Seroprevalence Of Human Brucellosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis among Syrian Refugees in Jordan, 2022.

Brucellosis is prevalent in Mediterranean countries. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated factors among Syrian refugees in Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Syrian refugees who attended the Public Health Lab (PHL) in Al Mafraq governorate, during the period of May-June 2022 to obtain a health certificate, which is legally required to receive governmental authorization for employment in Jordan. Blood samples were obtained from participants and a serum specimen was tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against Brucella using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG kits (Vircell Microbiologists, Granada, Spain). A total of 1562 Syrian refugees were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged between 18 and 74 years, with a median age of 30 years at presentation. The majority were males (75.9%, n = 1186) and 24.1% (n = 376) were females. The Brucella ELISA IgG results were positive for 149 persons, with an overall seroprevalence rate of 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.0%-11.0%). Having animal-related occupations, residing outside refugee camps, consuming unpasteurized milk, handling animals or their tissues, and slaughtering animals within 6 months of study inclusion were significantly higher among the seropositive group. In the multivariate analysis, IgG-positive persons were 13 times more likely to report being diagnosed with brucellosis (OR = 13.1, 95% CI: 6.1-28.3; p ≤ 0.001). In addition, they were more likely to reside in the city of Al Mafraq, as opposed to a refugee camp (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.2; p = 0.025) and to have handled animals within 6 months of study inclusion (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1-8.9; p = 0.035). In conclusion, one-tenth of adult Syrian refugees were tested positive for Brucella ELISA IgG. Being diagnosed with brucellosis, residing in the city of Al Mafraq, as opposed to a refugee camp, and handling animals within 6 months of study inclusion were significantly associated with being positive for Brucella ELISA IgG. This study illustrates the need for improved brucellosis control measures via comprehensive vaccination of animals and enhanced laboratory detection and surveillance capacities, in addition to emphasizing the need for increased awareness sessions among Syrian refugees on the safe use and preparation of dairy products and safety practices of handling animals and their tissues.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in selected sites of Central Oromia, Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is one of the most neglected zoonotic diseases in the world. It affects all age groups and both sexes. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to May 2020 to estimate the seroprevalence and assess the potential risk factors of brucellosis among dairy cow owners and dairy farmworkers, and assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in selected sites in the central highlands of Oromia, Ethiopia. A structured interview question was administered to 284 respondents, and only 166 of them volunteered to give a blood sample. Most respondents had limited knowledge of brucellosis (93.3%), zoonotic diseases transmitted by handling animal delivery (88%), and consuming raw milk and other animal products (90.0%). Accordingly, 149 blood samples from animal owners and 17 farmworkers were collected for serological testing. The serum samples collected were initially screened using the Rose Bengal Plate test, and the Complement Fixation test was used as a confirmatory test. The overall seroprevalence of zoonotic brucellosis was 1.2% (95%CI: 0.32-4.27). There was a statistically significant association of human brucellosis with human housing (OR = 1.8, p = 0.002), contact with aborted fetus (OR = 21.19, p = 0.017), drinking raw milk from non-aborted (OR = 24.99, p = 0.012), aborted (OR = 5.72, 0.019), and retained fetal membrane (OR = 4.22, p = 0.029) cows. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the seroprevalence of brucellosis in the study area was low. Public awareness among animal owners, farm and animal health workers on the transmission and health hazards of brucellosis needs to be addressed through community training. Implementing one health approach between veterinary and medical health professionals must be strengthened.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis among the tribal and non-tribal population residing in an eastern state of India: Findings from the state-wide serosurvey.

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease found predominantly in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs), causing significant public health concern in India. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of human brucellosis in Odisha, India among community members involved in animal husbandry as a common practice. This cross-sectional study included 817 adult participants from 11 districts in Odisha. Four districts from the Northern division, four districts from the Central division, and three districts from the Southern division were selected for the study. Blood samples were collected during a COVID-19 serosurvey in Odisha conducted from 1st to 17th September 2021. Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibodies were measured against Brucella using a commercial ELISA kit. Point estimates at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. The overall prevalence of anti-Brucella IgG antibodies was calculated at 16.65% (95% CI: 14.19-19.42). The highest seropositivity was found in Sambalpur district (29.73%; 95% CI: 16.43-47.16) and the lowest was determined in Mayurbhanj district (4.44%; 95% CI: 0.99-15.60). Compared to males, females were more prone to contracting the disease (AOR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05-1.67). Participants from rural settings had higher prevalence of anti-Brucella IgG antibodies than urban dwellers (AOR: 4.53; 95% CI: 1.73-11.86). This study revealed that human brucellosis was associated with sociodemographic factors like gender, living settings, and household numbers. To prevent brucellosis, screening should be initiated, infected humans should be treated early, and the public should be educated about risk factors and preventive measures.

