Seroepidemiology of human brucellosis in nomads in a rural area of Iran

ObjectiveTo survey the seroprevalence of brucellosis among nomads in Shoulabad, Lorestan province, Iran.MethodsIn this descriptive study, a total of 5 847 person took part by randomized cluster sampling and 312 of them with clinical feature of brucellosis were selected. The diagnosis of brucellosis was made with a standard tube agglutination test (STAT), Coombs test, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) test, and the results with titers equal 1:80 or more were considered positive.ResultsThe seroprevalnce of anti-Brucella titer was 29.5% for STAT, 29.9% for Coombs test and 21.1% for 2ME test. Overall, 92, 93 and 66 patients had titers of 1:80 or higher in STAT, Coombs test and 2ME test, respectively. Seroprevalence was more among males (54.3%) than females (45.7%). There is statistical difference between seroprevalence of infection and age (P<0.05). Based on age group, 10–19 years age group was more affected (37%).ConclusionsThis results confirmed the necessity of conducting comprehensive and scheduled program of seroprevalence survey, particularly in nomad area, which aims at reducing the incidence of brucellosis as well as to guide planning programs by decision makers to improve community health.