[Determination of Brucellosis Model in Arak in 2005]

Brucellosis is a matter of problem in an endemic area, since it involves not only human and animals but also causes socioeconomic diffculties. The disease is rare in developed countries, so there are little informations about this disease in medical reference books. Therefore, it is necessary to study it in Iran as an endemic area. This is a case-control study, done in Arak in 2005. At first by assistance of the health center of Arak city patients were recognized, and if the presence of Brucellosis was proved by the physician according to epidemiology, clinical manifestations and serology, the patients were considered as the samples of this study. Members of control group were selected among neighbors with the same age and sex, considering negative Wright and 2ME. Sample size of this study were 300 subjects [150 patients, 150 control]. They were asked to complete a questionnaire containing demographic informations, animal conditions and subjects' knowledge about Brucellosis. To determine the degree of significant effects of studied variables, a conditional logestic regression model was used. According to the result of this study, the presence of an involved person among members of the family can increase thecahance of Brucellosis, [about 7.55 times], as the most important factor of the disease. The next risk factor is te use of non pasteurized diaries which can increase the chance of the disease about 3.7 times. Among the information variables, lack of knowledge about transmision of the disease through fresh cheese was more important than the other factors [OR=0.44]. The involved persons had more animals [about 2 times] than the members of control group. Considering educational level and source of information there was no ignificant difference. Since it is not possible to eliminate Brucellosis at present time, it seems necessary to increase the knowledge of people about transmission routes specially the fresh cheese. This can greatly decrease the disease within an endemic area. Considering the high level of disease risk among members of a family having an infected person, it is suggested to do a study for cost-effectiveness of Wrigh test in family members of patients