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.

Sero-epidemiology and risk factor analysis of human brucellosis in Punjab, Pakistan: a cross sectional study.

Human brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic problem worldwide with a high degree of morbidity in humans and is mostly overlooked due to other febrile conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence and risk factors of human brucellosis among subjects living in Punjab, Pakistan. In this cross-sectional study, human blood samples were collected from seven districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Information regarding personal data, demographic data and potential risk factors was collected through a structured questionnaire. Detection of anti-Brucella antibodies was done through Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Descriptive analysis, Chi square test and Odds ratio was applied using STATA software version 12. The sero-prevalence of human brucellosis was 13.13% with significantly higher percentage in males 17.23% and age group 25-40 years 16.50% (P=< 0.001). The demographic factors positively associated with human brucellosis were lack of education (P = 0.003; OR = 1.85) and farming as an occupation (P =<0.001; OR = 2.50) Similarly, among the risk factors studied, keeping animals at home (P =<0.001; OR = 2.03), slaughtering of animals (P =<0.001; OR = 15.87) and consuming raw milk (P =<0.001; OR = 5.42) were the factors strongly connected with human brucellosis. A massive awareness should be given to livestock farmers and individuals directly linked to animals regarding risk factors and transmission of brucellosis. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and its products should be condemned to curtail this neglected disease.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Livestock and Residents of New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease which is now considered endemic in most parts of Egypt. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2018 to February 2020 to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and livestock residing in two regions located in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1254 animals (673 cattle, 348 sheep, and 233 goats) and 523 human serum samples were examined for brucellosis using Rose Bengal test (RBT) and then randomly selected sera (15 from cattle, 7 from sheep, 3 from goats, and 45 from humans) were further analyzed by complement fixation test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare and detect the sensitivity and specificity of RBT. The prevalence of brucellosis was 0% in cattle, sheep, and goats while it was 23.9% in humans using RBT. Concerning humans, there was a higher percentage of infection in EL Kharga (33.6%). The prevalence of this infection was also at a higher level among individuals aged above 40 years (28.57%). Furthermore, men (26.11%) were more inclined to be inflicted, compared to women (22.5%) with no significant difference. Considering the human occupation, abattoir workers were the most predominant group of people at risk (33.3%), followed by farmers (31.25%) and animal keepers (20.6%) while the lowest prevalence was demonstrated in the housewives where the prevalence was 18.8 %. As a result, risk factors of the age range, locality, time of infection, contact with animals, and occupational groups could significantly affect the prevalence of human brucellosis in the New Valley Governorate. In conclusion, brucellosis is an alarming problem among residents of the New Valley Governorate. Thus, reducing the prevalence in humans and animals in the region of study may include restriction of the marketing the raw milk and enhancing public health awareness.

Serological and Molecular Epidemiology of Human Brucellosis in Mymensingh region Bangladesh

Brucellosis is a major Bacterial Zoonotic disease worldwide. More than 500,000 new cases are reported globally every year with the annual incidence rates varying widely from &lt;2 to &gt;500 per 1000,000 population among different region of the world. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the department of microbiology, Mymensingh medical college, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from 1st January to 31 December 2017, on total 600 patients of PUO with or without occupational exposure. Blood was taken as sample, serum was separated and screening test was done by Brucella specific latex agglutination test from all collected samples. A Titer of ≥ 1:160 was taken as positive. ICT, PCR and real time PCR were done from all screening positive samples. Among the study population 65.83% (395/600) were male and 34.17% (205/600) were female. The sero prevalence of Human Brucellosis was found 13.33% (40/300) and 5% (15/300), respectively in risk and non risk group of population. Out of 55 Brucella specific latex agglutination test positive samples 27.27% (15/55) were ICT positive, 5.45% (3/55) were PCR positive and 3.64% (2/55) were real time PCR positive. No ICT, PCR or Real time PCR cases were found from sero negative samples. Among the ICT positive cases 86.67% (13/15) from risk group and 13.33% (2/15) from non risk group of study population. Among the 3 PCR positive cases 13.33% (2/15) were from ICT positive cases and 2.5 % (1/40) from ICT negative cases. All PCR and Real time PCR positive cases were found in risk group of study population. No reliable data for Human Brucellosis is available in our country. However the present study revealed that a considerable number of Human Brucellosis is present in risk group as well as non risk group of population in both rural and urban area in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. In our country we use only Brucella specific latex agglutination test for diagnosis of human Brucellosis. It is a non specific test and gives many false positive results. So it is necessary to introduce newer tests with higher sensitivity and specificity which will help to diagnose the disease rapidly and more accurately.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2020; 14 (2): 19-24

