Assessing human brucellosis infection rates in high-risk occupational groups

Abstract

Introduction: Human brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease with a substantial public health impact, particularly among individuals in high-risk occupations such as veterinarians, farmers, and laboratory workers. Despite its global prevalence, data on the occupational risk of brucellosis, particularly in specific regions like the Kurdistan region, remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Brucella infections among different occupational groups in Erbil, Kurdistan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023, involving 350 human blood samples collected from participants with various occupations in Erbil. Brucella infection was assessed using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and bacterial culture method. The results were analyzed with a focus on the association between occupation, gender, residence, and age; with the prevalence of Brucella infection.

Results: The overall prevalence of Brucella infection was 10.9% by RBT and 8.9% by bacterial culture. Veterinarians and veterinary assistants had the highest infection rates (16.0% RBT, 14.0% culture). Gender and residence had no significant impact on infection rates, although rural residents exhibited slightly higher prevalence. The age group 31–40 years showed the highest positivity rates, but differences across age groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The prevalence of brucellosis in Erbil has remained stable over the past decade. High-risk occupations, particularly veterinarians and laboratory workers, require targeted preventive measures, including the use of personal protective equipment. This study emphasizes the need for enhanced occupational health strategies to reduce the risk of brucellosis in vulnerable groups.