Seroprevalence Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis and owners knowledge, attitude and practices in Chiro and Burka Dhintu Districts, West Hararghe, Ethiopia

Brucellosis is one of zoonotic bacterial diseases with significant veterinary and public health consequences in sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was conducted with the objective of estimating the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis and assessing owners' knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on brucellosis in Chiro and Burka Dhintu Districts in Eastern Ethiopia. A total sample of 444 animals were taken using a cluster based multistage sampling technique. Screening for Brucella antibodies and confirmation of positive test results were conducted using Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (MRBPT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) respectively. For the questionnaire survey, 444 randomly selected sheep and goat owners were interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The overall seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis was found to be 6.5 % (95 % CI: 4.6–9.3). The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified sex and age as potential risk factors (P < 0.05). More specifically, females were 3.4 times (AOR = 3.4, 95 % CI: 1.2–9.2) more likely to become seropositive than their counterparts, and the odds of seropositivity in adult sheep and goats was 5.6 times (AOR = 5.6, 95 % CI: 1.3–24.7) higher than that of young animals. The knowledge, attitude and practices of animal owners with regard to brucellosis were low, and the level of education was independently associated with the owners’ knowledge and attitude. Moderate seroprevalence, combined with inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of animal owners, makes small ruminant brucellosis a threat to animals and the entire community. Hence, strengthening veterinary services and raising community awareness about the disease is essential to reduce the impact on small ruminant productivity and minimize the risks to public health.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in cattle and rodents in Kilosa district, Morogoro, Tanzania

Background: Brucellosis is a global zoonosis caused by gram-negative bacteria that affects a diverse array of hosts including humans, domestic animals as well as wild animals such as cattle (B. abortus), goats, and sheep (B. melitensis), pigs (B. suis), and rodents (B. neotomae), and results in financial setbacks in the livestock industry. This study aimed to identify risk factors and estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and rodents in Kilosa district, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to March 2023, cattle were randomly selected and rodents were trapped using Sherman, wire cages, and havahart traps. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and heart of the cattle and rodents, respectively. Sera were harvested from the collected blood and stored at – 20 ºC. All the sera were screened for brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed by competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). The risk factors were captured using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by computing the Chi-square test and generalized linear model. Results: The seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 5.31% in cattle (95% CI: 0.0286-0.089) and 0.72% in rodents (95% CI: 0.0002-0.0397). A significant association was observed between grazing style and brucellosis seropositivity in cattle, with cattle that grazed together with sheep and goats having significantly higher odds of seropositivity (OR=6.5; 95% CI: 1.74-42.17, **p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: The detection of Brucella antibodies in both species indicates ongoing transmission and potential risk to public health. Our findings suggest that rodents may serve as reservoirs of brucellosis, contributing to its persistence and spread. Further research is essential to characterize the specific brucella species circulating among cattle and rodents and to understand the dynamics of interspecies transmission.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle of Rupandehi District, Nepal

Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease affecting both cattle and humans, with notable economic and public health implications in Nepal. Despite previous studies indicating varying prevalence rates in different regions of the country, there is limited recent data on the status of Brucellosis in Rupandehi district. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rupandehi district, Nepal, from 1st July to 30th September 2023. A total of 141 cattle blood samples from 92 farms were collected and tested using ID Screen® Brucellosis Indirect ELISA kits. Epidemiological survey was also conducted to gather information on risk factors associated with Brucellosis. All 141 blood samples were tested negative for Brucellosis, resulting in a seroprevalence rate of 0%. This study provides valuable data indicating a zero prevalence of Brucellosis in cattle of Rupandehi district, Nepal. This research doesn’t show any association for the prevalence of Brucellosis regarding the risk factor.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis, Knowledge, and Risky Practices in Dairy Cattle Owners and Workers in Maekel and Debub Regions, Eritrea.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. In Eritrea, the status of the disease in occupationally exposed dairy farmers is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis, level of knowledge, and risky practices of dairy cattle owners/workers in Maekel and Debub regions, Eritrea. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022. A total of 416 dairy cattle owners and workers underwent blood collection and interview using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test, and positive samples were confirmed using competitive ELISA. Variation in knowledge scores by sociodemographic factors and practices were explored statistically. The apparent and true seroprevalence was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.05-2.8%) and 1.4% (95% CI: 0.6-3.4%), respectively. Apparent seroprevalence was similar in Maekel (1.1%) and Debub (1.2%) regions. Nearly half of the participants (49.5%) had never heard of brucellosis before. Overall, brucellosis knowledge score was low (mean score: 6.53/20). Knowledge score was higher in participants from Maekel region (P <0.001), older participants (P = 0.035), those with higher educational attainment (P = 0.001), and those with more years of experience working in dairy farming (P = 0.001). Knowledge score was lower in farm workers compared with family members (P = 0.016). No significant differences in knowledge score existed between participants who engaged in or did not engage in potential risky practices. In summary, the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy cattle owners/workers in Maekel and Debub regions, Eritrea, was low. Participants demonstrated limited knowledge of brucellosis and engaged in risky practices.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis among high-risk individuals in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a highly contagious, neglected zoonotic disease of major importance worldwide. The disease is endemic in many countries, burdening healthcare systems and the livestock industry and representing a persistent public health concern in these countries. Brucellosis is considered an important occupational hazard for livestock workers. Limited studies have investigated human brucellosis in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis among employees of high-risk brucellosis professions, including veterinarians, animal herders, and abattoir workers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and to determine the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, during the period of January–March 2023. Ninety blood samples were collected from individuals occupationally at risk of exposure to Brucella infections. Serum samples were examined for immunoglobulins (Ig)M and IgG antibodies against Brucella using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Before sample collection, a predesigned online questionnaire was used to collect the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and the probable risk factors for human brucellosis. A Chi-square test was used to compare the differences among groups; p &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 90 participants among the high-risk individuals, Brucella IgM and IgG seropositivity were found in 8 (8.8%) and 11 (12.12%) cases, respectively. IgM mono antibody positivity was observed in 4 (4.44%) and 7 (7.77%) of the study population who tested positive for IgG only. Dual positivity for IgM and IgG antibodies was observed in 4 (4.44%) participants. No significant association was determined between seropositivity and age, urbanicity, education, occupation, and duration of exposure (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Brucellosis is a high-risk occupational disease among workers with close contact with livestock. This study demonstrates that the seroprevalence of brucellosis among occupationally high-risk individuals in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is relatively low compared to other countries in the region. Nevertheless, educational programs should be implemented to improve knowledge regarding brucellosis, particularly among high-risk individuals. Keywords: Brucella IgG, Brucella IgM, brucellosis, Madinah, serological assays, undulant fever, zoonosis.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Turkey: A comprehensive meta-analysis.

Brucellosis remains a common zoonotic disease, in developing countries, as well as in Turkey where it is endemic, underdiagnosed, and underreported. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive estimate of seroprevalence with a large sample size, covering all regions of Turkey, including both grey literature and published studies. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE (via PubMed), TürkMedline (National Health Sciences-Periodicals Database), and YÖKSİS database (Higher Education Council Information System) until May 5th, 2023. The quality of the studies was evaluated independently using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical assessment tool for prevalence studies. A random-effects model (DerSimion and Laird) was utilized to estimate the overall pooled prevalence. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding studies with a high risk of bias. The subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Egger test and funnel plot were used to assess publication bias. The meta-analysis included 30 studies in total published between 1999 and 2021 with 51,560 individuals. In Turkey, the pooled seroprevalence of human brucellosis was estimated to be 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8%-5.3%). According to the subgroup analysis, a higher seroprevalence was found in rural areas (8.0%, 95% CI: 5.4%-10.7%), high-risk occupational groups (9.9%, 95% CI: 5.3%-14.6%), and the Central East Anatolia Region (13%, 95% CI: 3.2%-22.8%). The meta-regression analysis identified living in rural areas and certain geographic regions as significant risk factors associated with higher seroprevalence. This meta-analysis revealed a significant burden of human brucellosis in Turkey. The findings highlight the need for public health measures and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of this zoonotic disease, especially in rural areas, high-risk occupational groups, and the East Anatolia Region.

