Abstract
BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Little is known about the epidemiology and persistence of brucellosis in wildlife in Southern Africa, particularly in Botswana.MethodsArchived wildlife samples from Botswana (1995–2000) were screened with the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) and included the African buffalo (247), bushbuck (1), eland (5), elephant (25), gemsbok (1), giraffe (9), hartebeest (12), impala (171), kudu (27), red lechwe (10), reedbuck (1), rhino (2), springbok (5), steenbok (2), warthog (24), waterbuck (1), wildebeest (33), honey badger (1), lion (43), and zebra (21). Human case data were extracted from government annual health reports (1974–2006).FindingsOnly buffalo (6%, 95% CI 3.04%–8.96%) and giraffe (11%, 95% CI 0–38.43%) were confirmed seropositive on both tests. Seropositive buffalo were widely distributed across the buffalo range where cattle density was low. Human infections were reported in low numbers with most infections (46%) occurring in children (<14 years old) and no cases were reported among people working in the agricultural sector.ConclusionsLow seroprevalence of brucellosis in Botswana buffalo in a previous study in 1974 and again in this survey suggests an endemic status of the disease in this species. Buffalo, a preferred source of bush meat, is utilized both legally and illegally in Botswana. Household meat processing practices can provide widespread pathogen exposure risk to family members and the community, identifying an important source of zoonotic pathogen transmission potential. Although brucellosis may be controlled in livestock populations, public health officials need to be alert to the possibility of human infections arising from the use of bush meat. This study illustrates the need for a unified approach in infectious disease research that includes consideration of both domestic and wildlife sources of infection in determining public health risks from zoonotic disease invasions.
Highlights
Brucellosis is a globally distributed disease caused by intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella
We provide an overview of brucellosis diagnostics and approaches utilized in this field study and discuss brucellosis ecology in buffalo and local human communities, previous research in the area, and the potential role of bush meat in human pathogen exposure and brucellosis infection
This study indicates that buffalo may be an important species contributing to pathogen transmission dynamics and persistence in southern Africa, acting as a potential source of infection to livestock and as a direct zoonotic pathogen threat to humans in areas where buffalo occur and are consumed
Summary
Brucellosis is a globally distributed disease caused by intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella. Capable of infecting a wide variety of wildlife and domestic animal hosts, it is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases [1]. Animal infections most commonly occur through contact with infected fetal tissues and post-parturient discharges. Human infections occur from contact with infected animal tissues or ingestion of infected animal products [2]. Despite a wide host range and broad distribution of this important pathogen, our understanding of its transmission and persistence dynamics are limited [14]. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Little is known about the epidemiology and persistence of brucellosis in wildlife in Southern Africa, in Botswana
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
