Sero-prevalence and occupational risk factors for Brucella infection among slaughterhouse workers and butchers in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Brucellosis remains neglected in many countries despite its public health importance. In developing countries such as Ghana, there remains paucity of data particularly among high-risk populations such as slaughterhouse workers. The aim of this studywas to determine the prevalence of Brucella infection and risk factors for its transmission among people working in and aroundslaughterhouses. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 220 participants selected through a stratified sampling method. Participants were interviewed about their knowledge on Brucella and their occupational activities using a structured questionnaire. Collected serum samples were analyzed for anti-Brucella Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodiesusing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Data was analyzed using uni-and multivariate logistic regression models. From 220 participants, anti-Brucella IgM- and IgG antibodies were detected in 4 (1.8%) and 21 (9.6%), respectively. 9.3% of the participants with animal contact at work (5/54) and 11.5% of those working in meat processing (17/148) have heardabout Brucella and its transmission mode. Most of the anti-Brucella IgG seropositive individuals (17/21) were working in themeat processing category (OR 2.2; 95% CI 0.6-7.9; p = .22). Multivariate analysis showed that job duration was significantlyassociated with seropositivity to Brucella IgG (OR 1.31; 95% CI 0.9-1.8, p -value .03). The findings demonstrate recent andpast Brucella infections among workers of the Kumasi abattoir with a high risk for less educated meat processing staff. Thus,intensive educational programmes on Brucella designed for workers with high risks and improving workplace protection policyare recommended.