Abstract

VILLAMARIN-VAZQUEZ, José Luis; CHIVA-NEBOT, Francisco  and  ARNEDO-PENA, Alberto. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in agricultural workers living in coastal areas of Castellon, Spain. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2002, vol.44, n.2, pp.137-139. ISSN 0036-3634.

Objective. To estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in agricultural workers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1996 and 1997 at Unidad de Salud Laboral del Centro de Salud Pública (CSP) in Castellon, España (Public Health Center Occupational Health Unit), among 482 subjects applying for certification to handle pesticides for agricultural use. Serologic testing consisted of rose Bengal staining, Wright's agglutination, and antibrucella Coombs tests. Statistical analysis consisted in estimation of prevalence figures and logistic regression modelling. Results. Fifteen subjects (3.1%, 95% CI 1.8%-5.1%) had titers of 1/40 or higher to Wright and/or Coombs tests; all were negative to rose Bengal staining. No high occupational risk was observed. Conclusions. A low prevalence of brucellosis was found.

Keywords : brucellosis; serodiagnosis; agriculture workers; Spain.

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