Spatio-Temporal analysis of brucellosis in Hamadan Province, West of Iran: 2009–2015

Background: Regarding the geographical variations of the disease and recent changes of ecosystems, this study aimed to investigate the geographic patterns and trends of human brucellosis in Hamadan province, west of Iran. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on brucellosis cases recorded by provincial authorities of brucellosis national surveillance system at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from March 2009 to March 2015. Cochran–Armitage test and Poisson regression models were used to obtain standardised rates for the disease. Results: Of all 9318 recorded cases, 62.83% were female and 81% were rural residents. The observed number of cases exceeded expected in almost all of the cities, except for Hamadan, Bahar and Asadabad. Conclusion: The clusters of disease occurrence were more evident in areas of the province with better agriculture coverage. This finding provides more in-depth clues to detect special transmission routes and would help mobilise educational and preventive measures for specific occupational groups.