Brucellosis Seroprevalence, REP-PCR-Based Genotyping, and Virulence-Associated Genes Distribution Among Brucella melitensis Strains Isolated from Ruminants in Kafr Elsheikh Governorate of Egypt

Brucellosis Seroprevalence, REP-PCR-Based Genotyping, and Virulence-Associated Genes Distribution Among Brucella melitensis Strains Isolated from Ruminants in Kafr Elsheikh Governorate of Egypt

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Abattoir Workers in Fars Province, Iran

Background &amp; Objectives: Brucellosis remains an important occupational zoonotic disease, especially in developing countries. The disease is endemic in Iran and the Fars province. One of the main routes of brucellosis infection is at slaughterhouses, where the workers directly contact infected animals. This study was designed to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers in the Fars province, Iran. Materials &amp; Methods: Ninety blood samples were collected from workers of two livestock slaughterhouses (Marvdasht and Kazeroon), in Fars, Iran. The sera were assessed for the Rose Bengal test (RBT), as a screening test for brucellosis, and the positive samples were subjected to the Wright test. The positive Wright samples were finally tested for the 2 -mercaptoethanol (2 -ME) agglutination test. Results: Brucellosis prevalence was 13.33% using RBT and 4.44% of the workers showed active brucellosis. No significant relationship was found between the questionnaire variables and brucellosis tests; exceptionally, there was a relationship between the workers' statements regarding having had brucellosis and RBT (P=0.01). Conclusion : Our study highlights the practical application of serological tests, including RBT, Wright, and 2 - ME as a simple strategy to monitor brucellosis and to diagnose and treat its active form in endemic regions. Although a small frequency of the disease was found, it could cause significant health and economic damage to humans and animals in endemic areas. Furthermore, taking enough protective measures is highly recommended for slaughterhouse workers to prevent human brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated risk factors in camels and its herders in selected districts of Somali Pastoral Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Brucellosis poses a major public and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in pastoral settings, however, seroepidemological studies are scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis and to identify the associated risk factors for camels and occupational individuals from three purposively selected districts of the Somali pastoral region in Eastern Ethiopia. Serum samples were serially diluted using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) as a screening test and a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA) test as a confirmatory test. From a total of 450 camels and 250 human serum samples tested, the overall seroprevalence was confirmed to be 2.9 % (95 % CI, 1.5–4.9) in camels and 2.0 % (95 % CI, 0.2–3.7) in humans. In camels, abortion and retained fetal membrane (RFM) were significant risk factors for Brucella seropositivity (p<0.05). However, in humans, RFM disposal differed significantly (p<0.05). The fact that brucellosis is found in both camels and humans highlights the importance of implementing a coordinated One Health approach to control and eliminate the disease. This would ensure improved public health and increased livestock productivity.

Sero-epidemiological study of brucellosis in cattle under pastoral/agro-pastoral and mixed crop-livestock systems in South Omo, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn the pastoral/agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia, like in South Omo, brucellosis constitutes a serious health threat for livestock and the public. The public health risk is especially high in these communities, as their way of life is highly linked with their herds. ObjectiveThe study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors of cattle brucellosis in South Omo zone in southern Ethiopia. MethodsA total of 614 traditionally managed local zebu female cattle, above six months old, were bled and data on hypothesized risk factors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The preliminary screening of the sera for Brucella antibodies was done using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive sera were further subjected to complement fixation test (CFT). ResultsThe overall animal level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 2.8 % (95 % CI: 1.72–4.41) while herd level prevalence was 11.3 % (95 % CI: 6.5–19.0). Among the risk factors considered, seroprevalence was associated with herd size, new animal introduction, district, history of occurrence of abortion, and retained fetal membranes (RFM), at both individual- and herd-level (p < 0.05). Higher seroprevalence of brucellosis was observed in cows than heifers and in animals older than 4 years (p < 0.05). Brucella seroprevalence was higher in herds in lowland areas than those in mid-altitude and highlands (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe individual and herd level prevalence observed in our study indicates endemicity of brucellosis and the potential public health threat it poses in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of southern Ethiopia. The results of the study also suggest that the disease might be responsible for significant losses in cattle productivity due to impaired reproductive performance.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of brucellosis among Pakistani women with spontaneous abortion.

