Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Changing Epidemiology of Human Brucellosis, Germany, 1962–2005
oleh: Sascha Al Dahouk, Heinrich Neubauer, Andreas Hensel, Irene Schöneberg, Karsten Nöckler, Katharina Alpers, Hiltrud Merzenich, Klaus Stark, Andreas Jansen
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2007-12-01 |
Deskripsi
Trends in the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Germany were investigated by analyzing national surveillance data (1962–2005) complemented by a questionnaire-based survey (1995–2000). After a steady decrease in brucellosis incidence from 1962 to the 1980s, a persistent number of cases has been reported in recent years, with the highest incidence in Turkish immigrants (0.3/100,000 Turks vs. 0.01/100,000 in the German population; incidence rate ratio 29). Among cases with reported exposure risks, 59% were related to the consumption of unpasteurized cheese from brucellosis-endemic countries. The mean diagnostic delay was 2.5 months. Case fatality rates increased from 0.4% (1978–1981) to a maximum of 6.5% (1998–2001). The epidemiology of brucellosis in Germany has evolved from an endemic occupational disease among the German population into a travel-associated foodborne zoonosis, primarily affecting Turkish immigrants. Prolonged diagnostic delays and high case fatality call for targeted public health measures.