Seroprevalence Of Brucella Antibodies Research Articles

Seroprevalence of brucellosis among cows and sheep in Assiut province: A pilot study

Brucellosis is a common neglected zoonotic disease with a global geographic distribution that endangers human health and animal production. However, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on brucellosis in neglected regions such as Assiut governorate in Egypt. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibodies reactive to Brucella sp. in sheep and cows, as well as the associated risk factors, in Assiut governorate. A total of 184 sheep and 166 cows were included in the study, and their serum samples were subjected to screening using the Rose-Bengal plate test, followed by confirmation through the serum tube agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in sheep of 8.2% (15/184), while in cows, the seroprevalence was 1.2% (2/166). Among sheep, the seropositivity for Brucella abortus was 4.3% (8/184), whereas for Brucella melitensis, it was 6% (11/184). In cows, one cow displayed seropositivity for Brucella abortus, while the other exhibited mixed infection with both Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. Moreover, animals originating from villages bordering Sohag governorate demonstrated a higher risk of contracting brucellosis while other risk factors did not impact the occurrence of brucellosis. In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence of the endemic nature of brucellosis in the investigated areas, with a particularly high prevalence observed in sheep. Both cows and sheep are susceptible to infection by either Brucella abortus or Brucella melitensis. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiological factors associated with infection, it is imperative to conduct large-scale surveys that incorporate molecular isolation of various Brucella species to facilitate the development of appropriate prevention strategies.

Sero-epidemiology of brucellosis in small ruminants on rangeland in northern Mexico

The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in serum of goats and sheep reared on semi-arid pastoral systems of northeastern Mexico was assessed. Additionally, species, gender, and predominant breed were evaluated as risk factors for seropositivity to brucellosis. Data were from 375 flocks of goats or co-mingled goats and sheep. Serum samples from 11001 goats and 4741 sheep collected between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed with the brucellosis card test. The disease affected 12% of flocks. The overall prevalence of brucellosis seropositivity in goats and sheep were estimated at 2.1% (95% CI = 1.78-2.31) and 0.8% (95% CI = 0.58-1.10), respectively. Brucellosis seropositivity was two times more likely (p < 0.01) in goats than sheep. The risk of seropositivity to brucellosis for goats and sheep was 2.3 and 3.2 times higher (p < 0.01) in females than males. Toggenburg goats were more likely (p < 0.01) to be seropositive to brucellosis than all other breeds of goats, whereas criollo sheep were more likely to be seropositive to brucellosis compared to hair sheep composite breeds. The current study revealed that, despite the absence of Brucella vaccination, brucellosis is not widely distributed in the study area. Also of all animals screened, seropositivity to Brucella infection was highest in Toggenburg when compared to other dairy and meat breeds; Criollo sheep also presented the highest seropositivity to brucellosis compared to hair sheep composite breeds. Finally, females compared to males had increased odds of testing positive for brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of <i>Brucella</i> Antibodies and Risk Factors Associated with Human Brucellosis in High-Risk Occupational Groups of the Noun Division in the West Region of Cameroon

Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of Brucella from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of sub-Saharan African countries, little data has been published on human brucellosis. This study aimed to detect Brucella antibodies and the risk factors associated to brucellosis among high-risk occupational groups of people in the Noun Division of Cameroon. For this study, a structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors associated with human brucellosis. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups of people in four villages. Plasma was extracted from each sample and Brucella antibodies were detected using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). Of the 273 participants enrolled, the overall seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies was 12.45% with RBPT and 10.26% with i-ELISA test. This seroprevalence was significantly (P = 0.04; X2 = 9.73) higher among livestock herdsmen (15.8%), slaughterhouse workers (9.8%), butchers (4.8%), participants having no educational level (14.3%) and those experiencing above 5 years of risky activity (15%). Raw milk consumption (OR: 4.8; P = 0.001), no formal education (OR: 6.4; P = 0.03) and assistance of animal during parturition (OR: 7.2; P < 0.0001) appeared as factors that may increase the risk of Brucella infections. The detection of Brucella antibodies indicates the risk of human brucellosis in some groups of people of the Noun division. Consuming unpasteurized milk, participating in parturition and lacking knowledge on brucellosis appeared as risk factors associated with human brucellosis in western Cameroon. It raises the need of developing and implementing control measures for human and animal brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of brucella antibodies in horses in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in horses reared in Sokoto metropolis using the rapid-plate test, serum agglutination test and Competitive ELISA. A total of 347 horses were sampled comprising of 329 males and 9 females within the age range of 1 to above ten years. The serum samples were harvested and subjected to Rapid Plate Test, CompELISA and Serum Agglutination Test. Out of the 347 horses sampled, 48 were found to be positive for the Rapid Plate Test and CompELISA while 41 were positive for Serum Agglutination Test. Thus, an overall prevalence of 13.83% was realized. Also, 7 horses had antibody titre of 1:40, 12 had 1:60 titre, while 29 had 1:80. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies was highest in males (14.28%) compared to females (0%). The seroprevalence to brucella antibodies was found not to be statistically significantly associated with sex of the horses as observed in this study. Horses between the age of 6 to 10 years had a higher prevalence of Brucella antibodies 24 (16.32%) as compared to those 0 to 5 years 21 (12.5%) and those above ten years 3 (9.37%). Age was also not a significant factor for brucella antibody seropositivity (p = 0.588). This study indicates that Brucellosis is prevalent in horses in Sokoto. Hence, horse attendants and livestock reared together are at risk of contracting brucella infection.

Brucella Seroprevalence in a High-Risk Population in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Brucellosis is a zoonosis with high occupational risk. However, seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies among occupational groups is not known, since studies in endemic countries are rare. Methods A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted among livestock farmers in an endemic region in Greece. A low-risk group of individuals that just moved in the region was used as controls. Rose Bengal, Wright standard tube agglutination (STA) tests, and specific IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA were evaluated; differences and odds ratios were calculated. Results were compared with studies from other endemic regions. Results 100 livestock farmers and family members and 34 first-year students were enrolled. Rose Bengal results were 18% positive versus 0% (p=0.007); Wright STAs for Brucella melitensis were 8% versus 2.9% (p=0.448) and for Brucella abortus they were 2% versus 2.9% (p=0.588). ELISA IgG was positive in 8% of farmers versus 2.9% of students (p=0.448). Parallel testing with Rose Bengal and ELISA IgG was positive in 3% versus 0% (p=0.571). No significant odds ratios were calculated for Wright STAs and ELISA IgG. Conclusions Healthy livestock farmers may present with positive Rose Bengal test but this translates to true seroprevalence in only a small proportion. Livestock farmers have no significant seroprevalence that may obscure diagnosis of acute brucellosis in clinical settings.

Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in harbor seals in Alaska, USA, with age, regional, and reproductive comparisons.

Populations of harbor seal Phoca vitulina in the Gulf of Alaska have dramatically declined during the past 4 decades. Numbers of seals in Glacier Bay, in southeast Alaska, USA, have also declined despite extensive protection. Causes of the declines and slow recovery are poorly understood. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that adversely affects reproduction in many domestic species. We measured the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in 554 harbor seals in 3 Alaska locations: Prince William Sound (PWS), Glacier Bay (GB), and Tracy Arm Fords Terror (TAFT) Wilderness Area. Objectives included testing for regional, sex, age, and female reproductive state differences in Brucella antibody seroprevalence, persistence in titers in recaptured seals, and differences in titers between mother seals and their pups. Overall, 52% of adults (AD), 53% of subadults (SA), 77% of yearlings (YRL), and 26% of <5 mo old pups were seropositive. Matched mother-pup samples were consistent with dependent pups acquiring maternal passive immunity to Brucella. Results show higher seroprevalence (64%) for AD and SA seals in the depressed and declining populations in PWS and GB than in TAFT (29%). Lactating females were less likely to be seropositive than other AD females, including pregnant females. Further research is needed to seek evidence of Brucella infection in Alaskan harbor seals, identify effects on neonatal viability, and assess zoonotic implications for Alaska Natives who rely on harbor seals for food.

Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in camels in Katsina State, Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the status of Brucella infection in one-humped (Dromedary) camels in the North and Central senatorial districts of Katsina State, Nigeria. Nine hundred and eighty serum samples from live and slaughtered camels were tested. Modified Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, (EDTA) were used as screening and standard tests, respectively. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies were 110 (11.2%) and 103 (10.5%) for RBPT and SAT, respectively. Of the 472 and 508 serum samples tested from the herds and abattoirs, respectively, 63 (13.3%) and 47 (9.3%) were positive by RBPT while 62 (13.1%) and 41 (8.1%) were positive by SAT, respectively. Based on the results, it was concluded that Brucella antibodies were present in camels in the study area. Poor management practices and mixing of camels with other species of livestock as well as unrestricted movement of camels were proposed to be the reasons for the prevalence of the disease in the study area. In view of the public health importance of the disease, it is recommended that there is the need to develop a strategic plan to decrease spread of brucellosis in the study area.

Seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in Cattle, Molecular Characterization in Milk, and the Analysis of Associated Risk Factors with Seroprevalence in Humans, Egypt.

The objective of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in humans and cattle at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. In addition, identification of Brucella spp. in milk samples by PCR and culture with the evaluation of the risk factors associated with Brucella spp. seroprevalence in humans were carried out. Overall, the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in the examined cattle was 23.8%, while in human participants it was 21%. The examination of 205 milk samples using PCR revealed that 6.3% were positive for B. abortus biovar 1 and the results were confirmed by culture methods. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, occupational contact with animals, and knowledge about the disease are risk factors associated with infection in humans. This study documented the endemic status of brucellosis in Egypt. Hygienic measures and increased awareness about the disease are recommended to minimize the spread of infection from animals to humans.

Monitoring of Ruminant Sera for the Presence of Brucella Antibodies in Alexandria Province

A serological investigation was carried out in some ruminant species including cattle (100), sheep (200) and goats (200) in Alexandria Province. Serum samples were randomly selected then tested for the presence of antibodies against Brucella by using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) supplied by Veterinary Vaccine Institute, Abbasia, Egypt and only positive samples were confirmed by Complement Fixation test (CFT). It was found that the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in the examined serum samples of cattle, sheep and goats was 6, 6 and 7 %, respectively. The effect of some epidemiological factors including seasons of the year and sex groups on the occurrence of infection in ruminant animals were studied. The obtained results clarified that occurrence of Brucella infection was higher in females than in males with highest seasonal incidence occurring in spring season. Our study revealed that brucellosis is endemic at high levels in all ruminant species in the study area and questions the efficacy of the control measures in that place. The high intensity of infection transmission among ruminants combined with high livestock and human density and widespread marketing of unpasteurized milk and dairy products may explain the increasing rates of human brucellosis. The public health importance of brucellosis was discussed and an effective integrated human-animal control strategy is urgently needed.

Seroprevalence of Brucella Antibodies in Household Goats in Benue North-East Senatorial District, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Brucella Antibodies in Household Goats in Benue North-East Senatorial District, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Brucella Antibodies in Goats in Oju, Benue State, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Brucella Antibodies in Goats in Oju, Benue State, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in northern Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

