Brucellosis Seropositivity Research Articles

Abortion and various associated risk factors in small ruminants in Algeria

Identification of the causes of abortion among the huge population of small ruminants in Algeria (≈31 millions heads), is an important task for the control of livestock productivity and viability scourges to the small ruminants industry. Optimal production and utilization is constrained by a number of factors: disease, poor feeding and low management skills. Therefore, in the present study the prevalence of abortion in Algerian small ruminant’s flocks was estimated and its possible association was correlated with infectious (PPR, BT and Brucellosis seropositivity) and managerial (flock size, grazing system, type of farming, and contact with other flocks) risk factors. The present study showed an overall flock prevalence of small ruminant’s abortion as 75.33% (113/150) [95% CI 71.72–78.94%]. The risk factor analysis using multivariable logistic regression recognized the north-western and the steppe region as well as PPR positivity as a risk factor for abortion in Algerian small ruminant’s flocks. The odds of flock abortion was 11.47 [95% CI 2.39–54.88; P=0.002] and 10.31 [95% CI 1.28–82.88; P=0.028] times higher in north-western and steppe regions respectively compared to other region. Also the presence of PPRV infection in small ruminant flocks amplified the odds by 6 times [95% CI 2.221–17.427; P=0.001].Surprisingly, the univariate analysis for the other risk factors associated with abortions in Algerian small ruminant flocks indicated no statistically significant links with bluetongue (P=1.000) and brucellosis seropositivity (P=0.334). Flock size (P=0.574), type of farming (P=0.443), grazing system (P=0.117) and contact with other flocks (P=0.245) was also not statistically significant. Our results revealed that abortion in small ruminants is a challenge to farmers and PPR was chiefly linked to it. Therefore an effective vaccination and control programme is advocated for small ruminants in Algeria.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in cattle in selected districts of Jimma zone, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Jimma town and Chora Botor district of Jimma zone from February 2014 to May 2014 to determine seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in cattle. A total of 348 blood samples (174 each from zebu and crossbreed) were collected. The sera were separated and screened by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and positive sera were retested by complement fixation test (CFT) for confirmation. The overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was 1.4 and 0.3% as tested by RBPT and CFT, respectively. The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in indigenous and crossbreed cattle was 1.1 and 0.6% and 1.7 and 0% using RBPT and CFT, respectively. Retained fetal membrane was the only risk factor found to be significantly associated with seropositivity of brucellosis in this study (p = 0.019). The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was very low. However, due to the zoonotic and economic importance of the disease, prevention and control measures are required to stop further spread of the disease. To effectively implement this, the One Health (OH) is the most constructive approach we recommend.

Sero-epidemiology of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and brucellosis in organised dairy farms in southern India

The present study was conducted to know the seroprevalence of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and burcellosis and its epidemiology in organised dairy farms in southern India. Sera samples (559) 398 cattle and 161 buffaloes) were collected from 6 organised dairy farms in southern India. Samples were screened for IBR by avidin biotin ELISA and brucellosis by RBPT and indirect ELISA. The overall apparent prevalence were 61.54%, 10.20% and 11.63% for IBR, Brucella by RBPT and iELISA respectively. The state-wise seroprevalence showed highest in Andhra Pradesh for IBR and Karnataka for both IBR and brucellosis; lowest in Tamil Nadu for both the diseases. There was no significant difference in male and female in seroprevalence of these diseases. Crossbred cattle showed high seroprevalence for IBR and Brucella antibodies when compared to indigenous cattle breeds. Buffaloes showed increased seroprevalence for IBR and Brucella when compared to cattle. The IBR seropositive animals showed positive relationship with increase in age. Animals with history of abortions showed seroprevalence of 100% for IBR and 40-50% for brucellosis. The animals with history of reproductive problems showed increased seroprevalence when compared to apparently healthy bovines. The seropositivity for both IBR and brucellosis were 2.76% and 29.19% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively and with overall seropositivity of 10.38%. Thus IBR and brucellosis seroprevalence has increased over the years and there is a need to tackle these diseases effectively by zoosanitary measures and control programmes in organised dairy farms which would benefit the dairying in Southern India.