The seroprevalence of human brucellosis in different age groups patients and other associated risk factors in Duhok, Iraq

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease contributing to significant health and economic problems worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of brucellosis among people admitted to Azadi general hospital, Duhok, Iraq. Patients and Methods: A total of 1283 patient blood samples (603 males and 680 females) were collected through the period of January 2017 to December 2017 from people at different age groups admitting Azadi general hospital, Duhok, Iraq. All collected sera were screened for the seroprevalence of Brucella using Rose Bengal plate test kit. Results: Among the 1283 blood samples, the overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 17.8%. The highest rate was recorded in age group between 21–30 years(22.7%) and the different distribution of human brucellosis among age groups was statistically significant (p=0.0076). The frequency of brucellosis in females (20%) was significantly higher than males (15.3%) (p=026). The distribution of brucellosis according to the seasonal changes was statistically significant (p= 0.003) (25.64% in July and 9.75% in December). Conclusions: The incidence of the brucellosis is high, and it remains a challenging health problem. The age, gender, and seasonal changes are considered as important risk factors for the distribution of the diseases. Surveillance programs and active screening for brucellosis are essential to prevent, control, and to reduce the incidence of the brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in and Around Puducherry: Application of an Immunocapture Agglutination Technique (Brucellacapt)

Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in and Around Puducherry: Application of an Immunocapture Agglutination Technique (Brucellacapt)

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and risk factors associated with its seropositivity in cattle, goats and humans in Iganga District, Uganda

IntroductionThe burden of brucellosis among smallholder farmers is poorly-documented in Uganda. The disease burden is likely to be high, given the high levels of endemicity, lots of exposures and due to lack of control measures. In order to designate appropriate control measures, the magnitude and risk factors for brucellosis need to be known. We established the burden of and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in cattle, goats, and humans in Iganga district, eastern Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in in Kigulamo Parish, Iganga District. We enrolled 226 households and administered a structured questionnaire to heads of households to capture data on socio-demographic characteristics, human brucellosis-related risk factors, and livestock farming practices. Human, cattle, and goat blood samples were collected and tested serologically using commercial indirect-ELISA kits manufactured by USDA, USA.ResultsOf 451 human blood samples, 20 (4.4%) were positive. Among 345 cattle blood samples, 4 (1.2%) were positive and among 351 goat blood samples, one (0.3%) was positive. Persons who reported consuming locally-made dairy products had 4 times higher odds of Brucella seropositivity (OR = 4.0, CI = 1.14-14.03, p = 0.031) than those who did not. None of the risk factors we asked about were significantly associated with seropositivity in cattle and goats.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans in smallholder households in Kigulamo was relatively low and associated with consumption of locally made dairy products. No risk factors were significantly associated with seropositivity in livestock, likely due to the small number of seropositive animals. We recommend a One Health approach to control brucellosis simultaneously in animals and humans needed to sustainably reduce the burden of brucellosis in Uganda and beyond.

Sero-diagnosis of brucellosis in sheep and humans in Assiut and El-Minya governorates, Egypt

Egypt is an endemic area with brucellosis, so wherever herd problem associated abortion is present, brucellosis should be suspected, and its sero-diagnosis is needed. The present study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and their contact humans in Assiut and El-Minya Governorates where a history of abortion in sheep was the chief complaint of the farmers; besides; the appearance of signs of undulant fever among some contact humans. Also, to identify the risk factors for brucellosis seropositivity at human and animal level. Serum samples were collected from 189 sheep and 53 in contact humans in Assiut and El-Minya Governorates, Egypt, during 2017. Antibodies against brucellosis were measured in the serum samples using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and were further confirmed using Serum Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). The overall seroprevalence ofbrucellosis using RBPT was 15.87% in sheep and that in humans was 9.44% (5 of 53), respectively. STAT confirmed that 40% of the RBPT-positive reactor sheep were infected by Brucella abortus, 16.67% were containing Brucella melitensis and 20% were experiencing a mixed infection of both Br. abortus and Br. melitensis. Additionally, 80% of the RBPT-positive reactor humans were infected with Br. abortus only and 20% were having both species of Brucella. Among different analyzed variables in this study, the age and farming system of the examined sheep were statistically significant. There was no significant effect in relation to gender, abortion history and pregnancy status of the examined animals, however, higher exposure rates were found among males, abortive animals, and recently calved animals. Gender of the tested humans and presence of seropositive sheep in contact differed significantly in acquiring the infection. Nevertheless, other factors, including age, education, and profession were statistically insignificant on getting human brucellosis. These results indicate the high seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and sheep in the study areas and generally in Egypt, and therefore, control programs should be implemented.

