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. 2016 Mar;6(1):11-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.jegh.2015.09.001. Epub 2015 Oct 1.

Trends of reported human cases of brucellosis, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2004-2012

Abdulaziz D Aloufi  1 , Ziad A Memish  2 , Abdullah M Assiri  2 , Scott J N McNabb  3
Affiliations

Trends of reported human cases of brucellosis, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2004-2012

Abdulaziz D Aloufi et al. J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Human brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease and is especially concerning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where livestock importation is significant. We analyzed reported human brucellosis disease trends in KSA over time to help policymakers understand the magnitude of the disease and guide the design of prevention and control measures. By using data from the national registry from 2004 to 2012, we calculated the cumulative numbers by age group and months. Trends of incidence rates (IRs) by gender, nationality, and region were also calculated. We found that there was a greater number of cases (19,130) in the 15-44 years age group than in any other age group. The IRs significantly decreased from 22.9 in 2004 [95% confidence interval (CI)=22.3, 23.5] to 12.5 in 2012 (95% CI=12.1, 13). Males had a significantly greater IR than females. Most cases were reported during spring and summer seasons. The IR of Saudi citizens was significantly greater than that of non-Saudis, but this difference reduced over time. The IRs of Al-Qassim, Aseer, and Hail were in the highest 25th percentile. Young, male Saudi citizens living in highly endemic areas were at greatest risk of acquiring brucellosis. We recommend vaccinating susceptible animals against brucellosis and increasing the public's awareness of preventive measures.

Keywords: Brucellosis; Global health; One Health; Saudi Arabia; Zoonotic.

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Conflict of interest statement

All contributing authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Incidence ratesa of reported cases of human brucellosis, by gender and nationality, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2004–2012. aPer 100,000 population.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Incidence ratesa of reported cases of human brucellosis, by Saudi gender and non-Saudi gender, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2004–2012. aPer 100,000 population.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Reported cases of human brucellosis, by age category, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2004–2012.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Reported cases of human brucellosis, by month of the year, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2004–2012.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Incidence ratesa of reported cases of human brucellosis, by region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2007–2012. aPer 100,000 population.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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