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A Study on the Possible Link of Brucellosis to Increased Stillbirths in the Maltese Islands from 1919 to 1954
Lianne Tripp1, Larry A Sawchuk2, Mahinda Samarakoon3
1Department of Anthropology Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada.
Background:
Human brucellosis, otherwise known as undulant fever, is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world. Even though 9%-15% of stillbirths are known to be caused by infectious diseases, the study of the link between human Brucella melitensis and the termination of births in humans is a topic that has received little attention. This study examines if there was an association between infection of undulant fever, an endemic zoonotic disease in the Maltese Islands from 1919 until 1954, and reproductive loss through stillbirths.
Methods:
A univariate descriptive analysis was used to show the temporal trend of undulant fever time, as well as the age and sex distribution. Time series analysis was used to assess the relationship between time (months) and undulant fever cases with stillbirth proportions.
Results:
On the island of Gozo, the majority of undulant fever cases for both males and females occurred in their reproductive period between 15 and 45 years of age. Based on regression analysis, undulant fever had a statistically significant effect on the stillbirth rate for males (t = 2.8986, p = 0.0039). The effect of undulant fever on stillbirths was not significant for females (p = 0.9103).
Conclusion:
This paper highlights the importance of undulant fever as having implications for the health burden in pregnant women and potential fetal loss through stillbirths in the contemporary context.
Insights
Human brucellosis (undulant fever) was linked to increased stillbirth rates in males during a historical study in Malta. This zoonotic disease may pose risks to pregnant women and fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Human brucellosis, or undulant fever, is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease.
- The association between *Brucella melitensis* infection and human stillbirths is understudied, despite infectious diseases causing 9%-15% of stillbirths.
- This study investigated the historical link between endemic undulant fever and stillbirths in the Maltese Islands (1919-1954).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between undulant fever infection and reproductive loss, specifically stillbirths.
- To analyze the temporal trends and demographic distribution of undulant fever cases.
- To assess the impact of undulant fever on stillbirth rates in a historical population.
Main Methods:
- Univariate descriptive analysis for temporal trends, age, and sex distribution of undulant fever.
- Time series analysis to correlate monthly undulant fever cases with stillbirth proportions.
- Regression analysis to determine the statistical significance of the association between undulant fever and stillbirths.
Main Results:
- Most undulant fever cases on Gozo occurred in individuals aged 15-45 years, the reproductive age group.
- Undulant fever showed a statistically significant effect on the stillbirth rate in males (p=0.0039).
- The association between undulant fever and stillbirths was not statistically significant for females (p=0.9103).
Conclusions:
- Undulant fever is highlighted as a significant public health concern with implications for pregnant women.
- The study underscores the potential risk of fetal loss through stillbirths associated with undulant fever.
- Findings suggest the continued importance of monitoring and managing brucellosis for reproductive health, even in contemporary contexts.
