Epidemiol Health.  2016;38:e2016042. 10.4178/epih.e2016042.

Review of Brucellosis in Nepal

• Acharya KP
• Kaphle K
• Shrestha K
• Garin-Bastuj B
• Smits HL

• KMID: 2380742
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2016042

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current status of the disease, the mechanism of infection, and pathogenesis, its zoonotic potential, diagnostic advances, treatment regimens, and the preventive measures that can be adopted in managing human brucellosis in under-developed countries such as Nepal.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of all the available literture through Google Scholar, PubMed, Gideon Informatics, World Health Organization and other legitimate sources. Other secondary informations were collected from the government agencies such as department of livestock services and Ministry of Health. The obtained information was then re-analysed and summarized.
RESULTS
Few publications have addressed brucellosis in Nepal and most of those publications have focused on bovine brucellosis with sparse information available on brucellosis in humans and small ruminants. Brucella abortus is the most predominant causative agent followed by B. suis. B. abortus is predominant in cattle accounting for a substantial portion of bovine abortion in the country. Lack of awareness, unhealthy food habit, traditional husbandry practices, and a lack of surveillance and immunization have been the major factors in maintaining a vicious cycle of propagation of the disease in human and animals. Unfortunately, nothing has been done to identify the species of Brucella at the biovar level.
CONCLUSIONS
Although brucellosis has been reported to be endemic in Nepal, neither the distribution nor the economic and public health impact of this disease is well characterized. Robust and well-designed nationwide survey is warranted to assess the prevalence and distribution of disease in livestock and humans. Such data would facilitate the design of appropriate control programmes.

Keyword

Brucellosis; Zoonotic potential; Surveillance; Nepal

MeSH Terms

Animals
Brucella
Brucella abortus
Brucellosis*
Brucellosis, Bovine
Cattle
Developing Countries
Food Habits
Government Agencies
Humans
Immunization
Informatics
Livestock
Nepal*
Prevalence
Public Health
Ruminants
World Health Organization