Incidence of brucellosis in aborted animals and occupationally exposed veterinary professionals of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Brucellosis in animals is a serious global health concern mainly due to its zoonotic nature and association with heavy economic losses. Brucellosis has been reported randomly from different parts of Pakistan; however, the prevalence of brucellosis in animals and humans in Bannu District, as well as overall epidemiological data of the country, is missing. The present study reports on the occurrence of brucellosis in domestic animals and its cross-circulation among occupationally exposed human population in Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 223 (animals=100, animal handlers=73, veterinary staff=50) serum samples were collected and subjected to serum plate agglutination test (SPAT), Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for Brucella melitensis and B. bovis. Results indicated overall prevalence of 27% (27/100) by SPAT, 10% (10/100) by RBPT and 11% (11/100) by PCR. Prevalence in animal handlers was 24.6% (18/73) by SPAT, 6.84% (5/73) by RBPT and 12.3% (12.3% (9/73) by PCR, while prevalence in veterinary professionals was 30% (15/50) by SPAT, 4% (2/50) by RBPT and 18% (9/50) by PCR. Age, sex, introduction of new animals, contact with infected animals, breeding methods, and hygienic conditions were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of brucellosis. Taken together, brucellosis is a persistent public health threat in Bannu District of Pakistan. Therefore, proper control management and mass education are imperative.