Human brucellosis is a neglected disease transmitted to humans from animals such as cattle, goats, dogs, and swine. The causative agents are bacteria of the genus Brucella, intracellular pathogens usually confined to the reproductive organs of their animal hosts causing sterility and abortions. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis among women with spontaneous abortions (SAW) and compare this seroprevalence with that of healthy pregnant women (HPW). The case-control study was designed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of brucellosis in women who suffered from spontaneous abortion and healthy pregnant women of the Haripur District of Pakistan. A total of 770 blood samples (n = 385 for each group) were collected from 9 public and 11 private hospitals in Haripur District from December 2021-March 2023. Data on demographic features, epidemiological variables, and risk factors were collected from each participant by structured questionnaires. Initial screening for brucellosis was performed by Rose Bengal Plate Test followed by qRT-PCR for molecular detection of the genus-specific BCSP-31 gene of Brucella. The study showed that anti-Brucella antibodies were more found in SAW 23.63% (91/385) than in HPW 1.29% (5/385). Brucella specific DNA was amplified in 89.01% (81/91) seropositive samples of SAW. Demographic features and risk factors such as age, urbanicity, socioeconomic status, education, occupation, and animal contact were found significantly associated with brucellosis (p ≤ 0.05). Consumption of unpasteurized raw milk (OR = 18.28, 95%CI: 8.16-40.94) was found highly concomitant with seroprevalence. This study reports the first evidence of involvement of brucellosis in spontaneous abortions in women of Pakistan. The study can be used to develop strategies for risk management during pregnancy, to raise awareness for brucellosis, and develop control programs.

Impact of herd mobility on brucellosis seroprevalence and spread risk resulting from cross-border transhumance.

Cross-border livestock mobility through transhumance is mainly practiced in West African countries for seasonal access to resources and market. Cross-border herds are involved in the dynamic of transboundary animal diseases among them brucellosis taken as model. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease causing abortion. This study explores the seroprevalence of brucellosis according to mobility and infection spread between Mali and Côte d'Ivoire in the context of seasonal cross-border transhumance. From February to April 2021, a transversal serological survey of brucellosis was conducted on 521 cattle from 111 transhumant herds and 283 cattle from 59 sedentary herds, all from Mali. The global individual seroprevalence for Brucella spp. in transhumant and sedentary cattle from Mali was 8.2% (95% CI=6.0-10.5). At herd level, seroprevalence was 21.2% with a significant variation between transhumant (11.7%) and sedentary (39.0%) herds. For herds in transhumance, cattle seropositivity was associated with a previous infection suspected by herdsmen odds ratio (OR=4.4; 95% CI=1.1-18.1) and unknown abortion aetiology (OR=4.3; 95% CI=1.0-17.3). The departure region (coming from Sikasso) and previous brucellosis infection or unexplained abortion could be used to predict Brucella infection in transhumant herds with a probability of around 60%. The risk of brucellosis introduction in host regions was high despite the individual animal seroprevalence of 3.6% and a low sale rate in transhumant cattle. The findings suggest that testing transhumant during border control and survey of cattle markets and sales could improve risk control of the spread of disease at regional scale.

Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Travnik, Central Bosnia and Herzegovina

Objectives: To measure and analyze the seroprevalence and risk factors of human brucellosis among clinically suspected patients in the Travnik area, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period 2018-2023. Methods: A total of 337 samples of clinically suspected brucellosis patients in Travnik, Central Bosnia and Herzegovina were collected between 2018-2023. Rose Bengal agglutination was used for sera testing. Expressive and investigative statistics were considered. Differences between the prevalence of brucellosis according to age, sex, and the seasonal incidence rate were assessed. Results: The prevalence of brucellosis among the suspected patients was 23.30%. The highest prevalence rate 35.71%, was detected during year 2021. Higher rate of brucellosis was observed among males 63.86% than females 36.14%. Most cases were reported during month of June and October, 14.15% and 14.19% respectively. The highest prevalence, 56.76% rate was observed in age group 41–60 years old. Conclusion: Our survey found a high prevalence of human brucellosis among clinically suspected patients in Travnik area strongly indicating that clinical suspicion is a valid criterion, which requires fast laboratory detection and patient treatment. Detecting specific anti-Brucella antibodies using agglutination Rose Bengal test is a fast a reliable diagnostic procedure for clinically suspect individuals. There is a strong association between human brucellosis and age.

Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of brucellosis among dairy farmers in Aligarh region, North India: creating awareness of a neglected disease.

