Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of brucellosis patients in Laizhou of Shandong Province, from 2016 to 2019 / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To understand the epidemic characteristics and influential factors of brucellosis patients in Laizhou, Shandong Province, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of brucellosis.Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted to collect the surveillance data and epidemiological investigation results of confirmed cases of brucellosis in Laizhou from 2016 to 2019 through the "Infectious Disease Report Information Management System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System". The general situation, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical characteristics of brucellosis were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. Using the case-control study method, 81 confirmed cases of brucellosis and 162 healthy people in the same area, same gender and same age as confirmed cases were selected to analyze the influential factors of brucellosis.Results:Totally 222 cases of brucellosis had been reported in Laizhou, with an average annual incidence of 6.57/100 000. The onset age of brucellosis was mainly from 45 to 59 years old, accounting for 46.40% (103/222); male-to-female ratio was 2.42 ∶ 1.00 (157 ∶ 65); the occupation distribution was mainly farmer, accounting for 95.95% (213/222). The onset time of brucellosis was mainly from March to July, accounting for 58.11% (129/222). Cases of brucellosis were reported in 17 townships (streets) of Laizhou, and the top five townships were Zhuqiao, Shahe, Tushan, Chengguo and Yidao towns in order of incidence. Among 222 cases of brucellosis, the shortest interval from onset to diagnosis was 5 d, the longest was 36 d, and the median was 11 d. The main clinical manifestations of the patients were fever (89.19%, 198/222), fatigue (80.63%, 179/222), joint muscle soreness (72.97%, 162/222), and a few accompanied by liver, spleen and testis enlargement. The logistic regression analysis showed that contact with urine, feces and other excrements of diseased animals [odds ratio ( OR) = 6.244, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.609 - 24.231] and family members suffering from brucellosis ( OR = 16.363, 95% CI: 2.250 - 119.023) were risk factors of brucellosis. Conclusions:The incidence of brucellosis is mainly among 45 - 59 middle-aged farmers in Laizhou and the incidence peaks in spring and summer. Direct contact with excrements of diseased animals and family members suffering from brucellosis are the risk factors of brucellosis. Health departments should carry out health education and behavioral intervention for farmers in the season and areas with high incidence of brucellosis, so as to improve personal awareness of protection.