High Prevalence Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Brucellosis in buffaloes in district Layyah

Brucellosis causes huge economic losses in the dairy industry and highly contagious and zoonotic disease lead to infertility, decreased overall milk production, and abortion in dairy animals. The aim of this study was to find the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in different breads of buffalo in District Layyah. For this purpose, Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Milk Ring Test (MRT) were performed using the standard procedure. The results showed that the higher prevalence of brucellosis was found (6.6%) in tehsil Layyah compares to the other tehsils. The overall prevalence in the District Layyah was found 4.7% and Nilliravi bread was found more susceptible than the Kundi breed. The animals older than 5 years were found to be more susceptible as compared with younger animal. The prevalence of brucellosis was more in female buffaloes.as compared with the male. There was more abortion and reduction in milk in seropositive animals. It was concluded that higher prevalence of brucellosis in buffaloes and higher authorities should take measures to eliminate the seropositive animals to prevent the spread in people who are directly engaged with these animals’ veterinary staff and farmers.

Epidemiological study of brucellosis (Malta fever) in the city of Torbat Jam from 2017 to 2022

Introduction: Brucellosis, a globally prevalent disease, affects both humans and animals, with notable significance in Iran. While the severity and mortality of this disease are rare, it poses a substantial economic burden due to reduced productivity and livestock abortion. Torbat Jam city has a high prevalence of brucellosis in the region, necessitating an investigation into its epidemiological aspects. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of brucellosis in Torbat Jam city. Materials and Methods: This study examined 5366 cases of brucellosis in the city of Torbat Jam from 2017 to 2022. A comprehensive checklist encompassing variables, such as age, gender, place of residence, occupation, season, history of contact with infected animals, consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, and vaccination history was used for data collection. The t-test was used to compare the means of two groups, while the chi-square test was employed to assess the relationship between categorical variables and grouped numerical variables. A significance level of 0.05 was considered in this study. Results: A total of 5366 cases of Malta fever were analyzed in this study, with male patients comprising 50.40% and female patients accounting for 49.60% of the cases. The mean age of the patients during the study period was 33.18±18.81 years. Brucellosis onset occurred at an average age of 35.39±18.03 years in males and 30.96±19.01 years in females, with a statistically significant difference (P value <0.01). The youngest reported case of brucellosis was 1 year old, while the oldest was 101 years old. The highest disease occurrence (60.8%) was observed in the age group of 15-50 years, with a higher prevalence observed in both genders within this age group. Conclusion: The city of Torbat Jam is considered a high-risk area in terms of brucellosis prevalence. Factors such as rural living, contact with animals and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products significantly contribute to the disease’s spread in these regions. The results underscore the insufficient public awareness regarding brucellosis transmission and prevention, highlighting the urgent need for educational programs to enhance knowledge and awareness among individuals in these areas.

Serological and molecular prevalence of Brucella spp. among livestock species in Rajasthan, India.

A seroprevalence and molecular study was carried out in six districts of the state of Rajasthan, India to detect brucellosis in major livestock species. This study involves the testing of 3,245 livestock samples using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA), and genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers for molecular diagnosis of the disease. In the tested samples, seroprevalence was 5.06% (CI: 1.96-8.15) using the RBPT test and 6.88% (CI: 1.98-11.78) using the i-ELISA test, while the cumulative seroprevalence (RBPT and i-ELISA) was 3.63% (CI: 0.44-6.83). The prevalence of the disease was 1.27% (CI: 0.56-3.11) when tested using molecular markers. The highest prevalence of brucellosis was detected in Cattle (7.00, 3.22%), followed by camels (5.50, 2.50%), buffalo (2.66, 0.00%), sheep (2.43, 0.41%), and goats (0.58, 0.23%) when serological (cumulative) and molecular diagnosis were considered preferred methods of detection. Cattle (3.22%) and camels (2.50%) also showed a high prevalence of disease when tested using molecular markers. The results of this study reveal that cattle, camel, and sheep brucellosis is prevalent in the study areas.

