Objective:To investigate the changes and characteristics of human brucellosis epidemic in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia), and provide reference for development of brucellosis prevention and control measures in the future.Methods:The data of reported cases of brucellosis in Ningxia in 2022 and 2023 were collected from the "Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System". Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to compare and analyze the epidemic data.Results:A total of 10 891 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Ningxia in 2022 and 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 74.94/100 000, and no death cases. The incidence rate of brucellosis decreased from 86.76/100 000 in 2022 to 63.17/100 000 in 2023, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 269.96, P < 0.001). In 2022 and 2023, 22 counties (cities, districts) in Ningxia had reported brucellosis cases, and the incidence rate of brucellosis in each county (city, district) had decreased by 7.88% to 58.43%. There were reports of brucellosis cases in every month of the year. The incidence rates of brucellosis in males were higher than those in females (χ 2 = 831.79, 715.24, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in incidence rates among different age groups (χ 2 = 2 113.28, 1 455.83, P < 0.001), the age distribution were mainly concentrated in the 45 - 59 year old age group [41.62% (2 618/6 290), 41.84% (1 925/4 601)]. The occupational distribution were mainly dominated by farmers and herdsmen [88.71% (5 580/6 290), 89.52% (4 119/4 601)]. Compared with those in 2022, the incidence rates of brucellosis in males and females and all age groups in 2023 were significantly lower (χ 2 = 163.23, 108.56, 14.83, 27.10, 106.81, 110.89, 37.22, P < 0.001). The outbreak of brucellosis had decreased from 6 cases in 2022 to 1 case in 2023. Conclusions:In 2023, the incidence rate of human brucellosis in Ningxia is significantly decreased compared to 2022, the epidemic still affects various regions, with cases occurring in every month of the year. The affected population is mainly male, middle-aged, and farmers and herdsmen.

Objective:To investigate the changes and characteristics of human brucellosis epidemic in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia), and provide reference for development of brucellosis prevention and control measures in the future.Methods:The data of reported cases of brucellosis in Ningxia in 2022 and 2023 were collected from the "Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System". Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to compare and analyze the epidemic data.Results:A total of 10 891 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Ningxia in 2022 and 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 74.94/100 000, and no death cases. The incidence rate of brucellosis decreased from 86.76/100 000 in 2022 to 63.17/100 000 in 2023, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 269.96, P < 0.001). In 2022 and 2023, 22 counties (cities, districts) in Ningxia had reported brucellosis cases, and the incidence rate of brucellosis in each county (city, district) had decreased by 7.88% to 58.43%. There were reports of brucellosis cases in every month of the year. The incidence rates of brucellosis in males were higher than those in females (χ 2 = 831.79, 715.24, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in incidence rates among different age groups (χ 2 = 2 113.28, 1 455.83, P < 0.001), the age distribution were mainly concentrated in the 45 - 59 year old age group [41.62% (2 618/6 290), 41.84% (1 925/4 601)]. The occupational distribution were mainly dominated by farmers and herdsmen [88.71% (5 580/6 290), 89.52% (4 119/4 601)]. Compared with those in 2022, the incidence rates of brucellosis in males and females and all age groups in 2023 were significantly lower (χ 2 = 163.23, 108.56, 14.83, 27.10, 106.81, 110.89, 37.22, P < 0.001). The outbreak of brucellosis had decreased from 6 cases in 2022 to 1 case in 2023. Conclusions:In 2023, the incidence rate of human brucellosis in Ningxia is significantly decreased compared to 2022, the epidemic still affects various regions, with cases occurring in every month of the year. The affected population is mainly male, middle-aged, and farmers and herdsmen.