Livestock seromonitoring and human brucellosis in central Mongolia: applying the one health approach

Abstract Background The National Mongolian Livestock Programme 2010–21, approved by the Mongolian Parliament in 2010, includes activities to eliminate brucellosis from Mongolia. As part of this programme, the Mongolian authorities planned to vaccinate animals in Western Aimags in 2011 and in the Central Aimags in 2012. The current project was implemented between 2011 and 2014 and included three seromonitoring studies conducted after the mass vaccination of livestock in Mongolia. The aim of this study was to assist the government in effective planning of brucellosis control measures and capacity-building in epidemiology. Methods The project consisted of three components: theoretical training on epidemiology, field work, and data analysis training. We conducted a cross-sectional study to measure vaccination and immunisation coverage and the prevalence of human brucellosis in the central region of Mongolia. We randomly selected two aimags (provinces)—Dundgobi and Uvurkhangai—from the nine aimags in Central Mongolia. The selections of households and herds were done in a four-stage random cluster sampling, proportional to the size of the targeted livestock herd. Findings Human brucellosis seropositivity was higher in Dundgobi (26/254 [10%]) than in Uvurkhangai Aimag (9/252 [3·8%]). The reported vaccination frequency of livestock in a khot ail (a cluster of several households that share shelter, water, and pasture) was high (87% for cattle herds, 100% for yak, and 96% for goat and sheep herds). Seropositivity was 44% in cattle, 92% in yak, 70% in goats, and 65% in sheep. As part of the project, 40 epidemiology professionals received training and they are now able to apply the knowledge gained from the programme to their work. Furthermore, the Mongolian government has data for rates of brucellosis in humans and livestock in Central and Eastern Mongolia as a result of this project. Interpretation The project has provided the groundwork for sustainable development by training Mongolian professionals to monitor brucellosis vaccination at a national level. The fight against brucellosis requires long-term commitment and financial and technical support from various stakeholders, including herders, veterinarians, medical professionals, and decision makers. Among ongoing challenges is that there is resistance from some veterinarians who deny the benefits of the one health approach and the contribution of international experts. Funding The project has been funded by the Animal project implemented jointly by the Government of Mongolia and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel, with financial support from the Swiss development agency.

Serology for brucellosis in free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and brown-nosed coatis (Nasua nasua) from Brazilian Pantanal

A serological survey in free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous) and brown-nosed coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) was performed in the Nhecolândia sub-region of the Brazilian Pantanal to evaluate the presence of anti-smooth Brucella antibodies on those wild populations. The detection of anti-smooth Brucella antibodies was performed by the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) as screening test and the Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) as a confirmatory test. The frequency of smooth Brucella seropositive animals were 13.2% (5/38, 95% CI: 4.4% - 28.1%) for crab-eating foxes and 8.8% (3/34, 95% CI: 1.9% -23.7%) for brown-nosed coatis. No association was found between seropositivity for brucellosis and gender or age. The results of this study suggest exposure to or infection of crab-eating fox and brown-nosed coati from the Brazilian Pantanal by Brucella spp

Seroprevalence survey of brucellosis among rural people in Mongolia.

After the transition from socialism to a market economy in 1990, human brucellosis re-emerged in Mongolia. The aim of our study was to estimate a representative seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and to determine risk factors for brucellosis seropositivity among rural people. A cross-sectional study with multistage random selection was conducted in eight provinces of Mongolia. Study participants were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain their brucellosis history, current symptoms and likely risk factors. Blood samples were drawn to determine brucellosis seroprevalence. A total of 2856 randomly selected rural people aged four to 90 years were enrolled in the study. The seroprevalence of Brucella spp. was 11.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.0-12.1), ranging between 2.3% and 22.6% in the eight provinces; 39.2% (n=609) of nomadic camps had at least one seropositive participant. Risk factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity were being older than 45 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=6.9, 95% CI=5.1-8.7) and being a veterinarian (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.5-5.0). Our study confirms that human brucellosis seroprevalence among rural people in Mongolia is high. Human brucellosis can be effectively controlled if high-coverage livestock mass vaccination is implemented with a coverage survey after the vaccinations to ensure completeness. This mass vaccination should be accompanied by public awareness and educational programmes.

A case-control study of risk factors for bovine brucellosis seropositivity in Peninsular Malaysia.