Modulation of the One Health Approach to Tackle Brucellosis in Buffaloes and Cattle in Two Italian Territories with Different Characteristics

The new European Union animal health law and its rule concerning brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes
 The authors examine the latest European Union (EU) rules concerning eradication and surveillance of brucellosis and animal infectious diseases of EU concern.
 The Italian rules concerning brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes 
 Italy is included in the EU co-financed compulsory eradication and surveillance programmes for brucellosis in cattle and in buffaloes in the frame of the EU and the related Italian laws, which allowed reaching the Brucellosis Free status without vaccination (former "Officially Brucellosis Free - OBF" status) in the majority of the northern and middle Italian Regions and in some middle and southern Provinces included in Regions where the infection persists.
 Epidemiology of brucellosis in the EU and in Italy
 In the Italian Province of Caserta, the highest prevalence of brucellosis in buffaloes is reported; in 2017-2021, a total of 314 outbreaks occurred, in which 39,163 heads tested positive. Here, brucellosis is threatening not only human health and the widespread buffaloes breeding but also the important satellite activities concerning the Protected Designation of Origin (P.O.D.) cheese “Mozzarella di Bufala Campana". The authors also discuss the reemerged brucellosis in cattle in the Molise Region, which despite bordering the Province of Caserta, shows different hydrographic, orographic, and breeding characteristics. In Molise, the reemerged brucellosis had a very different epidemiological course, which allowed it to limit the adoption of One Health measures.
 The One Health approach to tackle brucellosis in buffaloes
 In order to tackle brucellosis in Campania Region and in its Province of Caserta, the One Health approach has been predisposed through strict control of animal health, human health, and the environment. The adopted model could be exportable to territories having similar characteristics.

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Brucellosis is endemic in Armenia. Test slaughtering is used to fight Brucellosis in large and small ruminants. Cross-contamination among the various types of animals with various types of causative agents may contribute to the permanent existence of the epizootic chain. A study is being conducted to determine whether brucellosis is present among stray dogs in Yerevan (Capital of RA). The Rose Bengal test (RBT), serum agglutination test (SAT), and indirect and competitive ELISA tests were performed on 384 blood samples from stray dogs in Yerevan. The competitive ELISA detects only specific antibodies against B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis and differentiates the Brucella 19 strain. According to the diagnostic algorithm for final diagnosis, positive samples by RBT must be confirmed by two other tests. Out of 384 samples tested by RBT, 17 (4.4 %) were positive. Out of 384 samples, 11 (2.9 %) were positive by SAT, 9 samples (2.3 %) tested positive by indirect ELISA, and 16 samples (4.2 %) tested positive by competitive ELISA. We have shown the presence of Brucella spp. among stray dogs in Yerevan. It is necessary to implement additional studies among dog (particularly shepherd dogs) populations in marzes with a higher prevalence of Brucellosis. These additional results will provide an opportunity to evaluate the role of dogs in ensuring a stable epizootic chain of Brucellosis among agricultural animals. They will contribute to a strategy design for preventing the spread of disease.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis among the high-risk population in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative coccobacillus belonging to genus Brucella. It is a recognized public health problem in developing countries including India. Aims and Objectives: The aims of these study were to determine the seroprevalance of brucellosis in population having occupation dealing with animals and thus are in close contact of animals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in semi-urban areas of central India. Blood samples were collected from personnel working in slaughter houses, meat shops, and veterinarians and their close contact and who are willing to participate in study. A total 102 samples collected randomly from butchers (n=20), veterinarians (n=29), and animal handlers (n=53) and were tested for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis by a commercial kit which allows the detection of both complete (IgG and IGM) and incomplete antibodies. Results: A total 102 subjects were included in the study and overall prevalence of brucellosis among high-risk group was found to be 2.9%. One veterinarian doctor was also found positive for both B. melitensis and B. abortus. Highest prevalence of brucellosis was found in veterinarians (6.8%) followed by animal handlers (1.8%), and none of the butcher was tested positive for any of the Brucella antibody. Conclusion: The present study screened all possible known high-risk groups for brucellosis and revealed that veterinarians have high chances of getting the infection. Occupation-related disease like brucellosis needs regular surveillance and integration into control and prevention program at a local and national level.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Morocco and associated risk factors.

