Epidemiological analysis of brucellosis and its cause in Zhejiang province, 2007

Objective　The study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Zhejiang province and to identify its cause in order to provide evidence for the development of specific preventive strategies in future. Methods　The rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and standard tube agglutination test (SAT) were employed in the detection of brucellosis in the sera samples of high-risk exposure groups associated with livestock transaction, slaughter, cultivation, milking and livestock products in Zhejiang province. Results　A total of 5713 high-risk subjects from 56 counties(districts) of 12 cities were examined for brucellosis, and 87 of them were serologically confirmed with the positive rate of 1.52%; 13 of them were newly emerged cases. The epidemic, whose onset was in winter and early spring, had involved 22 counties, affecting the workforce at 30-59 years of age. Contact with cattle, sheep and mutton product was associated with the morbidity. However, 6 of out 13 patients were to be misdiagnosed in hospital. Conclusion　It was believed that the epidemic was primarily due to potential infection sources, incompetent quarantine of imported livestock and poor awareness of self-protection among high-risk occupational groups. To better control the brucellosis epidemic, the quarantine and management of livestock importation should be improved; surveillance on high?鄄risk exposure groups and reporting of epidemic should be guaranteed; and training in diagnostic and treating skills for medical professionals should be provided.