Epidemiological Analysis of Brucellosis in Suzak District: Dynamics, Structure and Risk Factors of the Disease

A comprehensive study of the epidemic situation regarding brucellosis among residents of Suzak District for 2024 is presented. 23.1 cases of the disease per 100 thousand population were identified, with 13.1 cases per 100 thousand among minors under 14 years of age. Over a four-year period (2020-2024), a significant deterioration in the epidemiological situation was recorded: the overall increase in morbidity was 150%, and among the child population —690%. Clinical analysis revealed the prevalence of acute form of the disease (90.7% of cases), while the chronic form accounted for 9.3%. The age structure of patients demonstrates the dominance of individuals over 30 years of age (69.2%), with cases among children evenly distributed in the age groups 0-5 and 6-14 years (9.2% each). Socio-demographic analysis showed the highest incidence among non-working population (33.8%), pensioners (15.4%), and school students (13.8%). Epidemiological investigation determined the leading routes of infection: 56.9% of cases were associated with contact with diseased small ruminants, and 24.6% with large cattle. The peak incidence occurs during the spring period, especially during lambing and care for young animals. In 18.5% of cases, the source of infection was not identified. Bacteriological diagnostics allowed the isolation of pure culture of the pathogen Br. Melitensis in 29.5% of examined patients, with biotype III identified in all cases.