Seroprevalence Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis reactor among goats and sheep on an agribusiness farm in a peri-urban of Bogor, Indonesia

Brucellosis in small ruminants is a challenge in agriculture, particularly livestock development. In Indonesia, the determinants of the epidemiology of the disease are not widely known or reported. This study aimed to investigate the brucellosis reactor in goats and sheep to provide evidence for controlling the disease. A total of 216 sera samples (102 sheep and 114 goats) from an agribusiness MTF farm in a peri-urban of Bogor were collected and analyzed with RBT and CFT. The results showed that the seroprevalence was high at 21.30% (95% CI; 15.8-26.8). Brucellosis seroprevalence did not differ significantly between goats and sheep with 22.81% and 19.61% respectively, testing positive for the disease. Brucellosis reactor seroprevalence was significantly higher in older animals (over 2 years) than in younger animals (0-2 years), at 30.38% (95% CI, 20.2-40.5) and 16.06% (95% CI, 9.9-22.2), respectively. Increasing age was significantly associated with seropositivity (OR=2.28). These findings indicate a high prevalence of brucellosis reactor among small ruminants in the peri-urban of Bogor, Indonesia, and require appropriate precautions. Given the high density of people in the study site, this could endanger public health and lead to significant production losses.

Seroprevalence of Sheep and Goat Brucellosis in Arero District of Borana Zone Southern Ethiopia

The cros¬s-sectional study was conducted at four peasants’ associations (PAs) in Arero district of Borana zone, namely Halona, Fuldowa, Silala and Renji. The seroprevallence and potential risk factors of Brucellosis in sheep and goats in study area were determined using serological tests. Serum samples were collected from 238 unvaccinated and apparently healthy sheep and goats. The samples were serologically examined by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) for first screening test and confirmed by Indirect-ELISA. Almost half of samples that screened positive with RBPT became negative after confirmation by an indirect ELISA test. Out of 238 sera extracted from sheep and goat in the study area, 18(7.56%) animals were found to be positive by RBPT screening. Of all serum samples tested positive by indirect ELISA and confirmed by retest, 8(3.7%) animals were found to be positive. By direct ELISA, of 183 sera from caprine, 6(2.5%) animals were positive, 177(74%) animals were negative; 2 (0.84%) of 55 sera from ovine brucellosis were positive. The seroprevalence of sheep and goats in the Arero district did not show significance among peasant associations (χ2 = 2.070, P value=0.558), age groups (χ2 = 0.531), P value=0.392) and between species (χ2 = 0.017, P value=0.897). The disease was prevalent in both female (4, 1.68%) and male (4, 1.7%), but was more prevalent in male (11% within male population) than female (2% within female population), showing a very high significance with p-value at 0.005 and Chi-Square at 7.842. These positive animals may pose a potential risk to both animals and humans in the area. Therefore, attention should be paid to the certification of breeding bucks or rams to reduce the spread of disease in animals and humans.

Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of small ruminant brucellosis in the semi–arid region of India

Objective: To study the occurrence of brucellosis in small ruminants in a district of Southern India. Methods: A total of 425 serum samples (215 sheep and 210 goats) were collected from January to March 2022 using a multistage sampling method. The serum samples were subjected to three serological tests that were employed in this study, namely RBPT (Rose Bengal Plate Test), STAT (Standard Tube Agglutination Test), and I-ELISA. The risk factors were determined by collecting data through a questionnaire and establishing correlations between the responses and seropositivity within a specific flock. Result: Among the 425 samples collected, 91 samples (21.4%) were positive by RBPT, 124 samples (29.2%) by STAT and 156 samples (36.7%) by I-ELISA in sheep and goats. Sheep showed higher seropositivity in all three tests than goats. Analysis of multivariable logistic regression showed that age (>3 vs.<3 years; OR: 2.262, 95% CI: 1.414–3.618), abortion history (yes vs. no; OR: 1.837; 95% CI: 1.098–3.071), vaginal discharges (yes vs. no; OR: 2.334; 95% CI: 1.421–3.835), the migratory herd (yes vs. no; OR: 2.197; 95% CI: 1.369–3.527), and place of disposal of the foetus (yes vs. no; OR: 2.093; 95% CI: 1.320–3.318) were significant risk factors of brucellosis. Conclusions: Livestock owners and consumers of sheep and goats should be educated about brucellosis and prevention strategies to mitigate its uncontrolled spread and lower the potential threat of human brucellosis. Choosing the right rearing practices, enhancing husbandry procedures, changing farmer's perspectives on brucellosis, and inclusion of small ruminants in brucellosis control programs are all key management approaches that can aid in the prevention and control of Brucella infection in small ruminants.

