Brucellosis Prevalence and Related Risk Factors in Izmir Province

Objective: Brucellosis is a zoonosis that affects more than 500 000 people a year, according to World Health Organization data. Brucellosis is endemic in Turkey, and it has a high morbidity. Community-based studies should be performed to detect brucellosis cases, to treat them, and to control the infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of brucellosis and the associated risks in adults aged 18 years and older living in Izmir. Methods: The study was carried out between January 2011 and December 2012 in 26 358 people living in Izmir. Sociode- mographic characteristics, epidemiological characteristics and complaints specific for brucellosis were questioned, and the questionnaire was applied face to face with each participant. After application of the questionnaire, 5 ml venous blood was taken from everyone. Serum samples were tested with rose-Bengal test and standard tube agglutination (STA) test which was repeated by adding Coombs serum if necessary. χ 2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. Statisti- cally, p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Rose-Bengal test was positive in 239 (0.91%) of 26 358 serum samples. STA test was positive with 1/160 and higher ti-ters in 35 (14.6%) of them. STA test was repeated in 9 samples by adding Coombs serum, and 4 were found positive with 1/160 and higher titers. There was no statistically significant difference in age and sex distribution among seropositive persons ( p >0.5). The most consumed product (n=23, 58.9%) was fresh cheese made from unpasteurized milk among these people. Their most common complaints were muscle and joint pain (n=15, 38.5%). Conclusions: Since our country is an endemic country in terms of brucellosis, it remains a disease that should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of patients admitted to the hospital. We believe that it is important to manage the disease under the one health concept to control the disease. Also, we suggest that current and multicenter prevalence stud- ies are necessary.