Risk factors of Brucellosis between human and reservoir animal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v56i1.3791Keywords:
risk factor, brucellosis, human, animal reservoirAbstract
Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease found worldwide, including in Thailand. The objectives were to examine the epidemiological distribution, identify risk factors, and propose strategies for the prevention and control of brucellosis in Thailand.
Methods: This study is a descriptive and analytical investigation of the brucellosis situation in Thailand from 2003 to 2022. Data were gathered from disease investigation reports, scientific articles, the national epidemiological surveillance system (Form 506), and the brucellosis event–based surveillance system.
Results: Between 2003 and 2022, a total of 390 brucellosis cases were reported, with 5 deaths. The number of cases fluctuated annually, peaking between 2005 and 2007 (47, 43, and 31 cases, respectively). Although the trend declined, there were increases in certain years, such as 2009, 2013, 2018, and 2022 (24, 29, 36, and 33 cases, respectively). The year with the fewest cases was 2014 (4 cases). Cases were found in all regions, with the central region having the highest number (222 cases), followed by the northern region (87 cases), northeastern region (65 cases), and southern region (16 cases). The provinces with the most cases were Kanchanaburi (71 cases), Nakhon Ratchasima (44 cases), and Chanthaburi (36 cases). Most cases were male (234 cases), with a male–to–female ratio of 1.64 : 1. The majority were Thai (94.87%), and patient ages ranged from 1 to 91 years, with the most common age group being 45–54 years (78 cases). Livestock farming or slaughtering was the most common occupation among patients (51.54%), followed by farming (9.49%) and labor work (7.44%). Regarding symptoms, the majority of symptomatic patients experienced high fever (77.13%), muscle pain (65.43%), and intermittent fever (57.45%). Most patients were infected with Brucella species of unspecified strains (57.95%), with B. melitensis being the most frequently identified strain (19.49%). The main risk reservoir was goat (66.67%) Key risk factors for infection included handling animals during livestock rearing (69.43%), assisting with birthing or placenta removal (37.99%), and not wearing gloves during tasks (29.26%). Most patients (65.38%) lived in areas with brucellosis outbreaks in animals, highlighting the strong correlation between human infection and animal reservoir outbreaks.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Brucellosis remains a major public health problem in Thailand. Prevention and control of the disease requires cooperation from all sectors, including animal disease surveillance, disease education, and promotion of personal hygiene.
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