Introduction. Brucellosis, a globally distributed zoonotic disease, is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria known as Brucella. Humans acquire infection through direct contact with the blood, urine and placenta of animals, inhalation of dust or aerosols at infected animal farms, and raw milk and meat intake. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh region of North India, to document various clinical signs and symptoms in Brucella-positive individuals, and to create awareness in dairy farmers concerning brucellosis and ways to prevent it. Methods. This was an observational study that included 125 dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh region. Serum samples were taken from this high-risk group after obtaining informed consent. Further, a pre-designed proforma was used to collect information about their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) concerning brucellosis and assess the risk factors for the disease. The Rose Bengal test (RBT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect the seroprevalence of brucellosis. Result.Brucella infection was diagnosed in 64 (51.20 %) cases by indirect ELISA (IgM+IgG), 41 (32.8 %) by RBT and 4 (3.2 %) by SAT. Significant clustering of patients was seen in the 20-55 years age group. The most common symptoms in ELISA IgM-positive patients were joint pain (16.07 %), fatigue (14.28 %), anorexia (12.50 %), weight loss (8.92 %), malaise (5.35 %), undulant fever (3.57 %), night sweats (3.57 %) and headache (1.78 %). The findings of this study indicate that ELISA (IgM+IgG) exhibits great sensitivity as compared to SAT and RBT. KAP was very poor among dairy farmers. Conclusion. In India, Brucella is a frequent but severely underreported illness. ELISA is the most sensitive serological test for diagnosing brucellosis. No potential vaccine has yet been introduced for humans against brucellosis. Thus, it is necessary to impart awareness and sensitize high-risk groups concerning brucellosis.

Association of farmers' knowledge, attitude and practices with bovine brucellosis seroprevalence in Myanmar.

This study aimed to identify the relationship between bovine brucellosis prevalence, farmers' knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP), and social factors on migratory draft cattle and smallholder dairy farms in the central dry zone of Myanmar. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 migratory and 38 dairy cattle farms between August 2020 and February 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to identify farmers' behaviors. Bulk milk was sampled and tested using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). STATA 17 was used for all the analyses. Migratory cattle farms had a higher farm level brucellosis prevalence (14.8%) than dairy farms (2.6%; χ2 = 3.75; df = 1; p = 0.05). Only 2.8% of the farmers had knowledge about brucellosis, while 39.1% and 41.6% had attitudes and farm practices with respect to brucellosis, respectively in the study area. Socio-economic attribute of training in animal husbandry (p<0.01), raising system (p<0.01), practice of separating the aborted cow (p<0.01) were negatively associated to brucellosis. The overall farm level brucellosis prevalence was strongly associated with cattle herd size (p = 0.01), free movement grazing practices (p<0.01), practice of self-removal of placental debris without using personal protective equipment (p<0.01) and farmers' attitudes towards eating cow placenta debris (p<0.01). Farmers had little knowledge of brucellosis. Attitudes and practices differed significantly between migratory and dairy farmers. Training and extension programs are necessary to make farmers aware of their KAP situation since livestock migration and the custom of eating cow placental debris contribute to the spread of brucellosis. Persistent efforts are required to reduce the adverse effects of brucellosis. Therefore, the study suggests that a feasible control intervention and public awareness campaigns need to be conducted regarding methods of preventing human exposure to brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in the state of Qatar

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide, with a significant economic and health burden. The disease is endemic in many regions around the world. Data regarding the disease in the Arabic Gulf region is scarce, and a limited number of studies have been conducted in Qatar. This study is the first to investigate the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in the state of Qatar.MethodsThe country was divided into three zones based on animal population (high, medium and low). A total of 494 blood samples from 57 small ruminant flocks were randomly collected from the three zones. Rose Bengal and competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to investigate the apparent and true seroprevalence at both the animal and flock levels. A regression model was used to investigate the potential risk factors, including geographic zone, sex and age.ResultsAt the animal level, the overall (sheep and goat) apparent and true seroprevalence were 9.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.3–12.5) and 8.4% (95% CI: 5.9–11.5), respectively. In sheep, the apparent seroprevalence was 16.7% (95% CI: 12.5–21.8), and the true seroprevalence was 16.1% (95% CI: 11.6–21.7), whereas in goats, the apparent seroprevalence was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.1–5.2), and the true seroprevalence was 0.7% (95% CI: −0.7 to 3.7). At the flock level, overall, apparent sheep and goat seroprevalence were 19.3% (95% CI: 11.1–31.3), 30.0% (95% CI: 16.1–49.8) and 7.4% (95% CI: 2.1–23.4) and true seroprevalence was 18.9% (95% CI: 10.1–31.9), 30.5% (95% CI: 16.1–49.8) and 6.1% (95% CI: 0.3–23.3) respectively. Univariable regression analysis revealed age as the only significant risk factor in the sampled population.ConclusionsBrucella appears to be endemic to small ruminants in Qatar. The findings of this study provide baseline data regarding small ruminant brucellosis in Qatar and will aid in plans to control and eradicate the disease.