Bovine brucellosis was first reported in Peninsular Malaysia in 1950. A subsequent survey conducted in the country revealed that the disease was widespread. Current knowledge on the potential risk factors for brucellosis occurrence on cattle farms in Malaysia is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to identify the potential herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis occurrence in four states in the country, namely Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Thirty-five cases and 36 controls of herds were selected where data on farm management, biosecurity, medical history and public health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified that Brucella seropositive herds were more likely to; have some interaction with wildlife (OR 8.9, 95% CI = 1.59–50.05); originated from farms where multiple species such as buffalo/others (OR 41.8, 95% CI = 3.94–443.19) and goat/sheep (OR 8.9, 95%Cl = 1.10–71.83) were reared, practice extensive production system (OR 13.6, 95% CI 1.31–140.24) and have had episodes of abortion in the past (OR 51.8, 95% CI = 4.54–590.90) when compared to seronegative herds. Considering the lack of information on the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in peninsular Malaysia and absence of information on preventing the inception or spread of the disease, this report could contribute to the on-going area-wise national brucellosis eradication program.

Seroprevalance of brucellosis, listeriosis and toxoplasmosis in cattle in Adana province of Turkey

This study was conducted to identify the seroprevalance of diseases which are zoonotic and responsible from abortion such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis and brucellosis in Holstein crossbred cattle of different age and sex in Adana province, between 2008 April-September. For this purpose, blood serum samples were collected from 132 cattle and analyzed for Toxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogenes and Brucella abortus antibodies. T. gondii, L. monocytogenes and Brucella abortus antibodies were determined by the standard Sabin- Feldman Dye Test (SFDT), Osebold method and Microtube Agglutination Test (MAT) respectively, from the blood serum samples. 132 serum tested 56.06% samples of T. gondii, 40.9% and 3.03% of L. monocytogenes and defined the B.abortus antibodies were found to be seropositive terms. There were no statistically significant difference between seropositive T. gondii, L. monocytogenes and B.abortus antibodies among age groups (p>0.05). In this study, for the first time in cattle in the region of Adana serological methods revealed the presence L. monocytogenes, toxoplasmosis and listeriosis were higher than brucellosis seropositivity. Moreover, the prevalence of these diseases in the same animal at the highest rate was determined for T. gondii and L. monocytogenes.

Human Brucellosis in Northwest Ecuador: TypifyingBrucellaspp., Seroprevalence, and Associated Risk Factors

Human brucellosis in Ecuador is underreported and based only on passive surveillance. Since 2008, brucellosis was removed from the list of communicable diseases in the country. Until now, the true human brucellosis picture has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of the disease, identify risk factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity in humans, and isolate circulating strains of Brucella spp. in the northwestern part of Ecuador. Between 2006 and 2008, a large transect survey was conducted, based on blood sampling of people from the northwestern part of Ecuador (n=3733) together with an epidemiological inquiry. On the basis of three diagnostic tests used in parallel, the overall seroprevalence was estimated as 1.88% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48-2.38). Based on a multivariable random effects logistic regression analysis, the main risk factors associated with human brucellosis seropositivity were contact with livestock (odds ratio [OR]=3.0; CI 1.25-7.08), consumption of fetus and placenta (OR=2.5; CI 1.18-5.22), and involvement in activities at risk for brucellosis infection (OR=1.8; CI 1.00-3.35). Noticeable variation in brucellosis seropositivity among humans within cantons was observed. The circulating strain was Brucella abortus biotype 4. This study emphasized that contact with livestock, consumption of fetus and placenta, and occupational hazard group were all significant risk factors for the transmission of brucellosis among individuals in the northwestern part of Ecuador. Alongside encouraging the launching of educational campaigns against brucellosis, especially in rural areas where 36% of the population lives, controlling this zoonotic disease in animals will directly benefit its prevention in humans, especially because there is no safe and efficacious vaccine against brucellosis in humans.

Seroprevalence and potential risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in traditional cattle, sheep and goats reared in urban, periurban and rural areas of Niger.