Brucellosis is a prevalent infectious zoonotic disease that affects humans, livestock, and wildlife in many parts of the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis among farmers and patients attending six health centers in Sidi Kacem province (northwestern Morocco). Blood samples (3-5 mL) were collected. Among 1283 participants, 351 were males and 932 were females and tested for Brucella antibodies using rose Bengal plate test and immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for confirmation. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was 33.20% (426/1283) with a higher risk among males and rural residents. The univariable analysis revealed that contacting cattle, handling abortion products and manure, and consuming undercooked beef and goat meat were all risk factors for brucellosis. Furthermore, raw milk and milk derivatives were risk factors strongly linked to brucellosis. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of brucellosis associated with the consumption of raw meat, raw dairy products, milk, and close contact with infected animals. However, there are some limitations to this study, such as we did not use the ELISA test on all sera collected and individuals under the age of 18 were not included in the study. Moreover, building a database on the occurrence of brucellosis and associated epidemiological factors is critical for providing informed advice to policymakers to improve control strategies against this disease in Morocco.

Prevalence of brucellosis in livestock keepers and domestic ruminants in Baringo County, Kenya.

Brucellosis is widely distributed in more than 170 countries around the world, where it poses a huge threat to animal husbandry and human health. Brucellosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonotic disease that poses serious public health problems in many developing countries including Kenya. However, prevalence of brucellosis has not been determined in Baringo County, Kenya, yet there is a continuous movement of cattle resulting from trade and grazing, thus predisposing many herds to brucellosis infection. We investigated the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans and domestic ruminants: sheep, goats, cattle and camels among livestock keeping communities in Baringo County, Kenya. In addition, we analyzed the seropositive samples for molecular detection of Brucella species. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using quantitative data collection methods. The diagnosis was carried out using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and the real-time PCR assays. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis among human blood samples was 0.6% (n = 4/640) in Baringo County. About 22.30% (n = 143/640) of animal blood samples examined tested positive for Brucella genus-specific ELISA test. Cattle had a high prevalence of 22.88% (n = 93/322) followed by camels 20.00% (n = 21/105), goats 15.48% (n = 24/155) and subsequently sheep at 8.62% (n = 5/58). Overall, 7.5% (n = 6/80) of the seropositive samples amplified with the genus-specific primers. Brucella melitensis was detected in one out of the six genus positive samples, while none amplified with the B. abortus target. Even though there was high prevalence of brucellosis among livestock in Baringo County, the highest prevalence was invariably noted in cattle, followed by camels, goats and sheep, respectively. Livestock keepers had low prevalence of brucellosis. This implies that there was low risk of transmission of brucellosis between livestock keepers and their livestock.

Distribution of Brucellosis and Toxoplasmosis, among Butchers of District Karak Pakistan

Background: Brucellosis is one of the ultimate well-known zoonotic diseases and is endemic in many cultivated countries affecting both humans and livestock. In humans’ obstacles of brucellosis are continuous fever, joint pain, sweating, weakness, fatigue, headache, chest pain and abdominal pain. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by a protozoan apicomplexan parasite named Toxoplasma gondii. Though it is symptomless but in severity it causes encephalitis, myocarditis, and pneumonia. Methods: The study aim was to accomplish the serological prevalence of Brucella melitensis and Toxoplasma gondii in butchers processed through ICT and serum agglutination tests. For this purpose, 270 blood samples were randomly collected from active butchers at seven different union councils of district Karak. The blood samples were examined for brucellosis and toxoplasmosis based on serum slide agglutination and immune chromatographic tests. SPSS version 22 for windows will be used for the analysis of data. Results: The overall prevalence of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis was 15.6% and 21.9%, respectively. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis was found in butchers with age group (15-31 years) 7.4% and 8.1% and weight group (63kg-80kg) 7.4% and 10.7%. In conclusion, brucellosis is a significant public health problem in and around district Karak. Conclusion: This disease can be forestalling, especially in rural areas, through preventive measures. It is endorsed that public health supremacy should enlighten the public about the prevention and control of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis. Keywords: Brucella melitensis; Toxoplasma gondii; Prevalence; Butcher; Karak

Brucellosis in Herat Province, Afghanistan: Epidemiological Status and Risk Factors

Background: Human brucellosis, also known as Malta fever, is an acute systemic zoonotic disease in several parts of the world. The most pathogenic Brucella specie is Brucella melitensis that occurs in the human population of all age groups and of both sexes. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate human Brucella infection in Afghanistan. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 44 patients diagnosed with Brucella infection during eight months and confirmed using Wright test by physicians of Iran Clinic Hospital. For data analysis, a statistical model was used through SPSS. Results: The most affected patients were female housewives (40.9%) and students (18.18%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were recurrent attacks of fever (95.34%), weight loss (81.39%), loss of appetite (79.06%), musculoskeletal pain (69.76%), boredom (67.44%), and lethargy (60.46%). A total of 41 (93.18%) patients mentioned the consumption of unpasteurized milk as the source of infection. Conclusions: The study results revealed that the main route of Brucella transmission in Afghanistan is the consumption of contaminated dairy products. The highest prevalence of brucellosis was observed among the young and middle-aged populations and housewives.

Prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle under Different Management Systems in Mbale District, Eastern Region of Uganda

The research study was conducted on prevalence of Brucellosis in cattle under different management systems in Mbale District, Eastern Region of Uganda. The research design adopted was a purposive sampling. 48 respondents from different farms were selected using a random sampling to allow equal representation of the farms. The data were collected using both blood samples and questionnaires. A total of 78 serum samples collected from different cattle were serologically assessed using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). The high sero-prevalence of 37.5% was recorded in female cows followed by male bulls (20.0%) and female calves (20.0%). Bull calves and heifers showed negative result with RBPT and SAT (0.0%). A total of 24(30.7%) and 22(28.2%) were recorded for RBPT and SAT respectively. However, although there was higher prevalence of Brucellosis in communal grazing than the rest of other grazing systems, there was no statistical significant difference between Brucellosis and grazing systems (p>0.05). Similarly, considering the type of breeding methods of fertilization, there was a statistically significant relationship between the type of breeding (artificial and natural insemination) methods and management system practiced (p<0.05). The study concluded that contamination of common grazing environment was due to aborted foetuses which is accompanied by shedding of large number of Brucella species and that there was lack of knowledge on the causative agents, as well as mode of transmission. The researchers recommend that cattle grazing systems that limit mixing of herds should be encouraged to reduce the contamination of common grazing environment.

English

This study was conducted to diagnose the seroprevalence of Listeriosis, Brucellosis, and Toxoplasmosis in camels from Kirkuk province in Iraq. Seventy-six serum samples were randomly collected and analyzed from camels from April to September 2018. Three serological diagnostic methods were used; Osebold agglutination test (OAT), Serum tube agglutination test (SAT) and Sabin- Feldman dye test (SFDT). From all serum samples that were collected, 42(55.26%) showed infections with Listeria, Brucella, and Toxoplasma as following 15(19.7%), 7(9.2%), and 20(26.3%) respectively. Additionally, the study revealed a highly significant relationship between aborted camels and their infection with Brucellosis and Toxoplasmosis (58.3%). In contrast, infections with these pathogens have no significant relationship with the sex and age of the camels. Risk factors of abortion were related to the high prevalence of Brucellosis and Toxoplasmosis in camels' herds. Furthermore, this study found out that the camels in Kirkuk city might be the source of these infectious agents and disseminated the diseases to the human through their contaminated dairy products and meat.

