Integrated regional bioengagement framework to combat brucellosis.

AIM: To evaluate the current practices in laboratory disease detection, biosafety and biosecurity measures and information-sharing systems available to the public health systems in R. Macedonia and the Balkan region.

METHODS

Epidemiological studies were reviewed from the region to examine the high incidence of localized forms of human brucellosis.

RESULTS

There is clearly a need for the development of a South Eastern European regional network for sharing information aimed at disease surveillance, early reporting and efficient containment of human brucellosis. Given the zoonotic nature of the disease's onset and progression, public health strategies aimed at containing and eventually eliminating human brucellosis require a broader national and regional bioengagement framework that involves human and veterinary diseases detection systems, deployment of medical countermeasures, epidemiology and a supportive laboratory infrastructure, strategic stockpiles and information sharing.

CONCLUSIONS

A systems-centric framework for a national and regional strategy to combat human brucellosis is essential, and should be comprised of: a) a disease threat and surveillance framework at the national and broader regional level, b) laboratory performance evaluation metrics, c) best practices for information-sharing and regional coordination, and d) a coordinated regional strategy to improve biosafety and biosecurity.