IntroductionIn Niamey, Niger, interactions within the interface between animals, humans and the environment induce a potential risk of brucellosis transmission between animals and from animals to humans. Currently, little is known about the transmission of Brucella in this context.Results5,192 animals from 681 herds were included in the study. Serum samples and hygroma fluids were collected. A household survey enabled to identify the risk factors for transmission of brucellosis. The true adjusted herd-level prevalence of brucellosis ranged between 11.2% and 17.2% and the true adjusted animal-population level prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.9–1.8%) based on indirect ELISA test for Brucella antibodies. Animals aged of 1–4 years were found to be more susceptible than animals less than 1 year old (Odds ratio [OR] of 2.7; 95% CI: 1.43–5.28). For cattle, the odds of brucellosis seropositivity were higher in rural compared to the periurban areas (OR of 2.8; 95% CI: 1.48–5.17) whereas for small ruminants the risk of seropositivity appeared to be higher in urban compared to periurban areas (OR of 5.5; 95% CI: 1.48–20.38). At herd level, the risk of transmission was increased by transhumance (OR of 5.4; 95% CI: 2.84–10.41), the occurrence of abortions (OR of 3.0; 95% CI: 1.40–6.41), and for herds having more than 50 animals (OR of 11.0; 95% CI: 3.75–32.46). Brucella abortus biovar 3 was isolated from the hygromas.Conclusionbrucellosis in Niger is a serious problem among cattle especially in the rural areas around Niamey and among sheep in the urban areas of Niamey. The seroprevalence varies across strata and animal species with important risk factors including herd size, abortion and transhumance at herd level and age at animal population level. For effective control of brucellosis, an integrated approach seems appropriate involving all stakeholders working in public and animal health.

Milk yield and reproductive performance of brucellosis-vaccinated but seropositive Holstein cows

The aim of this research was to study if seropositivity for brucellosis in vaccinated cows against this disease hampers reproductive performance and milk production in high-yielding Holstein cows. For this purpose 1,026 healthy cows and 372 cows seropositive for brucellosis were enrolled in this study. Cows positive to card test and subsequently to the rivanol test were further subjected to the radial immunodiffusion (RID) test. It was found that only 11% of the presumably infected cows by brucellosis screening tests were really infected with this disease. The reproductive performance of the group of cows with 11% Brucella-infected animals was not impaired; overall pregnancy rate did not differ between seropositive and healthy cows (30.9 vs. 29.6%). The abortion rates were similar between seropositive cows (5.3%) and seronegative animals (6.9%). Cows in the herd with 11% Brucella-infected animals produced significantly more milk than unaffected cows over a 305-day lactation (10,684 ± 1,720 vs. 10,345 ± 1,736; mean ± SD; P < 0.05). It was concluded that in dairy herds vaccinated against brucellosis with both 19 and RB51 strains, supplemental tests such as RID need to be conducted on all reactors in order to maintain diagnostic accuracy. These results also indicate that 11% animal prevalence of brucellosis did not exert a detrimental effect on 305-day milk yield and reproductive performance in high milk-yielding Holstein cows.

Sero-prevalence and risk factors study of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

This study reports a prevalence and risk factor survey of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia between October 2011 and April 2012 to determine the sero-prevalence of small-ruminant brucellosis and to identify associated risk factors for the occurrence of disease in small ruminants under extensive production system. Multistage random sampling was followed to select locations, flocks, and individual animals. Laboratory analysis of serum samples provided sero-prevalence estimates for flocks and geographic location. Information on risk factors at the individual and flock level was obtained by examination of individual animal and a questionnaire interview to flock owners. The overall individual animal-level sero-prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants was 3.5% and flock level sero-prevalence was 28.3%, and the within-flock sero-prevalence was ranged from 0% to 22.2% based on the Complement Fixation Test. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the major risk factors for flock level sero-positivity were flock size and abortion history. This study showed that small-ruminant brucellosis is prevalent in the study area. Larger flock size and history of previous abortion in the flock were major risk factors identified for sero-positivity of small-ruminant brucellosis.

Herd-level risk factors for Campylobacter fetus infection, Brucella seropositivity and within-herd seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle in northern Nigeria

Brucellosis and campylobacteriosis are economically important diseases affecting bovine reproductive efficiency in Nigeria. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 271 cattle herds in Adamawa, Kaduna and Kano states of northern Nigeria using multistage cluster sampling. Serum from 4745 mature animals was tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal plate test and positives were confirmed in series-testing protocol using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Preputial scrapings from 602 bulls were tested using culture and identification for Campylobacter fetus. For each disease, a herd was classified as positive if one or more animals tested positive. For each herd, information on potential managemental and environmental risk factors was collected through a questionnaire administered during an interview with the manager, owner or herdsman. Multiple logistic regression models were used to model the odds of herd infection for each disease. A zero-inflated Poisson model was used to model the count of Brucella-positive animals within herds, with the number tested as an exposure variable. The presence of small ruminants (sheep and/or goats) on the same farm, and buying-in of >3 new animals in the previous year or failure to practice quarantine were associated with increased odds of herd-level campylobacteriosis and brucellosis, as well as increased within-herd counts of Brucella-positive animals. In addition, high rainfall, initial acquisition of animals from markets, practice of gynaecological examination and failure to practice herd prophylactic measures were positively associated with the odds of C. fetus infection in the herd. Herd size of >15, pastoral management system and presence of handling facility on the farm were associated with increased odds, and gynaecological examination with reduced odds of herd-level Brucella seropositivity. Furthermore, the zero-inflated Poisson model showed that borrowing or sharing of bulls was associated with higher counts, and provision of mineral supplement with lower counts of Brucella-positive cattle within herds. Identification of risk factors for bovine campylobacteriosis and brucellosis can help to identify appropriate control measures, and the use of zero-inflated count model can provide more specific information on these risk factors.

