Epidemiological characteristics and control strategy of human brucellosis in Fujian, 2016−2020

  Objective  To explore the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Fujian province during 2016−2020, and provide scientific evidence for the development of effective brucellosis control and prevention strategy.

  Methods  The incidence data and serological and etiological surveillance results of human brucellosis in Fujian from 2016 to 2020 were collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention for a descriptive epidemiological analysis.

  Results  A total of 515 human brucellosis cases were reported in Fujian during this period. The annual incidence was 0.26/100 000 and the incidence of human brucellosis increased year by year (χ²＝12.88, P<0.05). The cases were distributed sporadically in 77 counties (87.50%) in the province. The incidence was 0.64/100 000 in Nanping and 0.52/100 000 in Longyan, which were higher than in other areas. The number of affected counties (district) increased from 28 in 2016 to 49 in 2020, showing a significant increase (χ²＝9.29, P<0.05). The incidence peak of human brucellosis occurred during April-August. In the reported cases, 321 (62.33%) were aged 40–64 years; the highest incidence rate was at age group 60–64 years old (0.69/100 000). The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.89∶1 (χ²＝44.77, P<0.05). The cases in farmers and herdsmen accounted for 42.33% (218 cases). In the surveillance in key populations with occupational exposure, 84 persons were serological positive (1.70%, 84/4 934). With classical biotyping and molecular biological methods,two species (B. melitensis and B.suis) and two biovars (B. melitensis biovar 3, n=37; and B.suis biovar 3, n=1) were identified in the 38 Brucella isolates, and B.melitensis was the major pathogen causing human brucellosis in Fujian (97.37%).

  Conclusion  Our study indicated that the incidence intensity of human brucellosis in Fujian increased yearly. It is necessary to strengthen brucellosis surveillance and infection source management and control, and take corresponding measures in high-risk population for the better prevention and control of human brucellosis.