1481
Foodborne Outbreak of Human Brucellosis Caused by Ingested Raw Fetal Material of Cattles on Jeju Island

Abstract

Background.  The first case of human brucellosis was reported in 2002 in South Korea, and followed by the incidence, it has been nationally increasing. However, bovine brucellosis, through the management of Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, has not been discovered from 2003 to date on Jeju Island. Despite Jeju Island previously considered a clean area for bovine brucellosis, we experienced an outbreak of human brucellosis between 2012 and 2013. Methods.  We detected patients with human brucellosis between 2012 and 2013 on Jeju Island. The epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data were collected. We tested for specimens in tissue from wound and blood using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and omp2. Serologic screening with standard tube agglutination (STA) test was performed on those who had a history of a contact with cattles. Results.  Between January 2012 and September 2013, 5 cases were identified on Jeju Island. Herein, the cases with Brucella abortus infection after ingested raw fetal materials of cattle at a folk restaurant are reported. All patients were male and immunocompetent. They were infected with brucella by a folk remedy that a raw fetal material would restore general conditions. Four cases were confirmed the isolation of brucella from blood. We investigated folk restaurants and detected a illegal distribution channel of raw fetal materials of cattle. Conclusion.  Because all patients developed zoonosis by a wrong folk remedy, we emphasize to enhance an educational program for awareness of zoonosis, active surveillance, detection and a control of illegal distribution channel for brucella infected animals in other areas. Disclosures.   All authors: No reported disclosures.