Determination of seroprevalence of brucellosis in livestock and high-risk population in Kurdistan, Western Iran

BackgroundBrucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases. Using serological tests are valid and rapid methods that could be used in the detection of the history of getting brucellosis. Considering that Iran is an endemic country for brucellosis, we aimed to investigate the rate of seroprevalence of brucellosis among livestock and human in Kurdistan province. Material and methodSerum sampling was performed from 51 slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, and husbandry workers, along with 260 livestock (80 cattle, 120 sheep, and 60 goats). Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used for livestock and the anti-Brucella IgG antibody was evaluated in human participants. ResultsThe seroprevalence (based on ELISA assay) in sheep, goats, and cows was 5.8%, 5%, and 1.2%, respectively. Also, the rate of anti-Brucella IgG was 3.9% among human participants. Discussionthe current study, provided some valuable information on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in animal and human participants from the west of Iran. Considering the effects of brucellosis on causing reproductive disorders, including abortion, placental retention, andendometritis controlling the infection could have a significant impact on terms of economy.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS IN SMALLHOLDER DAIRY COWS OF MYMENSINGH DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Most of the smallholder animal farmers in rural Bangladesh depend on livestock for their livelihoods but significant percentage of these animals do not achieve their potential mainly due to inadequate nutrition and disease and occasionally transmit zoonotic disease like brucellosis. Brucellosis has been recognized as a neglected zoonotic disease in the low-income countries that produce few or no clinical signs in the affected animals making it more difficult for the dairy farmers to use preventive measures. However, sero-monitoring could help to detect the occurrence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farm management system. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for positivity of bovine brucellosis by using sero-screening and milk ring test supported with questionnaire Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on bovine brucellosis was conducted in smallholder dairy cows in the district of Mymensingh during the period from August to December 2019. Serum samples of 460 lactating cows along with their milk samples were collected randomly. Serum samples were screened for brucellosis with Rapid Antigen Kit Test and Rose Bengal Test (RBT), whereas milk samples were tested with Milk Ring Test (MRT). Farm and animal level demographic and risk factor data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall sero-prevalence was found to be 3.9% (95% CI 2.4-6.2) using RBT and Rapid Antigen Kit Test and 2.8% (CI 1.5-4.9) using Milk Ring Test, respectively. The odds of brucellosis was 7.4 times (95% CI: 2.5-21.5) higher in cows with repeat breeding that without repeat breeding. Moreover, the sero-prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher (Odds ratio: 15.7; 95% CI: 5.2-47.4) in cows with retention of fetal membranes than without retention of fetal membranes. Conclusions: The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farms with no adaptation of any preventive measures against this disease in Bangladesh. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis recorded in this study should be interpreted with caution and confirmatory diagnosis is needed to know the accurate status of brucellosis in smallholder dairy farms. The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder farms by using sero-test and milk ring test warrants further molecular test prior to embarking on a control program.

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.

Brucellosis seroprevalence in captive scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) in the United Arab Emirates and associated risk factors

The scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah ) (SHO) is a large African antelope that became extinct in the wild just over two decades ago. Conservation of the species is of prime importance, but it might face pathogen stressors. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 was previously confirmed in a high-density captive population of SHO held in Abu-Dhabi emirate. The infection reached 67.0% (95% CI: 64.0 - 70.0) individual seroprevalence (n=959) during testing performed between January 2013 and January 2015. A model based on a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the seroprevalence ranged from 51.2 (95% CI: 39.6 - 62.7) to 86.9% (95% CI: 82.4 - 91.4) between six different enclosures, and probability of being seropositive was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.32 - 2.55) higher in females than in males, 3.09 (95% CI: 1.66 - 5.91) and 9.35 (95% CI: 4.66 - 19.44) higher in subadults and adults than in juveniles, respectively. The three serological tests used in this study (Rose Bengal Test, lateral flow assay and in-house i-ELISA) had a perfect or near-perfect agreement (Cohen’s Kappa coefficient >=0.97). Recurrent high seroprevalence in time and congruence of results from three different serological tests point toward a persistent B.melitensis infection in a high-density captive SHO population. Conclusion and significance Testing strategy (Bengal Test, lateral flow assay or in-house i-ELISA) has no effect on the estimation of the brucellosis seroprevalence in SHO permitting the selection of a practical test. We call for an evidence-based control program, and Brucella vaccine efficacy and innocuity studies in this endangered species.

