Abstract:

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) for evidence for local prevention and control of this infection. Methods The data of reported cases of human brucellosis in the XPCC from 2011 to 2025 were obtained through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and analyzed using descriptive epidemiology for the characteristics of temporal, regional and population distribution. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to analyze the temporal trend in incidence, and both seasonal index and circular distribution methods were applied to analyze the seasonal prevalence characteristics. Results A total of 8 867 brucellosis cases were reported in the XPCC from 2011 to 2025, with an average annual reported incidence of 19.27 per 100 000 population. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that the overall reported incidence of human brucellosis in the XPCC presented an upward trend from 2011 to 2025 (AAPC=9.78%, 95%CI: 6.02% to 16.00%, P<0.001), during which a rapid increase from 2011 to 2014 (APC=61.33%, 95%CI: 27.71% to 151.71%, P<0.001), a decline from 2014 to 2019 (APC=-14.86%, 95%CI: -30.01% to -6.00%, P<0.001), and a rise from 2019 to 2025 (APC=11.92%, 95%CI: 4.88% to 31.65%, P<0.001). Spatially, the cases were mostly concentrated in the 8th Division (1 418 cases), 3rd Division (1 357 cases), 6th Division (1 353 cases), and 4th Division (1 050 cases), accounting for 58.40% of all cases (5 178/8 867). Brucellosis in the XPCC area exhibited typical seasonal distribution, with a seasonal index>1 from March to August, representing the peak period of incidence (6 226 cases, 70.22%). The results of the circular distribution analysis indicated that the overall peak date of onset was June 5, and the overall peak period of onset spanned from March 7 to September 3. In terms of population distribution, the male-to-female ratio was 2.57∶1, with males having a higher average annual incidence rate (26.51 per 100 000) than females (11.33 per 100 000). The highest incidence rate was observed among individuals aged 50-54 years (54.67 per 100 000). Farmers and herdsmen accounted for the majority of cases (5 695 cases, 64.23%), followed by workers (1 080 cases, 12.18%). Conclusion From 2011 to 2025, the epidemic of brucellosis in the XPCC generally showed an upward trend, the high-risk population primarily comprises middle-aged and elderly male farmers and herdsmen, and the peak incidence mainly occurs in spring and summer. It is recommended to implement region-specific, targeted prevention and control measures based on the epidemic differences among cities and divisions, and to strengthen health education and protective interventions for high-risk populations during peak seasons.

Key words: Human brucellosis, Epidemiological characteristics, Changing trend, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps