Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonosis whose economical impact in endemic countries is significant. Its magnitude for humans has been scarcely measured in Chile, therefore brucellosis was declared a reportable disease since 2004. Objective: To characterize the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Chile. Material: Data sources were the Obligatory Disease Notification System (ODNS), the National Reference Laboratory for brucellosis, hospital discharges and deaths statistics. Results: The average incidence, according to the ODNS was 0.55 cases per 100.000 inhabitants (men 67.8%, median age 44 years). Hospital discharges rate of brucellosis during this period were 0.43 per 100.000 inhabitants. The major diagnosis (84.3%) was A23.9 (Brucellosis unspecified). Two patients died (mortality rate for the period 0.01 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants), their education level was basic. Conclusions: The incidence rates of cases reported, hospital discharges and mortality tend to decrease. The discrepancy between reported cases and clinical/laboratory diagnosis suggests underreporting. It is necessary to improve the notification system and to optimize laboratory confirmation by the National Reference Laboratory.