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 brucellosis and molecular characterization of Brucella spp. from slaughtered cattle in Rwanda.

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Rwanda, although, there is a paucity of documented evidence about the disease in slaughtered cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted in slaughtered cattle (n = 300) to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). Corresponding tissues were cultured onto a modified Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria (CITA) selective medium and analysed for Brucella spp. using the 16S-23S ribosomal interspacer region (ITS), AMOS, and Bruce-ladder PCR assays. The seroprevalence was 20.7% (62/300) with RBT, 2.9% (8/300) with i-ELISA, and 2.9% (8/300) using both tests in series. Brucella-specific 16S-23S ribosomal DNA interspace region (ITS) PCR detected Brucella DNA in 5.6% (17/300; Brucella culture prevalence). AMOS-PCR assay identified mixed B. abortus and B. melitensis (n = 3), B. abortus (n = 3) and B. melitensis (n = 5) while Bruce-ladder PCR also identified B. abortus (n = 5) and B. melitensis (n = 6). The gold standard culture method combined with PCR confirmation identified 5.6% Brucella cultures and this culture prevalence is higher than the more sensitive seroprevalence of 2.9%. This emphasizes the need to validate the serological tests in Rwanda. The mixed infection caused by B. abortus and B. melitensis in slaughtered cattle indicates cross-infection and poses a risk of exposure potential to abattoir workers. It is essential to urgently strengthen a coordinated national bovine brucellosis vaccination and initiate a test-and-slaughter program that is not presently applicable in Rwanda.

Serological investigation of plague and brucellosis infection in Marmota himalayana plague foci in the Altun Mountains on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The Altun Mountains are among the most active regions of Marmota himalayana plague foci of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau where animal plague is prevalent, whereas only three human cases have been found since 1960. Animal husbandry is the main income for the local economy; brucellosis appears sometimes in animals and less often in humans. In this study, a retrospective investigation of plague and brucellosis seroprevalence among humans and animals was conducted to improve prevention and control measures for the two diseases. Animal and human sera were collected for routine surveillance from 2018 to 2021 and screened for plague and brucellosis. Yersinia pestis F1 antibody was preliminarily screened by the colloidal gold method at the monitoring site to identify previous infections with positive serology. Previous plague infection was found in 3.2% (14/432) of the studied human population having close contact with livestock, which indicates evidence of exposure to the Yersinia antigen (dead or live pathogenic materials) in the Altun Mountains. Seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher in camels (6.2%) and sheepdogs (1.8%) than in other livestock such as cattle and sheep, suggesting a possible transmission route from secondary host animals to humans.

Sero - epidemiology of brucellosis in people and their livestock: A linked human - animal cross-sectional study in a pastoralist community in Kenya.

Brucellosis is associated with massive livestock production losses and human morbidity worldwide. Efforts to control brucellosis among pastoralist communities are limited by scarce data on the prevalence and risk factors for exposure despite the high human-animal interactions in these communities. This study simultaneously assessed the seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated factors of exposure among pastoralists and their livestock in same households. We conducted a cross-sectional study in pastoralist communities in Marsabit County - Kenya. A total of 1,074 women and 225 children participated and provided blood samples. Blood was also drawn from 1,876 goats, 322 sheep and 189 camels. Blood samples were collected to be screened for the presence of anti-Brucella IgG antibodies using indirect IgG Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Further, Individual, household and herd-level epidemiological information were captured using a structured questionnaire. Group differences were compared using the Pearson's Chi-square test, and p-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Generalized mixed-effects multivariable logistic human and animal models using administrative ward as the random effect was used to determine variables correlated to the outcome. Household-level seropositivity was 12.7% (95% CI: 10.7-14.8). The individual human seroprevalence was 10.8% (9.1-12.6) with higher seroprevalence among women than children (12.4 vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001). Herd-level seroprevalence was 26.1% (23.7-28.7) and 19.2% (17.6-20.8) among individual animals. Goats had the highest seroprevalence 23.1% (21.2 - 25.1), followed by sheep 6.8% (4.3-10.2) and camels 1.1% (0.1-3.8). Goats and sheep had a higher risk of exposure OR = 3.8 (95% CI 2.4-6.7, p < 0.001) and 2.8 (1.2-5.6, p < 0.007), respectively relative to camels. Human and animal seroprevalence were significantly associated (OR = 1.8, [95%CI: 1.23-2.58], p = 0.002). Herd seroprevalence varied by household head education (OR = 2.45, [1.67-3.61, p < 0.001]) and herd size (1.01, [1.00-1.01], p < 0.001). The current study showed evidence that brucellosis is endemic in this pastoralist setting and there is a significant association between animal and human brucellosis seropositivity at household level representing a potential occupational risk. Public health sensitization and sustained human and animal brucellosis screening are required.

