ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the method of managing brucellosis in Al-Shirqat city, this city located to the west of the Tigris in Saladin Governorate, Iraq.

Methodology: this study enrolled 130 brucellosis patients during a period between September 2018 and March 2019, any patient diagnosed as brucellosis was chosen in this study from primary health care centers and Al-Shirqat hospital, Three questionnaires were performed, the first one including demographic data and clinical data and the antibiotics used for treatment, the second questionnaire about the actions  of doctors in management of brucellosis; the third one about the outcome after treatment and any additional measures in management.

Results: The combination of Doxycycline & co-trimoxazole & Streptomycin was the most frequently used treatment (30%) followed by doxycycline and co-trimoxazole (27%), the least combination used was doxycycline & co-trimoxazole & gentamicin (0.7%). Rose Bengal test was performed to follow up the patient and an antibody titer of 1/320 was regarded positive and need additional treatment.

Conclusion: In Al-Shirqat city, Brucellosis is diagnosed depending on Rose Bengal test or rapid cassette for anti-brucella antibody. Six types of antibiotics are prescribed for brucellosis, these are: co-trimoxazole, doxycycline, streptomycin, rifampicin, amoxicillin, and gentamicin. Most of patients receive triple or dual antibiotics for 40 days, especially the combination of doxycycline, co-trimoxazole & streptomycin or doxycycline and co-trimoxazole. There is no case reporting or continuous contact with the patients by the doctors.     

Keyword: Brucellosis, Brucella Abortus antigen, Rose Bengal test, rapid antibody cassette method