Seroepidemiological survey of brucellosis and Q fever among high-risk occupations in northeast of Iran for first time.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Brucellosis and Q fever are considered as occupational hazards to people in contact with domestic animals or their carcasses. The present cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever among professions at risk in the North Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran during 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 185 sera samples were collected from butchers, slaughterhouse workers, farmers, and veterinarians in different counties of the province. The collected sera were tested by ELISA test for the detection of IgG antibodies against and spp. A questionnaire was filled for each participant to investigate demographic characteristics information (i.e., age, gender, educational status, occupation, years of occupational experience, and location), and any exposure to risk factors (animals Keeping, consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, exposure to ill or dead animals, tick bite, splashing animal fluids, travel history, and use of personal protective equipment) that could be associated with these infections.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of antibodies against and spp. were 17.2% and 19.4%, respectively. Twelve participants also had Q fever and brucellosis co-infection, with a prevalence of 6.4%.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, it is concluded that brucellosis and Q fever occur among the high-risk populations in this area and it needs more surveillance to control the diseases by public health and veterinary authorities.