Assessment of the Laboratory Transmission of Brucellosis in an Endemic Region

Objectives: Laboratory-acquired brucellosis (LB) has been one of the most commonly reported laboratory-associated bacterial infections in both endemic and non-endemic countries. Brucellosis is endemic in Turkey. The aim of this study is to describe the risk factors of LB among laboratory healthcare workers. Material and method: A regional survey study was conducted by face-to-face interview in 7 hospitals from Diyarbakır, Mardin and Batman province, in southeaster Anatolia in Turkey. A structured survey questionnaire was administered to the Laboratory healthcare workers, employed in infectious diseases clinics and microbiology departments, who were at risk of Brucella infection. Result: Of the 136 laboratory workers, 13 (9.5%) had a history of laboratory-acquired brucellosis. Logistic regression analysis identified factors independently associated with an increased risk of LB including lack of biosafety cabinet (P<0.005) and a lack of compliance in the use of the same (P<0.005). Using a biosafety cabinet (P<0.005), existence of biosafety cabinet (P<0.005), full adherence to glove use (P<0.005) and male gender(P<0.005) were found to be protective factors. Conclusion: Increased adherence to personal protective equipment and use of biosafety cabinets should be priority targets to