Risk factors and clinical presentation of brucellosis in Al-Jahra hospital [1997-1999]

ABSTRACT

To analyze the clinical and demographic features of brucella patients hospitalized at the Jahra Hospital [JH] between January 1997 and December 1999. Variables were obtained directly from medical records. A total of 115 patients were reviewed, re p resenting 0.9% of all medical admissions; down fro m 10% in the mid-80s. Almost all cases had a history of contact with cattle and/or ingestion of raw milk. Male Bangladeshi shepherds were the most predominantly re p resented group among our cases. The median age of patients was 32 years. The season of infection culminated in the spring and was lowest in the winter The median stay in hospital was six days, and was longest for Bangladeshis and Kuwaitis compared to other nationalities. Serious complications occurred in only two patients and resolved without sequel. Tw o other patients relapsed and required a second course of antibiotics. Conclusions: The remarkable decline in the incidence of brucellosis in Al-Jahra is very likely due to changes in diet and animal husbandry. Shepherds are still at high risk, and consideration to their socio-economic vulnerability and harsh work conditions must be addressed to further reduce the incidence of brucellosis in Kuwait