Brucellosis in Qatar: A retrospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Brucellosis is a global public health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality.
• The disease can impact any organ system, presenting with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Understanding brucellosis epidemiology in specific regions is crucial for effective control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical features, laboratory findings, complications, and treatment of brucellosis.
• To describe the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis cases in Qatar.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study was conducted.
• Medical records from Hamad Medical Corporation (Doha, Qatar) between January 2000 and December 2006 were reviewed.
• Data collected included patient history, socio-demographic features, clinical and biochemical parameters, treatments, and complications.

Main Results:

• The study population was predominantly male (approximately 75%).
• Common risk factors included raw milk consumption (41.7%) and animal contact (12.5%).
• Key symptoms were fever (93.1%), chills (62.5%), and sweating (58.3%).
• High rates of positive antibody titers (>1:160) (95.8%) and blood cultures (63.9%) were observed.
• Splenomegaly (19.4%), hepatomegaly (15.3%), and lymphadenopathy (9.7%) were noted.
• Treatment regimens included doxycycline with streptomycin (approx. 50%) or doxycycline with rifampicin (approx. 25%).

Conclusions:

• Brucellosis diagnosis relies on serological tests and blood cultures.
• Treatment with at least two antibiotics for six weeks or longer is considered effective.
• Brucellosis remains an important public health challenge requiring ongoing surveillance and management.