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Using GIS in Explaining Spatial Distribution of Brucellosis in an Endemic District in Iran

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Background: To check the feasib ility of using geograph ical information system (GIS ) methods, we linked the brucellosis data of human and animals. Methods: In a village-based ecological study in Bardsir- a distri ct in Kerman Province located nearly to the central palt of Iran- data of human brucellos is, soc io-economic level , and livestock characteristics (2001-3) were linked by using GIS methods. Results: Annual incidence of human brucellosis was 141.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Most of the high risk villages were seen in the north and south of Bardsir (3.6% of villages). A positive association was observed between the frequency of brucellosis and den sity of cattle (OR= 1.81, P= 0.007). In addition, the size of human population was an independent determinant factor (OR= 1.94, P< 0.001). No asso ciation was found between frequency of the disease and socio-economic indicators and also the density of she ep. Conclusion: Our study showed that we could gen erate informative risk maps of brucellosis using health and veterinary data which might improve the quality of control programme in Iran.

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