence rate was significantly higher in males than in females. The spatial analysis showed that the epidemics were mainly concentrated in the north and southwest. For the spatial autocorrelation analysis, a high global autocorrelation was observed at the county level, and the high–high clusters mainly distributed in the north and southwest region. For the spatio-temporal scanning, the most likely cluster areas mainly distributed in the north area, and then gradually moved southward, and the radius of clustered narrowed.ConclusionsHuman brucellosis remains a common challenge, particularly in northern region in spring and summer. More disease prevention and control measures should be taken in high-risk populations, and such higher-risk susceptible areas to reduce the incidence of brucellosis and ensure the health of the people.

Native circulating Brucella melitensis lineages causing a brucellosis epidemic in Qinghai, China.

Since 2010, the cases and incidences of human brucellosis have been increasing annually in Qinghai (QH) Province. Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analyses of strains from this region are crucial to better understand the transmission of the disease and the evolutionary patterns of Brucella strains. In this study, classical bio-typing assay, multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis, and the whole-genome sequencing-single-nucleotide polymorphism approach were used to illustrate the epidemiological and evolutionary patterns of Brucella melitensis. A total of 54 B. melitensis bv. 3 strains were isolated and molecularly characterized, with all strains belonging to the East Mediterranean lineages. Cross-regional transmission events (i.e., between counties) were caused by common sources of infection, suggesting that predominant circulating genotypes are endemic in different regions. Strengthening surveillance in animal brucellosis and controlling infected animals' cross-border movement are necessary. Two strains isolated from humans and marmots were clustered in the same sub-clade, implying the possible existence of direct and/or indirect contact between sheep (and goats) and wildlife (marmots), but this needs to be verified by further investigations. The global-scale phylogenetic analysis indicated that 54 strains sorted into six subclades, four of which formed independent lineages, suggesting that the increase in the incidence rate of human brucellosis may be caused by local circulating lineages. Further strengthening the serology and pathogen surveillance of animals (wildlife) and humans will contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transmission chain of human brucellosis in this region.

Epidemiological Features of the Incidence of Brucellosis in the Rural Population in Jalal-Abad Region of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2022

An epidemiological analysis of the incidence of brucellosis in the rural population of the Jalal-Abad region for 2022 is given. The incidence of brucellosis among the population living in rural areas in the Jalal-Abad region over the past three years has been on an upward trend, from 32.2 to 47.5 per 100 thousand of the population. Brucellosis is especially common in the highlands of the region. An increase in brucellosis among children under 14 years old was noted, in the Chatkal district by 1.9 times (from 54.4 to 108.8 per 100 thousand population), in the Toguz-Torun district by 1.6 times (from 45.0 to 73.9 per 100 thousand population). High incidence rates of brucellosis have been registered in high-mountainous regions, where 80-90% of the population is engaged in animal husbandry. The main age of patients with brucellosis is 30 years and older. The incidence of brucellosis is higher among men — 65.4-65.1%, and women — 34.6-34.9%. By social status: unemployed — 32%, schoolchildren — 14%, housewives — 11.7%, pensioners and workers — 10.6% each. This is due to their employment in private, individual and farm enterprises. The main source of brucellosis infection is small cattle (50.8-52.7%), then cattle (27.2-25.1%), but there is still a large proportion — unidentified sources of infection (22-22.2%).

Qualitative Causal Loop Diagram: One Health Model Conceptualizing Brucellosis in Jordan

