Abstract
A confirmed case of human brucellosis motivated an investigation into the potential source of infection in Namibia. Since domestic animals are principal sources of Brucella infection in humans, 1692 serum samples were screened from sheep, goats and cattle from 4 presumably at-risk farms and 900 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) serum samples from 29 mixed farming units for Brucella antibodies by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT) and positive cases confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT). To assess the prevalence of human brucellosis, 137 abattoir employees were tested for Brucella antibodies using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT) and by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle and sheep from all 4 farms were negative by RBT and CFT but 2 of the 4 farms (Ba and C) had 26/42 and 12/285 seropositive goats, respectively. Post mortem examination of seropositive goats revealed no gross pathological lesions typical of brucellosis except enlarged mesenteric and iliac lymph nodes seen in a single buck. Culture for brucellae from organs of seropositive animals was negative. None of the wildlife sera tested positive by either RBT or CFT. Interviews revealed that besides the case that prompted the investigation, a family and another person from other farms with confirmed brucellosis shared a common history of consumption of unpasteurised goat milk, home-made goat cheese and coffee with raw milk and prior contact with goats, suggesting goats as the likely source of infection. All 137 abattoir employees tested negative by STAT, but 3 were positive by ELISA. The 3 abattoir workers were clinically normal and lacked historical connections with clinical cases. Although goats are often associated with B. melitensis, these studies could not explicitly implicate this species owing to cross-reactivity with B. abortus, which can also infect goats. Nevertheless, these data reinforce the need for a better National Control Programme for brucellosis in Namibia.
Highlights
The emergence or re-emergence of zoonotic diseases is complex and multifactorial, often driven by evolving ecology, microbial adaptation, human demographics and behaviour, international travel and trade, agricultural practices, technology and industry[49]
Data from questionnaire Interviews revealed that apart from the brucellosis positive individual who triggered the investigation, 3 additional family members from the Hardap region and an unrelated person from another region had previously been treated for suspected Malta fever
All humans diagnosed with brucellosis shared a common history of consuming raw goat milk, home-made goat cheese and coffee with raw milk and prior contact with dairy goats
Summary
The emergence or re-emergence of zoonotic diseases is complex and multifactorial, often driven by evolving ecology, microbial adaptation, human demographics and behaviour, international travel and trade, agricultural practices, technology and industry[49]. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) is mandated under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS) of the World aDivision of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Hospital Street, Mariental, Namibia. BCentral Veterinary Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Private Bag 13187, Windhoek, Namibia. CDepartment of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa. In the case of zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, it is believed that protection of human health can be achieved through control of the disease in the animal population. The OIE/FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)/WHO (World Health Organization) Global Early Warning System (GLEWS) provides for rapid notification of major animal diseases, including zoonoses, of which B. melitensis infection is a priority disease[51]
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