effect of lifestyle on brucellosis among nomads in Khuzestan province of Iran

ABSTRACT

To investigate the effect of lifestyle and related risk factors on brucellosis among nomads in Khuzestan, Iran. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in North of Khuzestan, Southern Iran from March 2004 to June 2004. A total of 3594 person took part in this study by randomized cluster sampling. The diagnosis of brucellosis was made by measuring Brucella antibodies. Wright and 2ME with titers equal 1/80 or more were considered positive. Risk factors, such as exposure to animals, ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products were derived from questionnaires. Two hundred and twenty eight out of 3594 were positive for brucellosis [6.3%]. Causative factors included consumption of raw milk [94.7%], fresh cheese [100%], uncooked meat [95.1%], animal skin contact [100%], contact with placenta [27.2%] and living with animal [82%]. This study showed that prevalence of brucellosis among nomads in Iran is high due to their life style