Epidemiology: Open Access

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Epidemiological, Clinical, and Bacteriological Profile of Human Brucellosis in the District of Tunis

Ghassen Kharroubi

Brucellosis is a major worldwide zoonosis. It is a reportable condition in Tunisia where the disease remains endemic especially in rural areas. The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological profile of human brucellosis cases notified in the district of Tunis. It was a retrospective descriptive study of cases reported, in the district of Tunis through the national surveillance system between the 1st January and 31th December 2017. During the study period, 133 brucellosis confirmed cases were notified. The mean age was 37.5 ± 18.0 years and 54.9% of cases were males. More than four fifths (82.7%) of cases were reported in spring and summer with a peak in the month of May (36 cases). Fever and sweats were the most common symptoms, they occurred in 95% and 72% of cases respectively. Osteoarticular complications occurred in 10 cases, meningitis in one case and endocarditis in one other case. Wright agglutination test and Rose Bengale test were positive in 100% and 91% of cases respectively. While blood culture was positive in 9 cases and PCR in 2 cases. Brucella Melitensis was the only identified specie (9 cases). Almost all cases (99.2%) reported the habit of consuming raw dairy products. Only 5 cases had a suspect contact with animals among them 3 persons were livestock breeders. The transmission was essentially due to raw dairy products consumption. It is important to enhance preventive measures to control animal Brucellosis and to educate population regarding the risk factors of the disease.