Background: Brucellosis is a serious public health problem distributed worldwide. Jordan has one of the highest incidences of brucellosis globally, mostly caused by infection with Brucella melitensis, which is associated with small, ruminant animals such as sheep. Sheep are an important livestock species in Jordan where there is a high value is placed on keeping animals at home. The incidence of human brucellosis rapidly increased following the Syrian conflict, in association with the resettlement of displaced people. Methods: A systems thinking (ST) approach was applied to develop a model to explain the dynamics of brucellosis in Jordan. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to visualize and conceptualize interactions and feedback between several factors involved in sheep husbandry, animal and human health, and livestock trading systems. The CLD was constructed using information from published literature, historical governmental reports, policy documents and media coverage regarding brucellosis in Jordan. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders were conducted to elicit information on their understanding of critical factors associated with brucellosis. Results: The CLD demonstrated that brucellosis transmission in Jordan is driven by sheep husbandry practices like livestock movement/trading and the management of symptomatic animals (those suffering abortion). Five dimensions were identified to be associated with brucellosis transmission: human infection; consumers; traders and markets; and livestock infection and control. Conclusion: The development of a CLD to explain brucellosis transmission in Jordan provides a better understanding of and reveals the multi-sectoral nature of the problem. The need for a multi-sectoral approach for effective brucellosis management in Jordan is clear from the five dimensions identified.

ОЦЕНКА ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТИ БРУЦЕЛЛЕЗОМ ДЕТЕЙ В УСЛОВИЯХ ИНТЕНСИФИКАЦИИ ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНОГО ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВА

Introduction. Despite not huge efforts to combat brucellosis, in a number of countries, including Azerbaijan, decisive positive results have not yet been achieved. Many households began to keep livestock, which could lead to an increased risk of brucellosis in children. Aim. Assessment the influence of individualization of livestock breeding on the incidence of brucellosis in children. Material and methods. The work was carried out in 14 settlements of the Baku urban agglomeration located on the Absheron Peninsula. An epidemiological survey was carried out on 486 individual farms, selected by a blind method, 331 of them kept livestock. Serological diagnosis was carried out using the Huddleson and Wright tests. A total of 1702 children were examined, of which 533 children lived in households that did not contain livestock, 796 children lived in farms that kept livestock, and 373 children lived in village 2-7-storey buildings. When statistically processing the results of the study, the definition of Student’s t-criterion, χ² and correlation coefficient was used. Results and discussion. Infection of children averaged 15.2±0.9%, as the age of children (≤3&gt;15 years) increases, it increases from 6.0±1.8 to 21.1±2.8%. The infection rate of children living in households with livestock is higher than without them - 10.5±0.7 and 2.8±0.4%. As the number of livestock increases, the infection rate in children increases from 9.1±4.4 to 29.6±2.1%. The seropositivity of children living in individual households that do not keep livestock and in village 2-7-stage buildings is approximately the same and amounts to 2.8±0.4 and 1.9±0.3%, respectively (t= 1.80; P&gt;0.05) and is much inferior to the seropositivity of children living in individual households with livestock: 10.5±0.7% (t=9.63; P&lt;0.001). Conclusion. The epidemiological situation of brucellosis among children has deteriorated in recent years, which is associated with the individualization of livestock breeding. Therefore, the search for new approaches to the prevention of brucellosis in the population should be carried out taking into account these changes.

Epidemic and Epizootic Situation on Brucellosis in the Kyrgyz Republic

The aim of the study was to perform the epidemiological and epizootic analysis of the situation on brucellosis in the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods. When assessing the incidence of brucellosis in the Kyrgyz Republic over the period between 1983 and 2021, official data of the Republican Center of Quarantine and Particularly Dangerous Infections, the Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, the State Inspectorate for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Safety of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic were used. The obtained materials were processed applying Microsoft Excel 2010. Results and discussion. It is shown that the adverse situation on brucellosis among the population persists in the country: during the study period, the average incidence rate was 29.3 cases per 100 000 of the population. It is associated with constantly occurring epizootics among farm animals, especially small ruminants, which are the main source of human infection. A pronounced summer seasonality of brucellosis cases is noted, due to the participation of people in lambing and calving of animals. Since 2008, there has been a gradual decrease in the incidence of brucellosis among people, after the start of systematic mass vaccination against brucellosis in small ruminants. It is necessary to carry out the entire complex of anti-brucellosis measures and social mobilization of the population to stabilize the epidemic and epizootic situation in the country. The realization of the task will be facilitated by the development of the State Program to combat brucellosis for the interdepartmental integration of all efforts to prevent this dangerous infectious disease.