Descriptive Epidemiology of Human Brucellosis in East Azerbaijan, 2001-2009

Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic infection worldwide. Despite the control of the disease in many developed countries, it remains endemic in Iran. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of human brucellosis in East Azerbaijan province of Iran. All new diagnosed cases of brucellosis surveyed in surveillance system during 2001-2009 were analyzed. Of 5732 surveyed patients with the mean age of 30.9±18 years, 3146 (54.8%) were male. The annual incidence rate of brucellosis per 100,000 populations increased from 27 to 113 in 2001 and 2005, respectively. Thereafter, it decreased to 45 in 2009. Children under the age of 10 years constituted 9.8% of all the patients. Most of the cases were reported between May and July. Moreover, farmer men and housewives had the highest numbers of the disease. In addition, 86.4% of the patients reported consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products and 80% of patient reported contact of animal. Brucellosis is an important public health concern in East Azerbaijan province of Iran.