Brucellosis in hospitalized patients and their animals in the agro-pastoral region of Theniet El Had (Algeria) during ten years (2013-2023).

Introduction: Brucellosis is an important zoonosis problem worldwide. It's also recognized as a clinical and health problem in Algeria. Methods: This research is a descriptive study to determine the prevalence of brucellosis and some clinical and epidemiological aspects of hospitalized patients in the agro-pastoral region of Theniet El Had for ten years, between March 2013 and March 2023. During the study period, 180 patients (61.66% men and 38.33% women) with confirmed brucellosis based on clinical symptoms and serological tests were hospitalized for treatment. Patients working with animals were requested to screen their animals (383 goats from 27 suspicious farms with no history of vaccination), 16, 71% of goats from 44%, and 44% herds were infected. Results: The occurrence of human cases varied from 49.18 to 66.02pcm (cases/100,000 inhabitants) with an average of 58, 48pcm (cases/100,000 inhabitants). Almost half of hospitalized people who had been in contact with animals could have been contaminated by direct contact. Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products during the last 2 months was at the order of 95.55%. A family history of Brucellosis was observed in 36 (20%) patients. Brucella epididymo-orchitis occurred in 18.01% while relapse occurred in a small proportion of 7.22%. Conclusions: Local authorities should prevent human brucellosis with surveillance systems, disease declarations, biosecurity programs, and warning communities about the hazards of consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products.