Investigation of Coxiella burnetii and Brucella Seropositivities in Patients Presenting with Acute Fever

Tokat province and Kelkit Valley located in the Black Sea region of Turkey are endemic areas for brucellosis and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Since the risk factors are similar, the probability of Coxiella burnetii seroposititivity is assumed to be also high in this area. The aim of this study was to investigate Q fever and brucellosis seropositivity in patients with acute fever. A total of 53 patients (37 male, 16 female; age range: 18-65 years, mean age: 47.13 ± 16.40 years) who were admitted to the emergency room and infection diseases outpatient clinics of Gaziosmanpasa University hospital with acute fever between June 2011-June 2012 were included in the study. Symptoms, physical examination findings and laboratory test results of the patients were recorded. In addition, their place of residence, relationship with rural area, and history of contacts with animals were questioned. The presence of C.burnetii phase II lgM and lgG antibodies were investigated by indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay, and Brucella spp. antibodies by Rose Bengal and standard tube agglutination methods in the serum samples of patients. C.burnetii seropositivity was determined in 19 (36%) of the patients, and 2 (4%) of them were diagnosed as acute Q fever with the positivity of both lgG and lgM antibodies. Among the seropositive and seronegative patients, there was no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, animal contact, occupation, place of residence and relationship with rural-life (p> 0.05). Acute fever was attributed to pneumonia in 10 patients and of them five were found positive for phase II lgG antibodies. There was no significant difference between C.burnetii seropositive and seronegative patients in terms of the presence of pneumonia (p= 0.30). In two patients diagnosed as acute Q fever no signs of pneumoniae were detected in the chest X-rays; one of these cases was resided in the city and the other in the rural area while both had contact with animals. The most frequently detected symptoms in patients with acute Q fever were malaise, fatigue, chills, cough, sputum, dyspnea, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Brucella seropositivity was detected in 6 (11%) patients and four of them were diagnosed as acute brucellosis. Four of the Brucella seropositive patients were also found positive for C.burnetii. Sixteen (84%) of C.burnetii seropositive patients were male and 3 (16%) were female. Eleven of them were living in the village and eight in the city, however six out of eight urban patients had a history of relation with rural-life, resulting a total of 17 (89%) rural-contacts. In addition, 79% (15/19) of seropositive cases had the history of animal contact most commonly with cattle and sheep (11/15; 73%). When the laboratory findings were compared, serum ferritin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with acute Q fever then those seronegative patients (874 ng/ml mean value vs. 150 ng/mL mean value; p= 0.04), however there was no significant difference between the other laboratory parameters (p> 0.05). Our data indicated that Q fever seropositivity was quite high in Tokat region and the reason may be attributed to entwined life between rural and urban areas. In conclusion in the patients presenting with acute fever, brucellosis and Q fever should be considered in differential diagnosis, since both infections are endemic in that area of Turkey.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Brucellosis as a Professional Hazard in Pakistan

The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in humans at high risk in the Potohar plateau of northeastern Pakistan. A total of 262 serum samples were collected from persons of different occupational groups: veterinary personnel, milkers, abattoir workers, livestock farmers, and others (drivers, security guards, housewives). Data related to gender, age, occupation, contact with animals, brucellosis-related symptoms, consumption of raw milk, and geographical region were collected. The Rose Bengal plate test and the serum agglutination test were performed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence was found to be 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1, 10.6). Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that all cases were affected by Brucella abortus. Individuals who consumed raw milk had higher odds of brucellosis seropositivity. This is the first report of human brucellosis related to B. abortus in high-risk professionals from Pakistan by the combined use of serological and molecular methods.

