Background: Human brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with universal distribution, especially in the Middle East. It is of public health concern with high morbidity and greatly varied clinical presentations. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of the disease at the governorate level in Bisha governorate, Asir region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on the reported brucellosis cases in the study area. The targeted population was patients diagnosed with brucellosis from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2019, in the study area. Variables including gender, age, nationality, geographical sector, and epidemiological month were analyzed.
Results: A total 1,700 cases of brucellosis were reported in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. The majority of cases were of males (75.5%). Saudi patients (63.9%) were significantly higher than non-Saudi. Patients aged 16-45 years showed the highest prevalence (54.9%). The highest incidence rate (IR) was reported in 2018 [92.56; confidence
interval (CI) 95% = 83.4-102.6], while the lowest IR was reported in 2013 (28.6; CI 95% = 23.3-34.7).
Conclusion: The study area showed a high IR, where all the geographical sectors were involved; all age groups
had varying rates, where the 16-45 years age group had the highest incidence. Saudi citizens and males were
the dominantly infected categories.
Key words: Human brucellosis, Bisha governorate, KSA, zoonosis, public health.
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