A policy analysis of agenda-setting of Brucellosis in Iran using a multiple-stream framework: health policy and historical implications.

SummaryBackgroundBrucellosis, a major zoonotic disease, is highly present in Iran, especially in Lorestan province. The aim of this study was to understand the issues related to Brucellosis utilizing the multiple streams framework.MethodsA two-step method was adopted: 1) assessment of brucellosis-related documents and 2) interviews with stakeholders. As a first step, all documents related to Brucellosis were reviewed at provincial and national levels. Policy documentation on health issues included the consultation of guidelines, rules and regulations, websites, reports, books, guides, and conferences. These documents were collected by referring to specialized centers, institutions, and organizations. In the second step, semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine the burden of disease with actors and stakeholders involved with the brucellosis program in the Lorestan province. More in detail, physicians, healthcare workers, managers, policy- and decision-makers were selected for interviews.ResultsThe problem stream was characterized by: 1) high prevalence of the disease, 2) traditional livestock production, 3) unsafe animal slaughtering, 4) centers for the sale and distribution of non-authorized dairy products, 5) raw milk and 6) traditional unsafe dairy products consumption, 7) incomplete livestock vaccination, 8) lack of knowledge of Brucellosis, 9) neighboring countries with high prevalence of Brucellosis, 10) lack of livestock quarantine, and 10) nomadic immigration. The policy stream was characterized by 1) primary healthcare networks, 2) guidelines, 3) medicines, insurance, and 4) diagnostic services. Finally, the political stream was characterized by: 1) support of the University of Medical Sciences, 2) sponsorship by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, 3) Health transformation plan, and 4) Working Group on Health and Food Security in Lorestan.ConclusionThis study examined the brucellosis-related agenda setting: if different issues are taken into consideration, it can be perceived as a health priority.

Comparison of PCR and Conventional Serological Methods for Detection of Brucella spp. in Ovine and Caprine Blood Serum.

Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease. Infection of livestock with Brucella is endemic in most parts of Iran. Sistan-Baluchestan is bordered on the east by the countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock in the eastern neighboring countries results in transmission of the disease to this province. The present research aimed to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in the Sistan region of Iran and to compare serological and molecular tests for the detection of brucellosis. Blood samples were taken from 150 randomly selected sheep and goats, and sera were separated. All sera were analyzed by serological (Wright and 2-ME) and molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)) tests. Serological tests were carried out according to the instructions of the Iranian Veterinary Organization The degree of agreement between serological tests and PCR was determined by kappa value. In this study, 17 cases (11.3%) were identified as positive by the PCR method. Wright and 2-ME tests had the highest agreement with PCR in titers ≥2/80 and ≥2/40, respectively. The results of this study show that the brucellosis in sheep and goats has a greater prevalence in the Sistan region than in most other parts of Iran, and this is important in terms of public health. It is suggested that brucellosis vaccination coverage in livestock be increased in this area and that the people in Sistan region must be notified about methods for preventing brucellosis. Also, further studies to compare conventional serologic tests with the gold standard test are recommended.

Zoonotic brucellosis: Seroprevalence and different serological tests comparison in ovine and caprine population in district Quetta, Balochistan

