Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis among Camels Belonging to Selected Districts of Afar, Ethiopia: Need for Public Awareness

Abstract

Brucellosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease of global significance, which affects humans as well as a wide variety of animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected districts of Afar region of Ethiopia to determine the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis. A total of 245 camels from selected districts were included in the study. All serum samples were tested and screened serologically using Rose Bengal plate test and confirmed using a complement fixation test. Associated risk factor analysis was also conducted using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. As a result, 30 (12.2%) were Rose Bengal plate test reactors in which 10 (4.1%) were confirmed to be positive using complement fixation test. The statistical analysis indicated that herd size (χ2=13.206; p=0.001 and OR=17.053; 95% CI=1.988-146.254), contact with other ruminants (χ2=13.524; p=0.00 and OR=12.774; 95% CI=1.560-104.625) and history of abortion (χ2=28.022; p=0.00 and OR=38.000; 95% CI=4.694-307.657) were statistically significant and the major risk factors for the presence and transmission of the disease between animals. But age, body condition score, physiological status, parity and geographical location were found statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Public awareness towards the diseases was interviewed with the structured questionnaire format and it was noted that most of the pastoralists had no knowledge about zoonotic disease transmission, consequences of consuming raw milk, and handling aborted animals without any protective material. In general, camel brucellosis is prevalent in this area of study and public awareness towards zoonotic importance is low. Therefore, fruitful and sustainable work is required from the government, animal health professionals, and other stakeholders in the prevention and control of the disease. Improved public awareness is inevitable to reduce the prevalence and spread of the camel brucellosis.

Brucellosis in Camels and Humans: Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Amibara District of Afar Region, Ethiopia

“…However, no statistically significant difference ( P > 0.05) in Brucella seropositivity was observed among different herd groups of camels based on Fisher's exact test even though this finding disagrees with the report of Ref. [ 26 ].…”

“…[ 9 ]. The increased incidence of brucellosis in pregnant and sexually matured animals is associated with increased production of erythritol sugar at this stage of life, which enhances the multiplication of pathogen [ 26 ].…”

“…Only camels older than six months of age were recruited into the study as the disease was not common in the animals less than 6 months of age. Camels' age was classified into ≤4 yrs, 4–10 yrs, and >10 yrs as young, adult, and old age groups, respectively, according to [ 26 ]. To access the magnitude of public health impact, serum samples were also collected from the owners of the sampled camels.…”

“…The sample size for serodiagnosis of brucellosis in camel was estimated based on the prior study report in [ 26 , 27 ] in Afar Region. Hence, the minimum required sample size was calculated using the formula described by [ 28 ], with defined 5% precision and 95% confidence level.…”

Brucellosis in camel and human: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, Ethiopia

“…Camels older than six months of age were included into the study as the disease wasn't common in the animals less than 6 months of age due to maternal antibody. Camels age was classified into < 4 years, 4-10 years and >10 years as young, adult and old age group respectively according to (Gizaw et al, 2017). To collect human sample, the target study groups were the owners of the sampled camels.…”