Study on small ruminant brucellosis and owners awareness in two selected districts of southern region, Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is one of the infectious diseases that has the greatest impact on the productivity of sheep and goats. A cross-sectional study followed by a simple random sampling technique was used to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis (Rose Bengal plate test; RBPT and complement fixation test; CFT) in small ruminants and its related risk variables from November 2019 to June 2020 in Kolme and Abala Abaya districts. A questionnaire was also given to owners to assess their existing knowledge of the disease. Using the RBPT and CFT, 28 (4.1%) and 23 (3.33%) of the 690 animals were found to be seropositive for brucellosis, respectively. In this study, the seroprevalence of brucellosis detected in the Kolme district (5.3%) was greater when compared to Abala Abaya (1.0%). The odds of Brucella infection were greater for goats (odds ratio [OR] 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16 0.8-44.9) than for sheep. The odds of adult animals (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.07) being positive for brucellosis was higher than young animals. A statistically significant difference in the seropositivity of brucellosis was detected in univariate logistic regression among districts, different age groups, herd size, parity number, and reproductive health problems except for species and sex, but in multivariate logistic regression, only reproductive health problems were revealed a statistically significant difference. Out of 138 families, 100% of respondents were unaware of brucellosis, 94.5% drink raw milk, and 74% handle animals with retained fetal membranes with their bare hands. This study showed that brucellosis was a widely spread disease in the study areas and poses a substantial public health danger. To reduce the spread of the disease in small ruminants, public health risks, and economic losses, stringent vaccination application and awareness of personal hygiene are critical.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Ruminants in Dhofar Province in Southern Oman.

The aim of the present work was to raise awareness of Brucella infection and emphasize the use of serological tests for screening and confirmation of the presence of the infection in different localities in the Dhofar region in the Sultanate of Oman. A seroprevalence of Brucella infection in naturally infected livestock was undertaken in 50 farms (a total of 434 sera, 207 goats, 84 sheep, 54 cattle, and 89 camels) from different wilayat of the Dhofar region in the southern part of Oman. Rose Bengal (RBT), complement fixation (CFT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) tests were used to determine the presence of Brucella antibodies. Statistical analysis (Pearson chi-square, binary logistic regression, and univariate logistic regression) was used to investigate the significance between the prevalence and the categorical risk factors individually, with two or more levels (animal species, animal condition, and or location). Our results show that the overall seroprevalence based on CFT, RBT, and I-ELISA was 3% (13/424, CI: 1.8-5.1%), 4.8% (21/434, CI: 3.1-7.3%), and 8% (35/434, CI: 5.8-10.9%), respectively. The highest seroprevalence was reported in goats (13% (27/207)) and animals from East Jabal (13% (21/161)), whereas the lowest was recorded in camels (3.4% (3/89)) and animals from deserts (1.4% (1/69)). Parameters such as the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) showed that the sensitivity of I-ELISA and CFT based on the RBT test was 61.9% and 57.1%, respectively, whereas the specificity of I-ELISA (94.6%) was less than that of CFT (97.33%). We concluded that three tests are confirmatory for the presence of Brucella infection.

Seroprevalence and risk factors assessment of Brucella spp. in dairy buffaloes in mainland Greece.

Brucellosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by members of genus Brucella, affecting both animals and humans, and resulting in both serious economic losses in animal production sector and deterioration of public health. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August of 2018 to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis, in Central Macedonia and East Macedonia and Thrace, in mainland Greece. A total of 1,255 blood samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique from dairy buffaloes older than12 months. All serum samples were analyzed with Rose Bengal Test for screening and Complement Fixation Test for confirmation of the positive samples. Accordingly, the overall individual-level seroprevalence of dairy buffaloes in the study area was 0.72% (9/1,255, 95% CI:0.32-1.36%) while the overall herd-level seroprevalence was 15.38% (4/26, 95% CI:6.15-33.53%). Moreover, information was gathered on demographic characteristics of the owners, individual animals and herd level risk factors and other farm characteristics using a questionnaire. Higher prevalence of Brucella spp. was observed in buffaloes bred under intensive and semi-intensive feeding systems, compared to those bred under extensive ones. High seroprevalence of brucellosis was also observed in medium size herds. Two of the herds had recorded history of the disease, the last five years while, in these two herds delays in the implementation of brucellosis eradication programs were revealed. The present study indicated that the occurrence of brucellosis in Greece dairy buffalo farms is at a low magnitude. Even though the seroprevalence is low, it can still be potential hazard for both susceptible animals and humans

Seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in Qatar

Brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease and one of the most common neglected diseases worldwide. It can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animal species. Infected animals are usually culled, causing substantial economic losses to animal owners and the country’s economy in general. The disease is endemic among cattle, sheep, and goats in many countries around the Middle East and prevalent in most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, comprising a significant public health risk in the region. This study investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis among camels in Qatar. Two hundred and forty-eight samples were collected from dromedary camels from 28 farms across the entire country. Each sample was tested for Brucella antibodies with both Rose Bengal and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Only samples that tested positive by both tests were considered seropositive for brucellosis. The overall prevalence was (20.6%, 95% CI, 15.7–26.1). The association between sex and seropositivity was slightly significant (Χ2 = 4.32, P = 0.04), with higher seroprevalence in females. Camels below breeding age (i.e., < 4 years old) showed decreased seropositivity (3.4%, 95% CI, 0.1–17.8), compared to (22.8%, 95% CI, 17.4–29.0) seropositivity in camels ≥ 4 years of age, with a significant association between age groups and seropositivity (P = 0.02). Our results indicate that the seroprevalence of brucellosis in Qatar’s camels is alarming, mandating more efforts to control the disease. The findings of this study will aid in selecting better effective measures to control camel brucellosis in Qatar. Further studies need to be conducted on Brucella infection among camels to determine the predisposing risk factors and the steps that should be followed to control brucellosis.

A case study investigating the effects of emergency vaccination with Brucella abortus A19 vaccine on a dairy farm undergoing an abortion outbreak in China

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis that results in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry through abortions and reduced milk yield. This study investigated an abortion outbreak in a dairy herd and then explored the effects of emergency vaccination with Brucella abortus A19 vaccine on the incidence of abortion and milk yield. A full dose of vaccine (6 × 1010—12 × 1010 colony forming units, CFU) was administered subcutaneously to calves and non-pregnant heifers, and a reduced dose (6 × 108—12 × 108 CFU) to adult cows and pregnant replacement heifers. Rose Bengal Test was used to screen Brucella infection status and then positive samples were tested with a C-ELISA. Animals that tested positive for both tests were considered positive to Brucella spp. The animal-level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 23.1% (95% CI: 17.0, 30.2), and the attributable fraction of abortions in seropositive animals was 89.1% (95% CI: 64.3, 96.7). The odds of seropositivity were significantly higher in cows that aborted compared to cows that calved normally (OR = 21.4, 95% CI: 4.4, 168.4). Cows in sheds A2 and C1 were 10.2 (95% CI: 1.4, 128.0) and 17.0 (95% CI: 2.8, 190.3) times more likely to be seropositive than cows in shed B1. Antibodies were not detectable in most heifers 12 months post-vaccination. The effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing abortions was estimated to be 56.8% (95% CI: 15.8, 77.8) for the entire herd, but increased to 86.7% (95% CI: 4.4, 98.1) when only primiparous heifers were considered. Furthermore, a significant increase in the average herd 305-day milk yield one-year after vaccination was also observed relative to that in the previous three years. It is concluded that emergency vaccination of a dairy herd undergoing an abortion outbreak with the A19 vaccine effectively reduced the incidence of abortion and indirectly increased milk yield one-year after vaccination.

