RISK FACTORS FOR HUMAN BRUCELLOSIS

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. Despite its control in many countries, it remains endemic in Albania. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for brucellosis infection in the Korça region in Albania. An age and gender matched case?control study was conducted including 111 cases and their respective controls. Brucellosis cases were defined on the basis of epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory criteria. Subjects were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain risk factor information. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between the disease and the variables studied. Significant risk factors for infection were related to male gender, rural residence, occupation handling animals, breeding animals (OR= 3.9 95%CI 1.8 - 9.2), raw milk and unprocessed dairy products consumption, a family history of brucellosis in the home (OR=3.7 95%CI 1.4 - 7.2). The knowledge about disease transmission route dairy product as a mode of brucellosis transmission were protective factors. Pasteurization of milk and dairy products and education regarding eating habits must be pursued for eradication of human brucellosis, especially in rural areas.