Safety concerns and potential hazards of occupational brucellosis in developing countries: a review

Aim Brucellosis, an underappreciated occupational hazard, is the most common bacterial zoonosis worldwide that induces major health concerns. There is a need for a critical policy of the One Health cross-sectoral strategies to evaluate the complex challenges of brucellosis, especially in developing countries. In this review, we highlighted the risk factors associated with brucellosis among different occupational groups. Subject and methods To examine peer-review publications dealing with the safety concerns, One Health approaches, and risk factors resulting from occupational exposure to Brucella spp., we conducted electronic and full-text searches of the Science Direct, CABI Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases using different search terms, including occupational, brucellosis, veterinarians, abattoir workers, laboratory workers, One Health, zookeepers, hunters, farmers, shepherds, and butchers. Results In the current review, close contact with animal waste, veterinary services, laboratories, and keeping, trading, or processing animal products are introduced as the main risk factors of occupational brucellosis. However, different studies have shown that the implementation of the One Health strategies in developing countries has proved challenging, due to the relatively restricted understanding and practical guidance on how to promote cross-sector collaborations. Conclusion This review suggests occupational history as an important part of brucellosis diagnosis that needs to be evaluated during human brucellosis surveillance programs. Despite universal knowledge of the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration for One Health strategies, policy interventions still need to decrease the socio-economic effects of occupational brucellosis in endemic regions. The lack of comprehensive research concerning occupational hazards in developing countries is an area for future investigations.

Automated summary

This review highlights the risk factors associated with brucellosis among different occupational groups and emphasizes the need for a One Health policy to evaluate the complex challenges of brucellosis. However, implementing One Health strategies in developing countries has proven to be challenging.