Comparative Efficacy of Serological Tests and Molecular Analysis of Bovine Brucellosis in Western Uttar Pradesh

Background: Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease that affects people all over the world. Metritis, mastitis, repeat breeding, abortion in the last trimester of pregnancy, retention of placenta and reduced milk production are all symptoms of Brucellosis in the female bovines, whereas epididymitis, orchitis and sterility are symptoms in the male animals. In humans flu-like to undulant fever, arthritis, orchitis and epididymitis can be detected. Methods: A total of 470 bovine samples (serum, whole blood, milk samples) were taken from four districts of western Uttar Pradesh. The 262 sera samples were processed and subjected to RBPT, STAT and ELISA for the determination of seroprevalence of brucellosis and 108 whole blood samples were subjected to molecular analysis by PCR for the disease. Result: Out of 262 (203 cattle and 59 buffalo) serum samples, the seroprevalence of brucellosis in 203 cattle serum sample was found to be 11.82%, 16.25% and 8.37%. Whereas, in 59 buffalo serum samples, the seroprevalence was 3.38%, 15.25% and 0.00% by RBPT, STAT and I-ELISA respectively. Out of 108 whole blood samples, 5 were positive in molecular detection by PCR giving a prevalence rate of 1.62%.

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.

Prevalence of Brucellosis in livestock owners in Northern Red Sea Region, Eritrea: Community Knowledge, Attitude and Practice.

Background: Brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease broadly spread worldwide. Brucellosis is endemic in Eritrea, however the prevalence rate, knowledge and practice of brucellosis among the livestock owners in the study area is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in livestock owners and evaluate the level of knowledge and practice of the community in Northern Red Sea region, Eritrea. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to February 2021, where a total of 637 livestock owners from 29 villages were sampled for blood and data collection. Blood samples were tested using RBPT and positive samples further confirmed using c-ELISA. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 637 respondents were enrolled in the study. Study participants were dominated by males (74.9%), Tigre ethnic (73%) and farmers (70.5%). The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the study area was 2.4% (95% CI:1.3 - 3.6) with the highest rate in Ghindae (3.9%). The comprehensive knowledge and practice was 58.4% and 10.5%, respectively.Comprehensive knowledge showed significant association with sub-region and age, while good practice indicated significant association with age (P=0.000). Sub-region Ghindae indicated odds (OR)of 3.27 (P=0.001) for comprehensive knowledge and odds of 3.12 (P=0.000) for good practice. Age group of ≥60 years revealed odds of 4.40 (P=0.000) for comprehensive knowledge. Conclusion: The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in livestock owners in the study area was low, but considerable higher in some spot areas. The participants showed good level of knowledge but poor practice. Study sub-region and age were important factors associated with comprehensive knowledge and good practice of the participants.Respondents from Sub-region Ghindae showed relatively higher level of prevalence rate, comprehensive knowledge and good practice to wards brucellosis. The study recommends urgent educational campaign to increase the community knowledge and improve their good practice habit on brucellosis. Conduct regular testing of animals and implement feasible control measures against brucellosis.

Monoclonal Antibody based Blocking ELISA for Diagnosis of Brucellosis

Background: Porcine brucellosis is a contagious and emerging zoonosis but neglected in most of the endemic countries including India. The disease in pigs is rarely reported due to non-availability of diagnostics or major focus is on bovine brucellosis. Hence, the necessity was felt to diagnose porcine brucellosis by Monoclonal antibody based ELISA, RBPT and STATS for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies and to record spatial seroprevalence of porcine brucellosis in the country. Methods: The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Standard tube agglutination test (STAT) and Bru Alert monoclonal antibody based c-ELISA was employed to screen 148 sera samples for the presence of Brucella antibody. Result: A total 148 samples were collected and tested, the overall prevalence of Brucella infection in pig was 43.2% per cent (64/148) by C-ELISA followed by RBPT 40% (60/148) and STAT 25% (40/148) in the study area comparatively high seropositivity was found in female animals. The agreement between the two test was excellent (Kappa = 0.167) and also, chisquare test indicated an evidence of strong diagnostic weapon for detection of swine brucellosis.