ObjectiveTo determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis among cattle in some local government areas (LGA) of the northern part of Plateau State, Nigeria. MethodsSera obtained from a total of 270 randomly selected cattle from different herds in the four selected LGAs were for Brucellaantibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). ResultsAn overall brucellosis seroprevalence of 9.6% (26/270) was obtained. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies among the cattle across the LGA ranged from 0%-37.3% with Riyom and Bassa LGA having the lowest and highest seroprevalence respectively while Barkin Ladi LGA had no sero-positive cattle. Females had a higher percentage of seropositives compared to males while cattle reared under extensive system of management had a higher (11.6%) percentage of sero-positives compared to cattle kept under the intensive system of management. However, there was no statistically significant (P>0.05) association between serological status and sex or management practice. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicates that bovine brucellosis is still a problem among the cattle population in Plateau State, Nigeria. And the public and other animals are at risk of exposure to the disease agent in these animals which are still shedding the organism.

The Use of Rose Bengal Plate Test to Asses Cattle Exposure to Brucella Infection in Traditional and Smallholder Dairy Production Systems of Tanga Region of Tanzania

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors for bovine brucellosis seropositivity in traditional and smallholder dairy cattle production systems in the Tanga region of North-eastern Tanzania. The study populations comprised 246 indigenous and 409 crossbred cattle, randomly selected from 105 smallholder dairy and 25 traditional managed herds, respectively. Individual animal and herd-level data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum samples were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test The overall seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in the smallholder dairy and traditional managed cattle was 4.1% and 7.3% respectively. The corresponding overall herd prevalence was 10.5% and 20% respectively. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, closeness to stock route, access to surface drinking water and location were identified as the major risk factors for individual herd seroprevalence. Older animals (≥6 years) were associated with increased risk of sero-positivity compared to animals of age category of ≤6 years. The results showed that brucellosis is prevalent and widely distributed locally, underscoring the need for further studies including surveillance and institution of preventive and control measures particularly among female young-stock and the general public who are at high risk of contracting brucellosis.

Childhood brucellosis in Jordan: prevalence and analysis of risk factors

To investigate the seroprevalence of childhood brucellosis in Jordan and to elucidate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella. Between January 2001 and October 2006, a cross-sectional study of children aged < or = 15 years was conducted; a total of 1282 serum samples were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Brucella antigens using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens were identified by constructing a multivariate logistic regression model. Of the 1282 serum samples tested, 119 (9.3%) were positive by both RBPT and ELISA tests. When adjusted for the sensitivities and specificities of the two tests, the true seroprevalence was 11.6%. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Ma'an and Mafraq governorates was significantly higher than in the other governorates. The logistic regression model identified male gender (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1), age older than 10 years (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.9), living in a village (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9), and assisting in raising small ruminants (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) as risk factors for childhood Brucella seropositivity in Jordan. This study documents the importance of brucellosis in children and further emphasizes the role of small ruminants as an important source for human infection.

Seroprevalence of brucella antibodies among persons in high-risk occupation in Lebanon.

Prevalence of brucella-specific antibodies was measured in 597 persons in high-risk occupations living in 10 regions of Lebanon using the standard agglutination test (SAT), anti-human globulin (Coombs') test (AHGT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM and IgA. The study population consisted of butchers (54%), farmers (35%), laboratory technicians (8%), abbatoir workers (2%) and veterinarians (1%), with 82% males and 18% females. The overall seroprevalence based on SAT and AHGT titres of > or = 80 was 1.7% and 15%, respectively, but seroprevalence varied by region from 0-5% in SAT and from 3.4-34% for AHGT. The overall seroprevalence based on ELISA IgG (OD > or = 0.6), IgM (OD > or = 0.6) and IgA (OD > or = 0.3) was 57, 61 and 26%, respectively. The highest seroprevalence was noted in Biqaa (34%), Kisrwan (24%), Shouf (21%), Sidon (16%) and Aley (12%) regions. Nineteen percent of those surveyed reported symptoms that could be associated with brucellosis. We conclude that exposure to brucellosis is high among persons in high-risk occupations from all surveyed regions in Lebanon. Such findings should be used to design control measures especially now that the 17 years of civil strife is over.