Seroepidemiological survey of brucellosis antibodies in Saudi Arabia

Background: Brucellosis is considered the most important zoonosis in Saudi Arabia, with a high prevalence among man and livestock. Patients and Methods: A natural survey of 23,613 subjects was conducted in 1997, in order to assess the seroprevalence of brucellosis in Saudi Arabia. Investigations included interviews, clinical examination and blood sampling for antibody determination, using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT). Results: The result of the study revealed that the seroprevalence of brucellosis was 15%. The seroprevalence increased by age, and was higher in rural areas, and among people in high-risk occupations. Conclusion: Direct contact with domestic animals and consumption of raw products of animal origin were identified as the main risk factors.