The present study was design to determine the seroprevalence of zoonotic brucellosis and different serological tests comparison in ovine and caprine population in district Quetta, Balochistan. A total of 500 blood samples, comprising of 250 each from sheep and goat were randomly collected from out skirts of District Quetta, Balochistan. Out of the 250 blood samples 125 were collected from each males and females. The serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Plate Agglutination Test (SPAT) and Serum Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). The overall prevalence of brucellosis in sheep was recorded as 16.4%, 13.2% and 10.8% by RBPT, SPAT and STAT, respectively and in goat was found to be 11.6%, 8.8% and 6.8% by RBPT, SPAT and STAT, respectively. The sex-wise prevalence of brucellosis in Ram (male sheep) was recorded as 12.8%, 8.8% and 7.2% by RBPT, SPAT and STAT, respectively; while in Ewe (female sheep) it was 20.0%, 17.6% and 14.4% by RBPT, SPAT and STAT respectively. In Buck (male goat), the seroprevalence of brucellosis was recorded 8.0%, 5.6% and 3.2%, whereas in Dew (female goat) it was 15.2%, 12.0% and 10.4% by RBPT, SPAT and STAT, respectively. The prevalence of brucellosis was relatively higher in ovine (sheep) as compared to caprine (goat), irrespective of techniques used. It was also concluded that brucellosis was higher in females than in males in both sheep and goat. Among all the serological tests applied in the present study, RBPT was found to be more sensitive and showed higher prevalence of brucellosis in sheep as well as in goat population.

Farm practices and risk factors which influence the high prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Northeast Portugal.

The region of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro in northeast Portugal displayed the highest prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants of the country. A vaccination programme of the whole population with Brucella melitensis Rev-1 was carried out from 2001 to 2004 in an attempt to reduce prevalence levels and protect public health. Although individual prevalence decreased from 5.6% in 2001 to 0.4% in 2007, several flocks continued to present individual prevalence ≥ 5.0%. Given the multifactorial characteristics of brucellosis, the current study evaluated farming practices and risk factors in flocks with an individual prevalence over 5% by multifactorial correspondence analysis. Results showed that a lack of recognition of the symptoms of brucellosis and lack of Rev-1 vaccination were the main factors contributing to the high individual prevalence of brucellosis in flocks. Other factors such as the consumption of raw milk, presence of dog commingling with animals and use of communal pastures also contributed to the persistence of the disease. Family farms with low economical profit, minimal training/education of farmers, and a scarcity of veterinary support may explain the persistence of factors contributing to the high prevalence of brucellosis. The results of this study highlight several risk factors and farming practices that might have contributed to the maintenance of a high prevalence of brucellosis in flocks with high brucellosis prevalence. These results could be used to adopt new approaches to improve the efficiency of brucellosis eradication programs.

Investigation of the molecular characteristics of Brucella isolates from Guangxi Province, China

BackgroundHuman brucellosis has become a severe public health problem in China’s Guangxi Province, and there has been higher prevalence of brucellosis in this region after 2010. Both multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) assay schedules were used to genotype isolates and determine relationships among isolates.ResultsA total of 40 isolates of Brucella were obtained from humans, pigs, and dogs from 1961 to 2016. There were at least three species of Brucella detected in Guangxi Province, Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis, and Brucella canis, with 16, 17, and 7 isolates, respectively. Of which B. suis biovar 3 was the predominant species resulting in pig brucellosis in the area examined before 2000s. Moreover, B. melitensis biovar 3 was found to be mainly responsible for human brucellosis during 2012–2016. All B. melitensis isolates in this study belonged to East Mediterranean lineage. MLVA-11 genotype 116 was the dominant genotype and represented 81.2% of the isolates. MLVA cluster analysis showed there to be 44% (7/16) brucellosis cases caused by B. melitensis with a profile of outbreak epidemic from 2012 to 2016. However, nearly 83.3% (20/24) of brucellosis cases resulting from both B. suis and B. canis showed no epidemiological links or sporadic characteristics. MLVA-16 analysis confirmed extensive genotype-sharing events between B. melitensis isolates from Guangxi and other northern provinces within China. These data revealed that there are potential epidemiology links among these strains. B. suis strains of this study showed a unique genetic lineage at the global level and may have existed historically in this area. However, present B. canis isolates were closely related to previously reported isolates in Korea, where they may have originated. MLST typing showed that the population structure of Brucella strains had changed considerably in this province; ST17 and ST21, two previously predominant populations appeared to have been replaced by recently emerging ST8 group.ConclusionsOur investigation data have inspired the hypothesis that Guangxi Province had been subject to an imported human brucellosis epidemic. Our data suggest that strains found in Northern regions of China are the principal source of infections in recent cases of human brucellosis in Guangxi Province. Comparative genomic analysis from more strains is necessary to confirm this hypothesis. This work will facilitate better understanding of the epidemiology and improve the effectiveness of control and prevention of brucellosis in this region.

