Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Brucellosis in Brazil in the period 2014-2018

Human Brucellosis in Brazil (2014-2018)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe the main epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Brazil according to the cases reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) in the period 2014-2018. A descriptive analysis of the database was performed, according to criteria related with person, time, and place, considering the population that appears represented by all cases notified and confirmed in the 27 federative units of Brazil. The annual coefficient of incidence was calculated according to the IBGE´s population data. A total of 3612 suspected cases of human brucellosis were reported in Brazil, of which 25% were confirmed. The largest number of cases (22%) was reported in the South region. Most of the cases (75%) were male while 53% presented an occupational relationship. The most affected group of age was between 30 and 39 years, while 50% of patients were living in rural areas, with the largest proportion of cases (68%) being autochthonous in the municipality of residence and probable site of infection. The cases that progressed to cure represented 63% of the total number of cases. These results allow to affirm that human brucellosis officially notified in Brazil is endemic, with increasing reported cases and incomplete information in the records.

Keywords: Human brucellosis. Epidemiology. Diagnosis. Notification.