FAO technical meeting in collaboration with WHO and OIE
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recently published the following report (please find it attached):
BRUCELLA MELITENSIS IN EURASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
(FAO Animal Production and Health Proccedings. No. 10. Rome.)
This document provides an account on the objectives, discussions and outcomes of the technical meeting of brucellosis experts that was convened in Rome from 11 to 14 May 2009 by the FAO. This event was organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Brucella melitensis infection is recognized as a significant public health challenge, with a major economic and financial burden in countries where the disease remains endemic. The disease is still common in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of Latin America. Over the last ten years, the infection has re-emerged, with high prevalence in other countries and, in particular, in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Eurasia.
The serological diagnosis is, for several reasons the most widely used technology and BRUCELLACAT® is considered as a recommended alternative to confirm clinical suspicions and also to assess the evolution of an infection and to diagnose relapses.
B.melitensis is very contagious for humans and the disease, unless diagnosed and treated both promptly and effectively, can become chronic, affecting multiple body systems. However, the brucellosis is designated by WHO as a “neglected” zoonosis. While basic science and epidemiology of human brucellosis is known, it is often under-detected and therefore under-reported despite inflicting a high burden of disease.
BRUCELLACAPT®, in an easy and simple way, allows for the detection of antibodies from advanced stages of the illness. This product has been specially design for the diagnosis of chronic brucellosis.