Integrated Regional Bioengagement Framework to Combat Brucellosis

Integrated regional bioengagement framework to combat brucellosis

Venkat Rao, Ph.D., DABT CSC Defense Group, National and Defense Programs, Alexandria, Virginia, 22304. USA

Current Affiliation:

Parsons

100 M Street, SE.

Washington DC 20003

USA

Running head: Rao: Integrated framework to combat brucellosis

Abstract

Threats posed by biological agents are not confined by geographic barriers as the health and security of a nation is intertwined with the regional and global health and security. Spread of infectious diseases such as Brucellosis continues to be a major public health challenge for public health departments globally, requiring a multifaceted preparedness and coordinated response measures. Methods: Human brucellosis is illustrative of an endemic threat in Macedonia and the Balkan region. Epidemiological studies were reviewed from the region to examine high incidence of localized forms of human brucellosis. Current practices in laboratory disease detection, biosafety and biosecurity measures and information sharing systems available to the public health systems were evaluated. Results: There is clearly a need for development of a South Eastern European regional network for sharing of information aimed at disease surveillance, early reporting and efficient containment of human brucellosis. Given the zoonotic nature of the disease onset and progression, public health strategies aimed at containing and eventually eliminating the human brucellosis requires a broader national and regional bioengagement framework that involves human, and veterinary diseases detection systems, medical countermeasures deployment, epidemiology and supportive laboratory infrastructure, strategic stockpiles and information sharing. Conclusions: A systems-centric framework for a national and regional strategy to combat human brucellosis is essential, and comprised of, (a) Disease threat and surveillance framework at the national and broader regional level, (b) Laboratory...