Low Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Humans and Small Ruminants in the Gambia.

BackgroundBrucellosis is a worldwide zoonosis with significant impact on rural livelihoods and a potentially underestimated contributor to febrile illnesses. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and small ruminants in The Gambia.MethodsThe study was carried out in rural and urban areas. In 12 rural villages in Kiang West district, sera were collected from humans (n = 599) and small ruminants (n = 623) from the same compounds. From lactating small ruminants, milk samples and vaginal swabs were obtained. At the urban study sites, sera were collected from small ruminants (n = 500) from slaughterhouses and livestock markets. Information on possible risk factors for seropositivity was collected through questionnaires. Sera were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. with the Rose Bengal Test, ELISA and Micro Agglutination Test (human sera only). PCR was performed on 10 percent of the milk samples and vaginal swabs from small ruminants.ResultsOne human and 14 sheep sera were positive by the Rose Bengal Test. The rest were negative in all serological tests used. The PCR results were all negative.ConclusionsThe results suggest that brucellosis is currently not a generalized problem in humans or small ruminants in The Gambia.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in and around Jammu, India, using different serological tests.

Aim:Brucellosis is a disease of zoonotic importance as it affects both human as well as animal’s health, and therefore, directly affects animal productivity and human efficiency. Therefore, a study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans in Jammu and surrounding areas.Materials and Methods:A total of 121 sera samples from humans occupied with professional related to animals were collected and tested for anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), modified RBPT (mRBPT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). Sampling was done keeping in view with the occupation, sex, and age.Results:The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis recorded was 4.96%. The test-wise seroprevalence was 9.91% by RBPT, 9.91% by mRBPT, 9.09% by STAT, and 16.52% by I-ELISA. The prevalence of brucellosis was higher in >35-50 years age group compared to >20-35 years and >50-65 years. Sex-wise seroprevalence was higher in males than females. Taking I-ELISA as standard, the relative sensitivities of mRBPT, RBPT, and I-ELISA were in the order of mRBPT=RBPT>STAT. All the tests revealed high specificity values; however, among different serological tests, I-ELISA detected a maximum number of positive sera samples.Conclusions:The prevalence of brucellosis was found to be approximately 5%. The adult (>35-50 years) age male group was most vulnerable. The routine diagnosis of brucellosis involved the conventional serological tests, viz., RBPT and STAT, but each was associated with drawbacks which could give either false-positive or false-negative interpretation. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a battery of tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis.

Using Competitive ELISA for Accurate Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Humans in Alexandria Province with Emphasis on the Disease Epidemiology

A total of 300 human serum samples were examined by RBPT and c. ELISA to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis in humans in Alexandria Province and to investigate the epidemiological pattern of such disease among humans. It was found that the overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans through RBPT and c. ELISA was 14.67, and 11.67%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant association at (P

Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in Humans and their Animals: A Linked Cross-sectional Study in Two Selected Counties in Kenya

Brucellosis is one of the world's most widespread zoonosis. We determined the sero-prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in humans and their animals in Kajiado and Kiambu Counties of Kenya through simultaneous cross sectional surveys. The current study simultaneously investigated the linkage in sero-prevalence between humans and their animals within the same household at the same time. A human prevalence range of 2.2%-14.1% is reported while the prevalence in animals was 1.2%-3.4%. Having animal contact as well as handling hides and skins (OR =6.6, 95% CI: 4.5-9.7) predisposed humans to exposure to brucellosis.

A review of Brucella seroprevalence among humans and animals in Bangladesh with special emphasis on epidemiology, risk factors and control opportunities

Brucellosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic disease in many countries affecting both humans and animals. The aim of this paper is to review published reports of the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and animals (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and dogs) in Bangladesh. The prevalence studies are based primarily on the following serological tests: rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBT), plate agglutination test (PAT), tube agglutination test (TAT), mercaptoethanol agglutination test (MET), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), slow agglutination test (SAT), milk ring test (MRT), indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (I-ELISA), competitive ELISA (C-ELISA) and fluorescent polarization assay (FPA). Seroprevalences of brucellosis were found to be affected by the sensitivity and specificity of serological tests employed. Brucellosis prevalence varied based on occupations of people (2.5-18.6%) and species of animals (3.7% in cattle, 4.0% in buffalo, 3.6% in goats and 7.3% in sheep). The prevalence of brucellosis in humans was reported in livestock farmers (2.6-21.6%), milkers (18.6%), butchers (2.5%) and veterinarians (5.3-11.1%) who have direct contact with animal and its products or who consume raw milk. According to published reports brucellosis does affect people and livestock of Bangladesh. There is an immediate need for a concerted effort to control and eradicate brucellosis from domesticated animals in Bangladesh.