Screening of Household Family Members of Brucellosis Cases and Neighboring Community Members in Azerbaijan

Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease in Azerbaijan. The first human brucellosis case reported in 1922 was in Pardabil village of a region currently named Shabran. Household members of brucellosis index cases are a population at risk for brucellosis infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of seropositivity of brucellosis among household and neighboring community members of brucellosis index cases in Azerbaijan. Twenty-one household members of 8 index brucellosis cases and 27 community neighbors were serologically tested for evidence of exposure by the serum agglutination test. Of these, the brucellosis seropositivity rate was 9.5% and 7.4%, respectively. Screening of household members of index cases and individuals who live in proximity to infected household members is a practical approach to increase the detection of brucellosis exposure.

Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in goats in areas of Mexico with and without brucellosis control campaign

Brucellosis is a major constraint for small-scale goat farming systems in Mexico. This study estimated the prevalence of testing positive to brucellosis and identified and quantified risk factors in goats from small-scale farms of Michoacán that had participated in a brucellosis campaign (i.e. vaccination, serological testing, culling and awareness) and of Jalisco that had negligible brucellosis campaign participation. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted among 1,713 goats of 83 flocks. The prevalence of testing positive to brucellosis was higher (38%) in Jalisco than in Michoacán (11%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that goats from Michoacán had lower odds to test positive for brucellosis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.48) compared to goats from Jalisco. Goats in zero-grazing systems had lower odds than goats in grazing systems (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.09-0.57). When goats were kept in pens with low density (0.002 to 0.22 goat/m(2)), odds was lower (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.67) compared to goats kept in pens with higher density (0.23 to 1 goat/m(2)). Odds was higher for testing positive when farmers bought goats from goat traders (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.15-2.87) compared to farmers who did not. If scavenger poultry had access to goat pens, the odds was half (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.83) of those where poultry had no access. Regular disinfection of the pen reduced the odds (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.99) compared to where disinfection was not regular. The brucellosis control campaign was effective in reducing brucellosis seropositivity.

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.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN BLACK BENGAL GOATS IN BANGLADESH

A total of 242 milk and 208 blood samples of goat were collected from three organized goat farms and surrounding rural areas of Bangladesh Agricultural University to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in Black Bengal goats during the period from December 2008 to September 2009. Milk samples were screened by Milk Ring Test (MRT) and serum samples by Rose Bengal test (RBT) and Micro Agglutination Test (MAT) for detection of brucella specific antibody in milk and blood respectively. The overall prevalence was recorded as 13.64% in milk by MRT; 3.85% and 3.37% in serum by RBT and MAT respectively. About 21.21(7/33) % and18.18 (6/33) % of MRT positive goat showed positive reactions in RBT and MAT respectively. Does aged up to 4 years had lower prevalence (3.70%) of brucellosis than those aged over 4 years (12.50%). About 2.1 (odds ratio, OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.21- 4.53) and 47.1(OR = 47.1; 95% CI: 5.3- 416.6) folds increased odds of seropositivity of brucellosis were observed in aborted and placental retention cases respectively. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher prevalence of brucellosis was recorded at late lactation stage (17.94%) than those were in mid (16%) and early lactation stage (11.76%). A significantly higher odds of seropositivity of brucellosis was observed in does (OR = 23; 95% CI: 3.08- 173.62). About 7 folds (OR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.13- 5.32) increased odds of seropositivity was observed in pregnant does.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11198 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 141-147

Soropositividade para brucelose em suínos em abatedouros

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a soropositividade para brucelose em suínos em abatedouros. Foram coletados 910 soros de suínos, procedentes de 30 propriedades, abatidos em frigoríficos da região central do estado de São Paulo, e submetidos às provas de soroaglutinaçao com antígeno tamponado acidificado (AAT) e 2-Mercaptoetanol (2-Me) objetivando determinar a ocorrência da enfermidade nesta espécie. Do total de soros avaliados foram observados 25 (2,7%) animais reagentes ao AAT pertencentes a 10 propriedades, caracterizando 36% de propriedades positivas. Dos animais positivos ao AAT, 16% apresentaram titulo de 25 (incompleto) e 52% titulo de 25 na soroaglutinação lenta (SAL), 8% apresentaram titulo de 50 incompleto na SAL e 25 incompleto no 2-ME e 8% apresentaram titulo de 50 na SAL e 25 no 2-ME. Estes resultados demonstram o elevado percentual de propriedades positivas para brucelose nesta região e ressaltam a necessidade de implementação de programas oficiais efetivos para o controle da brucelose suína.