Objective:To learn about the awareness of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among people in key areas of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia), and analyze influencing factors.Methods:From February to March 2023, a multi-stage stratified sampling method was adopted to select residents (aged ≥12 years and resident for ≥6 months) from Yanchi County, Litong District, Pingluo County and Yuanzhou District of Ningxia as the survey subjects. Demographic information such as gender, age, education level, marital status, occupation, region, urban-rural status, as well as knowledge of brucellosis prevention and control were obtained through face-to-face questionnaire surveys. The awareness rate of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among various populations was calculated and the influencing factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression.Results:A total of 1 592 questionnaires were distributed, of which 1 581 were valid, with an effective rate of 99.31%. There were 704 males, accounting for 44.53% (704/1 581); and 877 females, accounting for 55.47% (877/1 581). The age was (54.09 ± 14.81) years old, ranging from 14 to 88 years old. The education level was mainly primary school or below, accounting for 48.07% (760/1 581). The marital status was mainly married or cohabitating, accounting for 91.84% (1 452/1 581). The occupation was mainly farmers and herdsmen, accounting for 61.92% (979/1 581). In Pingluo County, Litong District, Yuanzhou District and Yanchi County, 392, 403, 396 and 390 people were investigated, respectively. In urban and rural areas, 797 and 784 people were investigated, respectively. The overall awareness rate of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among the population was 47.82% (756/1 581). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the awareness rates of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among different age groups, education levels, marital status, occupation, regions and urban and rural populations ( P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, marital status, occupation, urban-rural status were the factors influencing the awareness rate of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among the population ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:The awareness rate of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge in key areas of Ningxia is relatively low, and age, education level, marital status, occupation, and urban-rural status are the main influencing factors.

Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in occupational populations in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (referred to as Ningxia), and to provide a reference basis for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:From June to September 2022, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups engaged in cattle and sheep breeding, and slaughtering, etc., in 22 counties (cities and districts) of Ningxia. The Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) was used for initial screening, and those who tested positive in the initial screening or suspected cases were further tested by the tube agglutination test (SAT). The serum positive rate was calculated and the number of people infected with Brucella in Ningxia occupational populations was estimated. The epidemic characteristics (regional and population distribution) and clinical manifestations were analyzed. In addition, blood culture method was used to conduct pathogen identification on patients with acute brucellosis and the handling of the outbreaks was analyzed. Results:A total of 163 628 individuals underwent blood test, with 6 613 initially screened positive for RBPT and 6 006 positive for SAT. The serum positive rate was 3.67% (6 006/163 628), 95% CI was 3.58% - 3.76%. It is estimated that there were 18 391 individuals infected with Brucella in the occupational population of Ningxia. The five districts with high serum positive rates were Yanchi County (7.35%, 489/6 649), Hongsibao District (6.72% 469/6 978), Helan County (4.94%, 166/3 363), Litong District (4.77%, 284/ 5 953), and Yuanzhou District (4.47%, 490/10 974). The serum positive rate of male (4.17%, 3 774/90 406) was higher than that of females (3.05%, 2 232/73 222, χ 2 = 135.01, P < 0.001). The serum positive rate increased with age (χ 2trend = 462.93, P < 0.001), with the 60 - < 70 age group having the highest serum positive rate (5.07%, 1 201/23 679). There was a statistically significant difference in serum positive rates among different occupational groups (χ 2 = 158.88, P < 0.001), with the highest serum positive rate in farmers and herdsmen (3.89%, 5 416/139 347). Among 4 892 confirmed patients, fever (3 751, 76.68%), hyperhidrosis (3 306, 67.58%), and lumbar spine injury (2 651, 54.19%) were the most common symptoms. A total of 231 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 36.44% (231/634). Among them, Brucella melitensis Ⅲ accounted for 91.34% (211/231). There had been a total of 5 outbreaks of human brucellosis, with three modes of infection including breeding, slaughtering, and stripping of stillborn sheep, all of which had been effectively managed. Conclusions:The serum positive rate of Brucella in the occupational population of Ningxia is relatively high, with obvious regional and population epidemic characteristics. Patients with clinical symptoms (fever, hyperhidrosis and lumbar spine injury) are more common, and the dominant strain is Brucella melitensis Ⅲ. It is suggested that in the future, monitoring and behavioral intervention should be strengthened in key areas and populations, with a focus on increasing immunization efforts for sheep, while actively carrying out patient treatment.

Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in occupational populations in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (referred to as Ningxia), and to provide a reference basis for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:From June to September 2022, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups engaged in cattle and sheep breeding, and slaughtering, etc., in 22 counties (cities and districts) of Ningxia. The Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) was used for initial screening, and those who tested positive in the initial screening or suspected cases were further tested by the tube agglutination test (SAT). The serum positive rate was calculated and the number of people infected with Brucella in Ningxia occupational populations was estimated. The epidemic characteristics (regional and population distribution) and clinical manifestations were analyzed. In addition, blood culture method was used to conduct pathogen identification on patients with acute brucellosis and the handling of the outbreaks was analyzed. Results:A total of 163 628 individuals underwent blood test, with 6 613 initially screened positive for RBPT and 6 006 positive for SAT. The serum positive rate was 3.67% (6 006/163 628), 95% CI was 3.58% - 3.76%. It is estimated that there were 18 391 individuals infected with Brucella in the occupational population of Ningxia. The five districts with high serum positive rates were Yanchi County (7.35%, 489/6 649), Hongsibao District (6.72% 469/6 978), Helan County (4.94%, 166/3 363), Litong District (4.77%, 284/ 5 953), and Yuanzhou District (4.47%, 490/10 974). The serum positive rate of male (4.17%, 3 774/90 406) was higher than that of females (3.05%, 2 232/73 222, χ 2 = 135.01, P < 0.001). The serum positive rate increased with age (χ 2trend = 462.93, P < 0.001), with the 60 - < 70 age group having the highest serum positive rate (5.07%, 1 201/23 679). There was a statistically significant difference in serum positive rates among different occupational groups (χ 2 = 158.88, P < 0.001), with the highest serum positive rate in farmers and herdsmen (3.89%, 5 416/139 347). Among 4 892 confirmed patients, fever (3 751, 76.68%), hyperhidrosis (3 306, 67.58%), and lumbar spine injury (2 651, 54.19%) were the most common symptoms. A total of 231 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 36.44% (231/634). Among them, Brucella melitensis Ⅲ accounted for 91.34% (211/231). There had been a total of 5 outbreaks of human brucellosis, with three modes of infection including breeding, slaughtering, and stripping of stillborn sheep, all of which had been effectively managed. Conclusions:The serum positive rate of Brucella in the occupational population of Ningxia is relatively high, with obvious regional and population epidemic characteristics. Patients with clinical symptoms (fever, hyperhidrosis and lumbar spine injury) are more common, and the dominant strain is Brucella melitensis Ⅲ. It is suggested that in the future, monitoring and behavioral intervention should be strengthened in key areas and populations, with a focus on increasing immunization efforts for sheep, while actively carrying out patient treatment.

