Sero-diagnosis of brucellosis in sheep and humans in Assiut and El-Minya governorates, Egypt

Abstract

Egypt is an endemic area with brucellosis, so wherever herd problem associated abortion is present, brucellosis should be suspected, and its sero-diagnosis is needed. The present study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and their contact humans in Assiut and El-Minya Governorates where a history of abortion in sheep was the chief complaint of the farmers; besides; the appearance of signs of undulant fever among some contact humans. Also, to identify the risk factors for brucellosis seropositivity at human and animal level. Serum samples were collected from 189 sheep and 53 in contact humans in Assiut and El-Minya Governorates, Egypt, during 2017. Antibodies against brucellosis were measured in the serum samples using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and were further confirmed using Serum Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis using RBPT was 15.87% in sheep and that in humans was 9.44% (5 of 53), respectively. STAT confirmed that 40% of the RBPT-positive reactor sheep were infected by Brucella abortus, 16.67% were containing Brucella melitensis and 20% were experiencing a mixed infection of both Br. abortus and Br. melitensis. Additionally, 80% of the RBPT-positive reactor humans were infected with Br. abortus only and 20% were having both species of Brucella. Among different analyzed variables in this study, the age and farming system of the examined sheep were statistically significant. There was no significant effect in relation to gender, abortion history and pregnancy status of the examined animals, however, higher exposure rates were found among males, abortive animals, and recently calved animals. Gender of the tested humans and presence of seropositive sheep in contact differed significantly in acquiring the infection. Nevertheless, other factors, including age, education, and profession were statistically insignificant on getting human brucellosis. These results indicate the high seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and sheep in the study areas and generally in Egypt, and therefore, control programs should be implemented.

Human Brucellosis: Methods of Diagnosis and Risk Factors among Egyptian Patients admitted at Assiut Fever Hospital .

“…Our result might be explained, animal hosts of B. abortus are cows& buffalos that common in Egypt. Also, Abdelbaset et al [26] found 80.0% of the positive reactors had B. Abortus only and 20.0% had mixed infection. While, El-Hamshary et al [27] reported infection with B. melitensis and Abortus were 49.4% and 30.4%, respectively in Banha Fever Hospital.…”

“…But, it's up-to 20.0%-25.0% in endemic areas. However, Abdelbaset et al [26] found insignificant risk of age on contracting brucellosis; individuals in age group 35-63years had increased risk of exposure compared to younger age group.…”

“…On contrary, Hussein et al [32] showed brucellosis prevalence was significantly higher in females. Also, Abdelbaset et al [26] found insignificant risk of the male gender in acquiring brucellosis.…”

“…We found male gender was significant riskfactor. Worldwide, males have higher prevalence of brucellosis, that is constant epidemiological feature [6,26,33,34,35] . Our result agrees with this feature, which could be explained; types of males' occupations and the differences in the practice and habits.…”

Recent Research on Occupational Animal Exposures and Health Risks: A Narrative Review

“…Other authors highlighted additional emerging zoonotic viral pathogens in the food animal workforce, including a report of brucellosis among sheep farmers in Egypt and knowledge and biosecurity practices among Indian animal farmers about rabies [46,47]. Msimang and colleagues reported on Rift Valley fever seroprevalence among animal farmers and veterinarians in South Africa, concluding that infection with this re-emerging pathogen is likely notably higher than previously recognized and under-diagnosed in the region [50].…”