Serological, bacteriological, and molecular detection of brucellosis in pigs of Tamil Nadu, India

Brucellosis caused by the facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella is associated with huge economic and zoonotic implications worldwide. The disease is among the top priority zoonosis for integrated “one health” approach and has gained wide attention in developed countries. Epidemiological data on brucellosis in ruminants is readily available; however, reports on swine brucellosis remain scanty. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to assess the endemicity of brucellosis in the swine population of Tamil Nadu, India and to identify the infecting Brucella species using conventional bacteriological and molecular techniques. The apparent seroprevalence of brucellosis in pig farms were assessed by RBPT and indirect ELISA (i-ELISA) as 5.2 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively. There was a moderate agreement between the RBPT and i-ELISA results (Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) = 0.512, percent agreement = 93 per cent) Six Brucella isolates could be obtained from various samples; biovar typing by biochemical and molecular methods revealed B. suis biovar 1 as the most prevalent type among swine population in Tamil Nadu. Thus, the determination of Brucella biovar in swine is an important step for epidemiologic characterization of the disease to design the control and eradication strategies.

Brucellosis Seropositivity Using Three Serological Tests and Associated Risk Factors in Abattoir Workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Abattoir workers are liable to zoonotic infections from animals and animal products, primarily to diseases with asymptomatic and chronic clinical manifestations in animals, such as brucellosis. No published reports exist on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in abattoir workers in South Africa. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the occurrence and risk factors for Brucella exposure in abattoir workers in Gauteng Province. A total of 103 abattoir workers and managers from 6 abattoirs, where brucellosis-positive slaughtered cattle and sheep were previously detected, were interviewed and tested with serological assays using the Rose Bengal test (RBT), BrucellaCapt, and IgG-ELISA. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to consenting respondents to obtain information on risk factors for brucellosis. Of the 103 respondents tested, the distribution of female and male workers was 16 (15.5%) and 87 (84.5%), respectively. The seroprevalence for exposure to brucellosis was 21/103 (20.4%, 95%CI: 13.1-29.5) using a combination of RBT, BrucellaCapt, or IgG-ELISA. For test-specific results, seroprevalences by RBT, BrucellaCapt, and IgG-ELISA were 13/103 (12.6%, 95%CI: 6.9-20.6), 9/103 (8.74%, 95%CI: 4.1-15.9), and 18/103 (17.5%, 95%CI: 10.7-26.2), respectively. Low-throughput abattoirs were identified as associated risks, as 29.3% of workers were seropositive compared with 12.7% of workers in high-throughput abattoirs, which highlights that direct contact at abattoirs poses higher risk to workers than indirect and direct contact outside abattoirs. This study confirms the occurrence of Brucella spp. antibodies among abattoir workers in South Africa, possibly due to occupational exposure to Brucella spp., and highlights the occupational hazard to workers. Furthermore, findings underscore that abattoir facilities can serve as points for active and passive surveillance for indicators of diseases of public health importance. We recommend periodic implementation of brucellosis testing of abattoir workers country-wide to establish baseline data for informing appropriate preventive practices and reducing the potential burden of infection rates among these high-risk workers.

Distribution, seroprevalence and risk factors for bovine brucellosis in Brazil: Official data, systematic review and meta-analysis

Bovine brucellosis is an endemic disease in Brazil, and evidence-based assessments of the available literature on its seroprevalence and risk factors are limited. The aim of this study was to systematically review and summarize studies related to seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis in the entire Brazil, in addition to comparing published data with the most recent official reports. Articles available in scientific databases and published between October 2006 and October 2021 were evaluated. Forty-five publications were included in the meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of brucellosis and 29 publications in the review on risk factors. The largest number of publications was found for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (n=4), and the highest and lowest seroprevalences were observed in Acre (11%; 95% CI: 8.0–14.0%) and in the Federal District (0.4%; 95% CI: 0.2–0.7%). The main risk factors were the purchase of animals for breeding, vaccination, the number of heifers (female ≥2 years), the presence of calving paddocks and the occurrence of abortions. The need for new official studies has been suggested to determine the true prevalence of bovine brucellosis in Brazil, supported by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle in Shekhawati region, Rajasthan

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle in Shekhawati region, Rajasthan