PREDICTORS OF BRUCELLOSIS SEROPOSITIVITY AMONG EXPOSED WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection which is responsible for substantial economic losses along with human morbidities. In Egypt, it is a definite cause of more than 3% of acute febrile illnesses. Brucellosis is principally affecting animals however it can be transmitted from animals to human. Many workers are at risk of infection with brucellosis as herders, hunters, agriculturalists, dairy workers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers. Aim of work: to determine the prevalence of brucellosis seropositivity among occupationally exposed workers, to identify risk factors and to assess the predictors of seropositivity among the studied group. Material and Methods: Seventy five workers occupationally exposed to livestock animals were included and were subjected to an interview questionnaire about Brucellosis risk factors and blood samples were collected and analyzed by Rose Bengal plate test for B. Abortus and B. Melitensis. Results: Seropositivity for Brucella among studied workers was 43(57.3%). It was highest among high risk work activities including veterinarians 19 (44.2%) followed by animal service workers 10 (23.3%), butchers and veterinary assistants 6 (14% each) (p=0.626). The predictors of seropositivity for Brucellosis were dealing with unvaccinated animals (p=0.012) and high risk work activities (p=0.037). Conclusion: Dealing with unvaccinated animals and high risk work activities are the main predictors of seropositivity of Brucellosis among occupationally exposed group.