Abstract

Background: Brucellosis was a zoonotic disease causing serious public health and economic problems.

Methods: Total 2,648 samples were collected between July 2011 and August 2012 from high-risk individuals, who were outpatients at Infectious Disease Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The diagnosis was based upon clinical symptoms and serological or bacteriological test.

Results: 1080 individuals (40.8%) were diagnosed as having been infected with brucellosis. The positive rate of brucellosis diagnosis was correlated with gender, ethnic group and clinical symptoms. All isolates from blood culture were identified as Brucella melitensis biotype 3.

Conclusions: High prevalence of brucellosis exists in Xinjiang, China. An improved healthcare system and preventive measures is needed to minimize the infection of brucellosis.

Keywords: Brucellosis, high-risk groups, prevalence, serological test, bacteriological test