Seroprevalence of brucellosis and risk factors related to high risk occupational groups in Kazeroon, South of Iran.

BACKGROUND

Brucellosis is a major zoonosis worldwide. Many people for their professions are at higher risk of contracting the disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors in a group of high risk professions.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, all personnel or students of veterinary schools, slaughters and butchers working in the city were invited to participate (n = 141). A comparison group (n = 44) randomly selected from patients who were selected at random from people attended our healthcare center for reasons other than the infectious diseases.

RESULTS

4 veterinarians, 15 veterinary assistants, 42 veterinarian students, 52 butchers, 17 slaughters, 8 slaughterhouse workers and 3 chefs made the first group and 14 storekeepers, 5 students of engineering, 11 clerks, 13 freelance workers, and 1 high school student made the comparison group. While the rate of consumption of most of the studied dairy products was almost similar in both groups, comparison group patients consumed more often milk (p<0.001) and cream (p<0.001) than the high risk group. 11 (7.8%; 95% CI: 3.4%-12.2%) cases from high risk group and none of the comparison group were found seropositive for Brucella.

CONCLUSION

Profession is the main factor in seropositivity. Consumption of dairy products and raw milk is not associated with a higher risk of seropositivity.