Abstract

SAMPAIO DE OLIVEIRA, Iza Alencar et al. Human brucellosis in Tocantins, Brazil: spatiotemporal distribution and epidemiological profile. Rev. Soc. cient. Parag. [online]. 2025, vol.30, n.2, pp.67-74. ISSN 0379-9123.  https://doi.org/10.32480/rscp.2025.30.2.6774.

Human brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by gram-negative bacteria in the genus Brucella, which can have severe complications, including endocarditis and testicular infection. Human brucellosis, due to its common symptoms with other infectious diseases, is often under-surveilled and under-diagnosed. This study examines the incidence of brucellosis in Tocantins, Brazil, its spatiotemporal pattern and demographic, occupational, and clinical characteristics of human cases. Data was collected following existing laboratory protocols, using serum agglutination test (SAT) with Rose Bengal-stained Brucella. The endemicity of human brucellosis to the region is established, with 223 suspected and 37 confirmed human cases between 2012-2015 in 6 of 8 state health regions. Incidence of human brucellosis and report of animal cases were significantly linked. This work contributes to filling the gap of knowledge of this neglected disease in Brazil and constructs a better picture of the effects and epidemiology of human brucellosis in the South American region. Future work should focus on increasing diagnostic capability of human brucellosis with an improved surveillance system, as this will provide for more effective treatment of an underreported disease that is growing in incidence with debilitating, severe long-term complications.

Keywords : Brucella; occupational exposure; northern Brazil; agricultural worker.

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