To explore epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Shanxi Province during 2011 - 2015, and to provide evidences for making control and prevention strategy.

Data and surveillance data of disease outbreaks in Shanxi Province from 2011 to 2015 were collected. The retrospective analysis method was used to analyze the population distribution, regional distribution, time distribution, outbreak situation, serological and pathogenic test results of brucellosis.

During 2011 - 2015, totally 33 697 brucellosis cases were reported, with an average annual incidence of 18.65/100 000, and one death case was reported. Brucellosis distributed in 119 counties (districts) of 11 cities. The area with most reported brucellosis cases was Datong City. The incidence of the disease had seasonal fluctuation and the incidence peak was from March to July. The male/female ratio of the cases was 3.69∶1.00 (26 515/7 182). Totally 75.77% (25 531/33 697) were at the ages of 40 - < 70 years. The yearly proportion of the cases occurred in the age groups was significantly different (H= 146.263, P < 0.05). Farmer was the predominant occupation group among the cases [82.90% (27 935/33 697)]. Totally 16 cases of human brucellosis outbreaks were occurred during the five years. The epidemic spread to seven counties in five cities. Totally 144 136 cases received serological test, the positive rate was 5.85% (8 426/144 136), and 6 759 cases were found. Totally 164 strains of Brucella melitensis were isolated in human blood culture samples. All of which were Brucella melitensis biotype 3.

In recent years, the epidemic situation of brucellosis in Shanxi is severe, the total incidence has presented a rising tendency. There are outbreaks of human brucellosis in some countries. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 is the epidemic strain in Shanxi.

Brucellosis; Epidemiological characteristics; Result evaluation