Demographic characteristics, clinical signs and laboratory findings in Brucellosis hospitalized patients in Kermanshah

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a common infection among humans and animals that called zoonosis. The disease is common especially in Middle East countries such as Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate of demographic characteristics, clinical signs and results of serologic tests in brucellosis hospitalized patients in Kermanshah, 2006-2011.Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, 305 hospitalized patients were investigated. A questionnaire about demographic characteristic clinical signs and laboratory findings was filled in. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.Results: Of 305 patients, 163 cases (53.4%) were male. The mean age of patients was 36.66 years old. The most of common age group was 11-20 (20.3%). The most contagious seasons were summer and spring (64.6%). 16.1% of patients had a history of animal contact and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The most common sign were skeletal pain, myalgia and arthralgia (81%). Disease was more common among housewives (37.1%). According to results of serologic tests, the majority of the patients had wright test titer ≥1.80 (93.4%) and 2ME test titer ≥1.40 (88.2%), respectively.Conclusion: Prevention and education programs are necessary to reduce the economic and social problems resulting from brucellosis.