[Seroprevalence of brucellosis in agricultural workers in the coastal zones of Castellón, Spain].

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in agricultural workers.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1996 and 1997 at Unidad de Salud Laboral del Centro de Salud Pública (CSP) in Castellón, España (Public Health Center Occupational Health Unit), among 482 subjects applying for certification to handle pesticides for agricultural use. Serologic testing consisted of rose Bengal staining, Wright's agglutination, and antibrucella Coombs tests: Statistical analysis consisted in estimation of prevalence figures and logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

Fifteen subjects (3.1%, 95% CI 1.8%-5.1%) had titers of 1/40 or higher to Wright and/or Coombs tests; all were negative to rose Bengal staining. No high occupational risk was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A low prevalence of brucellosis was found. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.