Brucella spp. infection in large ruminants in an endemic area of Egypt: cross-sectional study investigating seroprevalence, risk factors and livestock owner's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs)

Hannah R Holt,Mahmoud M Eltholth,Ahmed A Tayel,Wael F El-Tras,Javier Guitian,Yamen M Hegazy

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-341

Abstract

BackgroundBrucellosis is regarded as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide. It was first reported in Egypt in 1939 and is now endemic, the predominate species of Brucella in cattle and buffalo in Egypt is B. melitensis. The aim of the study was to estimate seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in cattle and buffalo reared in households in an Egyptian village, identify risk factors for animals testing seropositive and to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of livestock owners with regards to brucellosis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in a village in Menufiya Governorate of Egypt. In June and July 2009, 107 households were selected using systematic sample and all lactating cattle and buffalo present in the household were sampled and tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. In addition, a questionnaire collecting information on potential risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in cattle and buffalo was administered to the household member responsible for rearing the livestock. Between December 2009 and February 2010 households were revisited and a second questionnaire regarding KAPs associated with brucellosis was administered.ResultsTrue individual and household seroprevalence were estimated to be 11.0% (95% CI: 3.06% to 18.4%) and 15.5% (95% CI: 6.61% to 24.7%), respectively. Cattle and buffalo kept in a household with sheep and goats had 6.32 (95% CI: 1.44 to 27.9) times the odds of testing seropositive for Brucella spp., compared to cattle and buffalo that were not. Most participants in the study stated that livestock owners assist in the parturition of ruminants without wearing gloves and that some farmers sell animals which they suspect are Brucella infected to butchers or at market. Many participants made their livestock's milk into cheese and other dairy products without pasteurising it.ConclusionsBrucellosis was endemic at high levels, in the current study. Although livestock owners had good general knowledge of brucellosis, they still appeared to participate in high-risk behaviours, which may contribute to the high seroprevalence in the area. Veterinarians, public health authorities and other community leaders need to collaborate to control the disease in animals and to manage the risk of human exposure.

Highlights

Brucellosis is regarded as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide
The true individual seroprevalence (TP) of Brucella spp. in cattle and buffalo in the village was estimated from distributions of apparent prevalence (AP) and test sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) [23]; AP + Sp − 1 TP = Se + Sp − 1
With regard to the risk of human exposure to Brucella spp. via drinking milk, the results suggest this is negligible since all participants’ boiled raw milk before consumption

Summary

Introduction

Brucellosis is regarded as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide. It was first reported in Egypt in 1939 and is endemic, the predominate species of Brucella in cattle and buffalo in Egypt is B. melitensis. The WHO considers brucellosis to be a neglected zoonosis because, despite its widespread distribution and effects on multiple species, it is not prioritised by national and international health systems [4]. It is caused by gram-negative bacteria of the genus Brucella which show strong host preference [5]. Brucellosis decreases productivity of infected livestock by causing abortions, reducing fertility and decreasing milk yield, resulting in substantial economic losses [8,9]

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