Serological, Isolation and Molecular Studies on Brucellosis in an Organized Farm, Jammu and Kashmir, India

The present study was conducted in an organized farm of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir state having history of late-term abortions in cattle and buffaloes to elucidate the role of brucellosis in causing abortions on the farm. The farm had 46 animals (23 adults, 15 heifers and 9 calves). The farm was positive in herd test (milk ring test). Serological tests viz., Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) were conducted on 30 serum samples and 11 samples were found positive in both tests. Five vaginal swabs from abortion cases were processed for isolation and 3 isolates of Brucella were obtained which on further characterization by biochemical tests, genus-specific PCR and species-specific PCR were identified as B. abortus biovar 1. As brucellosis is an anthropozoonoses, the high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock of farm demands the surveillance of disease in humans working on the farm and necessitates the control of disease on the farm.

Spatial seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in India—A large random sampling survey

Brucellosis caused by Brucella spp. is an important zoonosis and constitutes a serious public health hazard. In India, the disease is increasingly prevalent among bovine population with high zoonotic potential and negative impact on national economy. The investigation was conducted to study seroprevalence of brucellosis through random sample survey using survey tool box software. A total of 12,054 [cattle-9236, buffaloes-2818] bovine serum samples sourced from 15 states of India were tested by protein G indirect ELISA. The true prevalences of brucellosis observed in cattle and buffaloes were 8.3% and 3.6%, respectively. The highest prevalence of brucellosis was observed in the state of Punjab in both cattle and buffaloes (23.51 and 10.2%). Comparatively higher prevalence was recorded in cattle than the buffaloes in all the states except Manipur. The true prevalence greater than 5% was recorded in 8 and 3 states for cattle and buffaloes, respectively [(cattle- Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala) and (buffaloes-Punjab, Gujarat and Manipur)] indicating wider prevalence of brucellosis. This study conclusively highlighted the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis at state level which might be useful for prioritizing regions for vaccination, designing control strategies and improvisation of clinical surveillance system.

Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory features of acute brucellosis in the Republic of Azerbaijan

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections in the world with a high percentage of chronic forms, which respectively negatively affects the economic component of health systems in countries with high prevalence of brucellosis. The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory features of acute brucellosis in the Republic of Azerbaijan. We were screened 178 patients with acute brucellosis who applied for medical services at the Baku Clinic and the Central Clinical Hospital in Baku. Specific methods of the study were conducted by ELISA with the detection of IgM and IgG. Statistical processing the results of the study was performed using the programs “SPSS 20.0”, “STATISTICA 6.0”. Among brucellosis patients, men (75.00%) of the young age (65.00%) who live in rural areas prevail. It was found that in 7.5 times more acute brucellosis was observed among women aged 40–49 years (p<0.05), whereas in the group under 19 years of age, brucellosis was not detected in women. The dominant ways of infection were: contact — in 45.00% of patients with acute brucellosis and alimentary — in 32.5% of people. Among the study group of patients with acute brucellosis, the most frequent clinical symptoms that attracted attention were fever — 86.67%, general weakness — 87.50%), sweating — 70.00%, and arthralgia — 64.17%. While the least of all patients indicated myalgia and body weight loss — 25.83% of individuals. We found that sacroiliitis and peripheral arthritis were 15.8 and 12 times more likely to occur in women than men (p<0.05). The main changes in the general analysis of blood and biochemical analysis are anemia (53.33%), elevated ESR (72.50%), elevation of ALT and AST (35.83% and 40.00% respectively).