Survey of human brucellosis in Tacheng, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,2008

Objective To understand the current status of brucellosis epidemic in Tacheng prefecture. Methods The epidemiological survey was conducted among the risk population, and the blood samples were taken to detect brucella antibody titer by tube agglutination test. Results A total of 3136 persons were surveyed,219 were antibody positive. The infection rate among farmers was highest, followed by veterinarians and herdsmen. Seventy nine cases were detected, among which 26 were new cases detected in 2008. The epidemic in Shawan county was more serious. The cases were mainly infected by contacting sheep. Among 79 cases,51 were males. Seventy four cases had been or were in fever,49 suffered from wandering arthritis, 63 were colliquative sweating or night sweating, liver swelling was found in 14 cases and orchitis in 6 cases. Only a few of patients received standard treatment of brucellosis. Conclusion The brucellosis epidemic in Tacheng was serious, some patients could not get timely diagnosis and treatment and the infection mainly caused by occupational exposure.