Bayesian estimation of the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and livestock in Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan reported 77.5 new cases of human brucellosis per 100,000 inhabitants in 2007, which is one of the highest incidences in the world. However, because this number is based on official records, it is very likely that the incidence is underreported. The diagnostic tests most commonly used in Kyrgyzstan are the Rose Bengal test in ruminants and the Huddleson test in humans. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests have never been evaluated under field conditions in Kyrgyzstan, where the strains circulating in livestock and humans are unknown. Therefore, a representative national cross-sectional serological study was undertaken in humans, cattle, sheep and goats to assess the true seroprevalence and to compare different serologicaltests. In the year of study (2006), few animals were vaccinated against brucellosis in Kyrgyzstan. A total of 5,229 livestock sera and 1,777 human sera from three administrative regions were collected during spring 2006 and submitted to a range of serological tests. The true seroprevalence of brucellosis, estimated using Bayesian methodology, was 7% (95% credibility interval 4%-9%) in humans, 3% (1%-5%) in cattle, 12% (7%-23%) in sheep and 15% (7%-30%) in goats. The Rose Bengal test was confirmed as a useful screening test in livestock and humans, although its sensitivity was lower than that of other tests. The estimates of specificity of all tests were significantly higher than those for sensitivity. The high seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans, cattle and small ruminants in Kyrgyzstan was confirmed. Bayesian statistical approaches were demonstrated to be useful for simultaneously deriving test characteristics and true prevalence estimates in the absence of a gold standard.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Erbil city

Background and objectives: Brucellosis is an acute or chronic illness manifested principally by chills and fever. Occasionally, chronic relapsing febrile episodes occur. Brucellosis is endemic in animal and humans are infected incidentally. The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of brucellosis in Erbil City, study the relation between the rate of infection and a number of predisposing factors. Methods: Blood samples were collected from (2085) patients suspected of having brucellosis attending, Erbil Teaching Hospitals and Rizgary. The sera were examined using Rose Bengal test. Results: Serum samples from patients showed (10.7%) of positive reaction indicating the presence of anti-brucella antibodies. Seropositivity of brucellosis in female (12.48%) was significantly higher than male (8.02%), and in rural area was (40.98%) and in urban area was (9.44%). The highest seropositivity of brucellosis occurred among age group (21-30) years. The infection rate with B. miletensis and Brucella abortus was (71.75%) and (28.25%) respectively. The highest seropositivity occurred among individuals who were in contact with animals (37.34%), and in occupations was the highest among the farmers and dairy workers (37.5% and 37.28%) respectively. In Monthly distribution showed the highest sero-positivity occurred in October (12.72%). Conclusion: Sero-posivity of brucellosis in Erbil City is somehow similar to the neighboring countries. There are variations in the incidence of brucellosis in relation to sex, age, area, occupation, source of infection and seasons.

Serodiagnosis of brucellosis in cattle and humans in Egypt

Brucellosis is a serious disease that primarily affects animals, which act as reservoirs for human infection. There is scanty data on brucellosis prevalence in cattle and humans in Mediterranean countries. Control of brucellosis in animals, and thus prevention of human disease, depends on utilizing efficient diagnostic procedures. In order to explore different factors affecting brucellosis prevalence in humans and cattle, we employed multiple serodiagnostic tests to compare brucellosis sero-prevalence in cattle with respect to breed, age, and sex, and to detect sero-positive rates of brucellosis in humans, who had history of contact with animals. 100 blood samples were collected from each of animal and human subjects. Buffered acidified plate antigen, Rose Bengal plate, standard tube agglutination, and Rivanol tests were used. There was no significant difference in brucellosis sero-prevalence between cattle of Friesian and Charolais breeds, or between male and female animals. This is the first study to compare sero-prevalence of brucellosis between Friesian and Charolais breeds. Brucellosis prevalence in more-than-1-year-old cattle was significantly higher than its prevalence in less-than-1-year-old cattle. This can be attributed to animals which were exposed before reaching 1 year of age, but did not seroconvert at the time of testing and remained in an incubatory stage instead. The total sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans ranged between 5% and 8%, with no significant differences with respect to different seasons of the year. The high prevalence rates of human brucellosis call for more strict application of hygienic measures to prevent the spread of brucellosis from cattle and other livestock to humans.