Epidemiological Characteristics of Brucellosis in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The large number of human brucellosis cases and seropositive livestock poses a very serious problem for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The solution may be the introduction of mass vaccination.

Isolation of Brucella melitensis biotype 3 from epidural empyema in a Bosnian immigrant in Germany

“…Since 2001, the number of human B. melitensis infections has rapidly increased in Bosnia and Herzegovina and mass vaccinations of livestock were started in 2009 (Obradović & Velić, 2010). The country was free of brucellosis from 1980 until 2000.…”

“…Osteoarticular manifestations are frequent focal complications (Al Dahouk et al, 2007a). As observed in other Balkan countries, the male population accounted for most cases of brucellosis reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina (71 %) and infection resulted from occupational exposure (Obradović & Velić, 2010). Inhalation of contaminated dried birth products and secretions or skin cuts and abrasions after contact with infected livestock are known occupational risks and constitute a major route of human infection, also in Bosnia and Herzegovina.…”

“…The country was free of brucellosis from 1980 until 2000. Since then, infections have been recorded in almost the entire territory (Obradović & Velić, 2010). Animal farms and human habitats are closely related (Tandir et al, 2008) and the number of reported outbreaks of brucellosis in ruminants was paralleled by an increase in human infections (Serić-Haracić et al, 2008).…”

“…Animal farms and human habitats are closely related (Tandir et al, 2008) and the number of reported outbreaks of brucellosis in ruminants was paralleled by an increase in human infections (Serić-Haracić et al, 2008). Brucellosis inflicts high costs to the economy as a result of animal reproductive failure, medical treatment for humans and employee absenteeism (Obradović & Velić, 2010). Brucellosis causes systemic symptoms, most often fever and malaise, and can involve many organs.…”

“…The disease is endemic to many Mediterranean countries and Brucella melitensis infection is a regionally emerging infectious disease in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an increasing number of human cases (.770 in 2008;Obradović & Velić, 2010) and high morbidity rates. B. melitensis is found most frequently in sheep and goats and brucellosis has become an important health problem linked to direct occupational exposure to livestock in rural areas as well as consumption of unpasteurized dairy products in urban environments (Obradović & Velić, 2010).…”