Detection of Brucella Antibodies in Dogs From Rural Regions of Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

BackgroundDogs play an important role in the maintenance and transmission of several zoonotic pathogens. In the case of Brucella spp., the close contact of dogs with humans and livestock might cause zoonotic diseases and economic losses due to abortions and stillbirths in animals (1, 2). Brucellosis is prevalent in some regions of Iran including Hamedan where recently the first human case of infection with Brucella canis in the country was reported (3,4).Canine brucellosis caused by B. canis, a Gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium, is a neglected zoonosis. B. canis in dogs was firstly reported in the United States in 1966, and since then the bacterium has been detected globally, presenting itself in various forms (1,5). The predominant signs of disease in dogs, the major hosts, are abortion, infertility, stillbirth, lymphadenitis, epididymitis, orchitis, and prostatitis (2). Transmission of infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated materials or venereal routes. Diagnosis is usually based on the isolation of causative agent and/or serology techniques (6). B. canis has been reported in humans and wild canids, as well (7). Although B. canis is the important cause of brucellosis in dogs, infection with B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis has also been reported (8). Considering that infected dogs can shed organisms into the environment via urine and vaginal discharges and secretions, aborted materials or feces, they play a significant role in the maintenance of Brucella spp. and its possible transmission to other dogs, cattle, and humans (8,9).In an earlier research from Hamedan, the rate of brucellosis was detected 3% and 4.6% in sheep and goats, respectively (10). Moreover, seroprevalence rates of 8.1% in veterinarians, 15% in slaughterhouse workers, and 17% in butchers have been reported (11). The incidence rate of human brucellosis in Hamedan province is 31-41 per 100 000 population, which is classified as "very high" in Iran (12). Recurrence rate of human brucellosis in this region is calculated as 6.45% (13) and direct contact of human with infected animals is the main risk factor for the disease (4,11,12,14).In Iran, there is scanty knowledge about canine brucellosis with no information from Hamedan. Therefore, the aim of the current cross-sectional study was to determine the rate of Brucella sp. infection in dogs from Hamedan, West

Assessment of Seroprevalence and the Risk Factors of Sheep Brucellosis in Basrah (Southern Iraq): A Challenge to Prospectively Control Brucellosis

“…It is beneficial to recall that the majority of the owners in the current study admitted to mishandling of the aborted fetuses and placentas. A study from the Hamedan rural regions of Iran indicated that dogs play a crucial role in the transmission of Brucella to shepherds and livestock after screening of 180 unconfined domesticated dogs using RBT with a seroprevalence of brucellosis estimated at 3.3% 53 . Therefore, it is important to educate owners or farmers regarding proper handling of the tissues of aborted ewes due to brucellosis by burning them or burying them in a secure place that is beyond the reach of unconfined dogs.…”

Brucella Infection in Horses From Hamedan Province, Iran

“…Hamedan province with the incidence of 31-41 per 100 000 in human brucellosis is classified as the "very high" category in Iran (2). This rate was reported as 3%, 4.6%, and 3.3% in the sheep, goats, and dogs in the region, respectively (12,23). The detection of the infection source and related risk options is very helpful for reducing the infection rate.…”

Molecular Investigation of Brucella Species Belongs to Sheep and Goats in Seropositive Samples from an Endemic Area of Hamedan Province; Famenin Brucellosis Cohort Study

“…In Mamani, Majzoobi (9) report, 17%, 15%, and 8.1% of butchers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinary staff, respectively, were positive for brucellosis in Hamedan. Additionally, Brucella infection in animals was reported to be zero in horses, 3.3% in dogs, 4.6% in goats, and 3% in sheep (7,21,22).…”

“…Alamian and Dadar (24) isolated B. melitensis biovar 1 and 2 from Iranian farm dogs for the first time. Brucella transmission from various animals to dogs may occur through the consumption of infected reproductive materials or aborted fetuses (22). Therefore, the presence of free-roaming dogs in the herd is a potential risk for transmitting the infection to farmers and farms.…”