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. 2014 Jun;142(6):1188-95.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268813002227. Epub 2013 Sep 18.

Trends of human brucellosis in Italy, 1998-2010

F R Mancini  1 , A Bella  2 , C Graziani  1 , C Marianelli  1 , L Mughini-Gras  1 , P Pasquali  1 , M G Pompa  3 , C Rizzo  2 , E Rizzuto  3 , L Busani  1
Affiliations

Trends of human brucellosis in Italy, 1998-2010

F R Mancini et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

We describe the epidemiological trends and spatial distribution of human brucellosis in Italy over 13 years (1998-2010). In the study period 8483 cases were notified in Italy, with a relevant decrease (-89%) from 1998 to 2010. Most cases were notified in southern Italy (Campania, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily). In these regions we observed relevant differences in the risk of brucellosis at province level. Cases were distributed with a seasonal pattern, male patients represented 60% of the cases and no significant differences were observed between age groups. We modelled the underreporting rate that ranged between 2 and 21 (average 12·5). According to our estimates the true number of cases would have ranged from 41 821 to 155 324 providing a far more severe picture of human brucellosis in Italy than the one provided by the surveillance system.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Average incidence rate (no. of cases/100 000 inhabitants) of brucellosis in the Italian provinces during the four sub-periods from 1998 to 2010. (a) 1998–200, (b) 2001–2003, (c) 2004–2006, (d) 2007–2010. Data from the National Surveillance System of Infectious Diseases (SIMI).
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Average monthly distribution of the incidence (no. of cases per 100 000/month) of brucellosis in Italy from 1998 to 2010. Data from the National Surveillance System of Infectious Diseases (SIMI).
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Incidence rate ratio (IRR) for human brucellosis in the provinces of Campania, Apulia, Calabria and Sicily. Data from the National Surveillance System of Infectious Diseases (SIMI).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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