Seroprevalence Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis amongst livestock and humans in a multi-herd ranch system in Kagera, Tanzania

Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis amongst livestock and humans in a multi-herd ranch system in Kagera, Tanzania

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.

Serological and bacterial prevalence of Brucella spp. in suspected patients: a risk factor analysis in North Khorasan, Iran.

Brucellosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Brucella, affects humans and domestic animals, leading to significant economic loss. This study examined suspected cases in North Khorasan, Iran, to understand the prevalence of infection and its characteristics in this region. Blood specimens were collected from 200 patients suspected of brucellosis after obtaining informed consent. Serum samples were tested using RBPT, Wright, and 2-ME agglutination tests. Blood samples were cultured on Brucella agar, and positive cultures underwent biotyping and PCR assays. A questionnaire identified correlated risk factors. RBPT, Wright, and 2-ME tests showed 25% brucellosis seroprevalence in symptomatic patients. In contrast, the prevalence was 2.5% among those with positive blood cultures. Notably, all culture-positive patients were also serologically positive, with titers exceeding 1:320 in Wright and 2-ME tests. Most positive cases were in people in their 30s, with B. melitensis biovar 1 identified as the causative agent, and the results were confirmed by multiplex PCR. Significant risk factors include contact with livestock and consumption of raw milk (P < 0.0001). The findings highlighted the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches for accurate identification of brucellosis. Furthermore, education regarding close contact with animals and pasteurization of dairy products is essential for controlling human brucellosis.

Brucellosis Seroprevalence in Cattle in China During 2014–2024: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Brucellosis, caused by several species of Brucella, continues to be a significant illness that poses a global threat to public health. China remains a persistent hotspot for brucellosis, despite the implementation of extensive control measures. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in different breeds and regions of China from 2014-2024, and to provide predictions on the future prevalence patterns of brucellosis in cattle and humans. The analysis comprised a total of 80 research studies, which consisted of 187 datasets and a combined sample size of 3,130,706. We estimated the overall pooled seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in China to be 1.5% (95% CI: 0.6-2.6%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the seroprevalence in dairy cattle was 3.1%, surpassing the seroprevalence in beef cattle (1.3%) and yak (1.5%). Regions that had authorized vaccination programs exhibited higher seroprevalence (1.8%) compared to regions that did not have vaccination (0.5%). Notably, the study observed a simultaneous rise in both the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle and the number of human brucellosis cases. This suggests that high-quality routine surveillance of brucellosis in cattle will be essential for predicting and responding to cases in humans. Additionally, given the existing prevention and control measures, brucellosis will likely continue to be prevalent in both cattle and people. This systematic review will assist policymakers in adjusting animal surveillance and interregional livestock movement policies, ultimately contributing to the public safety goal of preventing brucellosis in humans by controlling it in animals.

Assessing the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Meghalaya, North-east India

Assessing the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Meghalaya, North-east India

Sero-prevalence, associated risk factors and economic impact of camel brucellosis in Elwayye district, southern Ethiopia

Camel brucellosis is a zoonotic and economically important disease that causes low productivity and mortality in animals through abortion and low herd fertility. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2023 to estimate the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis, associated risk factors, and economic impact in Elwayye district, southern Ethiopia. A total of 240 blood samples were collected from extensively and traditionally managed dromedary camels. The collected samples were subjected to testing for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA for confirmation. The overall seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in the current study by RBPT was 6.2 %, and by combined RBPT and ELISA, it was 3.7 % (95 % CI: 1.94-7.05). Risk factors like herd size, age, management practice, history of abortion, and sex were assessed. Among these, age, herd size, and management practice were identified as potential risk factors significantly associated with Brucella seropositivity in camels. But the other risk factors were not associated with the disease (P > 0.05). In this study, the total estimated economic loss due to camel brucellosis in the study area was 505,727.2 Ethiopian birr (ETB) for all parameters used. The highest economic loss was due to abortion or perinatal mortality of calves (341,325 ETB). These indicate the need to study camel brucellosis in the study area, and the disease is endemic and prevalent in pastoralist areas, which need well-organized surveillance, disease control, and prevention programs.

Knowledge and Practices Among Livestock Owners Regarding Brucellosis- A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Brucellosis is one of the earliest identified and most prevalent zoonotic diseases of bacterial origin with 5, 00, 000 human cases every year globally. Cases reported are only the tip of the iceberg because of the non-specificity in clinical manifestations and chronicity in complications. The study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practices regarding brucellosis among livestock owners and to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in livestock owners. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 livestock owners. Knowledge and practices were assessed using two-point assessment. Anti-brucellosis IgG and IgM antibodies were tested by slide agglutination test and in turn, were confirmed by standard tube agglutination test. Results: Almost 70% of participants had poor knowledge and followed poor practices. Participants with intermittent fever (aOR: 0.2465), joint pains (aOR: 0.1418), and a history of abortions in their animals (aOR: 0.2303) were less likely to have poor knowledge. Illiterate participants (aOR: 11.9512) and those without a cowshed (aOR: 7.1445) were more likely to have poor knowledge about brucellosis. Participants with low socio-economic status (aOR: 17.3726), those who had heard about brucellosis through radio/television (aOR: 3.7746), those with primary-level education (aOR: 13.9779), and illiterate participants (aOR: 43.9506) more likely to follow poor practices. Participants with a history of symptoms like intermittent fever (aOR: 0.1338) and a history of abortions in their animals (aOR: 0.052) were less likely to follow poor practices related to brucellosis. (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study participants had a poor understanding of brucellosis and high levels of risky practices, all of which contributed to the risk of contracting brucellosis.

Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in small ruminants of erstwhile Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh

Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in small ruminants of erstwhile Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh

A Holistic Approach to Bovine Brucellosis: Serological Tests, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Evaluation, and Risk Factor Identification on Dairy Farms of Ethiopia

Brucellosis, a contagious bacterial disease affecting animals globally presents a substantial zoonotic risk that is frequently underestimated, hinders animal trade, and endangers livestock and human health. The present study was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 in Central and North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The current cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of brucellosis and to explore the related knowledge, attitudes, and practices within the specified region. A total of 384 serum samples were collected via random sampling from 20 dairy farms located in Ethiopia. Both local and cross-breed samples screened using the Rose Bengal Plate test and confirmed through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis for both tests was 17.71% overall, with 9.62% for Central Gondar and 27.27% for North Gondar. Extensive farms exhibited notably higher odds of brucellosis compared to intensive farms, with unadjusted crude odds ratios of 3.01 and adjusted odds ratios of 2.37, respectively. Medium-sized herds also demonstrated increased odds in the multivariate analysis compared with small herds. Young respondents displayed the highest awareness levels, followed by adults and older individuals, with statistically significant differences observed across all categories. Regarding a semi-structured survey from 150 farmers on the association between sociodemographic data and knowledge, females exhibited higher awareness levels, with 117 (80.14%) responding positively. Young respondents showed a higher positive response rate of 58% compared to adults (52.7%) and the elderly (36.54%). In conclusion, these results emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to address the factors influencing bovine brucellosis prevalence and respondent awareness.

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.

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. 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 < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. 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 > 0.05). 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.

Eleven-years study of sero-prevalence of Brucellosis among Patients attending in a medical center in southwest Iran (2011-2021)

Eleven-years study of sero-prevalence of Brucellosis among Patients attending in a medical center in southwest Iran (2011-2021)

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.