Clinical Microbiology: Open Access

Brucellosis: A hidden factor behind reduced GDP in Afghanistan

4^th International Conference on Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Genomics

October 05-07, 2015 Philadelphia, USA

Khudadad

Kabul Infectious Disease Hospital, Afghanistan

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Clin Microbiol

Abstract:

Afghanistan is a landlocked country where agriculture and livestock are the main income source of the majority of households. The protracted war has damaged all systems of the country in general, particularly agriculture and livestock, health and education, which in turn causes poor public water and sanitation and emergence of preventable infectious diseases of public health concern among humans and animals. Some of diseases like HIV, TB and Malaria have received global care and attention but others, like Brucellosis, have been forgotten, which, if not eradicated will significantly lower the productivity and economic growth of the nation. This analytical study of Brucellosis diagnosis and treatment in Afghanistan is based on my five years of clinical practice in Kabul Infectious Diseases Hospital where I witnessed new Brucellosis cases on a daily basis. Because there is currently no data on the prevalence of Brucellosis in Afghanistan, this study aims to focus international attention on the work being done to diagnose and treat this significant disease and to lay groundwork for future research on prevalence of and eradication efforts for Brucellosis. Diagnosis through bacteriological and serological examinations is utilized by hospitals in Afghanistan; however adjustments must be made to achieve an accurate diagnosis in a region where Brucellosis is endemic. The �??gold standard�?� for the treatment of Brucellosis in adults is IM streptomycin (0.75�??1 g daily for 14�??21 days) together with doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 6 weeks). However, access to modern diagnostic technology and treatment therapies remains an obstacle to Brucellosis eradication and doctors in Afghanistan often must innovate to overcome these challenges. Other challenges include low quality drugs imported to Afghanistan, lack of government interest in eradication campaigns, lack of health education programs in the country and a lack of veterinary doctors. This study concludes that Brucellosis is an increasingly detrimental disease in Afghanistan, one for which more investigative and surveillance research is required. However, Afghan doctors are taking notice and with more awareness, steps can be taken to achieve Brucellosis eradication.

Biography :

Email: khudadad33@yahoo.com