Review of Brucellosis in Nepal / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current status of the disease, the mechanism of infection, and pathogenesis, its zoonotic potential, diagnostic advances, treatment regimens, and the preventive measures that can be adopted in managing human brucellosis in under-developed countries such as Nepal. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of all the available literture through Google Scholar, PubMed, Gideon Informatics, World Health Organization and other legitimate sources. Other secondary informations were collected from the government agencies such as department of livestock services and Ministry of Health. The obtained information was then re-analysed and summarized. RESULTS: Few publications have addressed brucellosis in Nepal and most of those publications have focused on bovine brucellosis with sparse information available on brucellosis in humans and small ruminants. Brucella abortus is the most predominant causative agent followed by B. suis. B. abortus is predominant in cattle accounting for a substantial portion of bovine abortion in the country. Lack of awareness, unhealthy food habit, traditional husbandry practices, and a lack of surveillance and immunization have been the major factors in maintaining a vicious cycle of propagation of the disease in human and animals. Unfortunately, nothing has been done to identify the species of Brucella at the biovar level. CONCLUSIONS: Although brucellosis has been reported to be endemic in Nepal, neither the distribution nor the economic and public health impact of this disease is well characterized. Robust and well-designed nationwide survey is warranted to assess the prevalence and distribution of disease in livestock and humans. Such data would facilitate the design of appropriate control programmes.

Serum zinc and copper concentrations in brucellosis patient

Micronutrients such as zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu] have a modulatory effect on immune system. Altered serum concentrations of these nutrients have been described in patients with specific disease conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum Zn and Cu level alterations in patients with brucellosis in comparison with healthy individuals. Serum Zn and Cu level of 43 patients with brucellosis [34 men and 9 women] were compared with 43 matched healthy controls. Serum micronutrient concentrations were measured by automatic absorptive spectrophotometry. Mean serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in subjects with brucellosis when compared with age-matched healthy controls [p<0.05]. Mean serum Zn level was decreased in female patients compared with controls [p<0.05], however, there was no significant difference between male patients and controls. Serum Zn and Cu concentrations may alter in patients with brucellosis during the period of infection. Further studies are needed to determine whether these micronutrients have an effect on disease severity and outcome. Measuring serum Cu level may be suggested as a complementary screening tool for brucellosis