Selected epidemiological features of human brucellosis in Yazd, Islamic Republic of Iran: 1993-1998

ABSTRACT

Brucellosis is a significant health problem in countries where control of zoonoses is inadequate. During 1993-98, we analysed sera and cultures from 792 suspected brucellosis patients who presented with histories of fever, chills, night sweating, weakness, malaise and headache to the referral hospital in Yazd. Cases were investigated by tube agglutination test [TAT] and 2-mercaptoethanol test [2-MET] and a questionnaire was completed for each.TAT titre was > / = 11 60 for 745 patients [94.1%] and 2-MET was positive for 42 [5.3%]. Of 745 confirmed cases, 460 were from 1996-1997. Prevalence was highest in summer [39.5%] and more common males than among females. Prevalence was highest among those aged 10-19 years [27.7%]. Most patients had a history of infected cheese, milk and milk product consumption [98%]