Objective:To learn about the epidemiological characteristics and trends of brucellosis in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia), and to provide reference for formulation of brucellosis prevention strategies and identification of key areas.Methods:The case data from 2004 to 2019 were collected from the "China Disease Prevention and Control Information System Infectious Disease Monitoring and Reporting System", and descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution of cases (time, population, and regional distribution).Results:From 2004 to 2019, a total of 15 337 human brucellosis cases and 1 death case were reported in Ningxia. The average annual incidence rate was 15.21/100 000, ranging from 0.02/100 000 to 44.83/100 000. The difference in incidence rate in different years was statistically significant (χ 2 = 14 731.60, P < 0.001). Among them, from 2004 to 2010, the incidence rate was low, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.32/100 000; from 2011 to 2019, it entered a high incidence stage, with an average annual incidence rate of 24.83/100 000. Brucellosis occured in every month of the year, and the onset time was mainly in March to September, accounting for 71.60% (10 981/15 337); seasonal indexes from April to August was all > 100%, with obvious seasonality. The age of onset mainly concentrated in 20 - < 70 years old, accounting for 89.60% (13 742/15 337); males were significantly more than females, with a sex ratio of 2.66 ∶ 1.00 (11 141/4 196); the occupations were mainly farmers and herdsmen, accounting for 86.03% (13 194/15 337). Since 2014, cases had been reported in 22 counties (districts, cities) in the region, all of which were all severely endemic areas; the top three counties (districts) with incidence rate were Yanchi County (103.73/100 000), Hongsibao District (56.01/100 000) and Tongxin County (29.18/ 100 000), respectively, the difference between different regions was statistically significant (χ 2 = 3.80, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The incidence rate of brucellosis in Ningxia is on the rise, and the epidemic situation is severe. It is recommended to carry out active and effective intervention measures in areas with high incidence of brucellosis to curb the further spread of brucellosis.

Objective To study the expression levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP),serum albumin of Kawasaki' s disease (KD),incomplete Kawasaki' s disease (IKD),and children whose fever were unexplained and to explore the clinical significance of the levels of NT-proBNP and serum albumin in the early diagnosis of IKD.Methods The levels of NT-proBNP of 246 cases of KD (KD group),61 cases of IKD (IKD group) and 301 cases of children with unexplained fever (fever group)were measured by the enzyme-linked fluorescence analysis (ELFA) at the day of admission,meanwhile,the levels of albumin were tested in KD,and IKD children were underwent ECG and echocardiography.Based on the test results,patients were further divided into the group with cardiovascular damage and the group without cardiovascular damage.SPSS 19.0 was used for statistical analysis.The t test was used to compare the parameters between each group,the variance analysis and association analysis were carried out with Pearson's correlation analysis.The ROC curve analysis was done to identify the cardiovascular damage threshold.Results ① The level of plasma NT-proBNP of the KD group,the IKD group was significantly h igher than the fever group [(789.1±4.7) ng/L,(824.8±4.4) ng/L vs (92.5±2.3) ng/L,F=230.736,all P＜0.05];② The level of albumin of the KD group and the IKD group was significantly lower than that of the fever group [(33.9±2.8) g/L,(33.8±3.1) g/L vs (40.8±3.6) g/L,F=355.648,all P＜0.05]; ③ The levels of NT-proBNPs between the cardiovascular damage group and the groups without cardiovascular damage among the KD group,and those of the IKD groups were compared.In the KD group,the NT-proBNPs level of the two subgroups was (2948±3) g/L (n=103) vs (305±3) g/L,n=143; while in the IKD group,the NT-proBNPs of the two subgroups was (1454±4) g/L (n=38) vs (323±4) g/L (n=23).The dif-ferences were statistically significant (t=16.464,4.356,all P＜0.05).④ The plasma NT-proBNP level higher than 933.5 ng/L was identify as the indicator for cardiovascular damage in both KD and IKD children.Its sensi-tivity was 88.1％,and its specificity was 89％.⑤ When the level of NT-proBNP was higher than 250 ng/L,the sensitivity for diagnosis in the KD,the IKD was 80.9％,85.2％ respec-tively,and the specificity was 85.7％.When the level of NT-proBNP was higher than 250 ng/L and that of albumin was lower than 35 g/L,the sensitivity for diagnosis of KD,IKD was 67.5％,70.5％ respectively,the specificity was 99.7％.Conclusion The level of plasma NT-proBNP (＞250 ng/L) accompanied by decreased albumin (＜35 g/L) may be specific markers for early diagnosis of IKD.In addition,the level of NT-proBNP ≥933.5 ng/L can be used as a diagnostic threshold,which has good sensitivity and specificity for identifica-tion of cardiovascular damage in the KD and IKD in children.