Human Brucellosis in Iraq: what does a spatiotemporal data analysis from 2007-2018 reveal?

BackgroundBrucellosis is both endemic and enzootic in Iraq, resulting in long-term morbidity for humans as well as economic loss. No previous study of the spatial and temporal patterns of brucellosis in Iraq was done to identify potential clustering of cases. ObjectivesThis study aims to detect the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in Iraq and identify any changes that occurred from 2007 to 2018. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Communicable Diseases Control Center / Ministry of Health surveillance section. We used Morans I, local Getis-Ords Gi*, and the local indicators of spatial association (LISA) to detect the spatial distribution of the data. The data was analyzed using Excel software and the Quantum GIS (QGIS) version 2.18.20 (Steiniger and Hunter, 2013). Results50,621 human brucellosis cases were reported during the 12-year study period. Human brucellosis persisted annually in Iraq across the study period with no specific temporal clustering of cases. In contrast, spatial clustering was predominant in the Northern region of Iraq. ConclusionThere were significant differences in the geographic distribution of brucellosis. The number of cases is highest in the north and northeast of the country, which has borders with nearby countries. In addition, people in these areas depend more on locally made dairy products, which can be inadequately pasteurized. Despite the lack of significant temporal clustering of cases, the highest number of cases were reported during Summer and Spring. RecommendationsConsidering these patterns when allocating resources to combat this disease, determining public health priorities, and planning prevention and control strategies is important.