Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis among slaughtered indigenous cattle, abattoir personnel and pregnant women in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon

Long ignored but making a comeback: a worldwide epidemiological evolution of human brucellosis

Brucellosis is a commonly neglected zoonosis that remains a serious global public health concern. The epidemiological evolution of human brucellosis has considerably changed over the past few decades, and epidemic geography is continuously expanding. Human brucellosis is emerging and re-emerging, and is imported from areas where it is endemic due to travel, immigration, and international trade. The disease continues to be prevalent in Asia and Africa, including West Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, and East Africa, with the highest incidence in Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Iran, Algeria, and Kenya. Re-emerging cases are frequently recorded in places where brucellosis has been controlled, such as Bosnia, Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, and the USA. In countries with a high disease burden, disease control and eradication have been extremely difficult because of livestock farming being the only source of livelihood, unique religious beliefs regarding animals, nomadic lifestyle, and low socioeconomic levels. Interventions focused on protecting livestock keepers are needed, particularly for those assisting with goat and sheep births and the consumption of raw dairy products. Notably, in most countries with a high disease burden, each period of several years with a low incidence rate was followed by a subsequent increase in cases, highlighting the necessity of continuous investment and surveillance. In addition, advocacy for the inclusion of brucellosis as a globally mandated reported disease, strict restrictions on animal movement, mandated consumption of pasteurized milk, and health education are needed. This study will help form an evidence-based strategy for international organizations to curb the future spread of brucellosis.

A study on the epidemiology of brucellosis in bovine population of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, southern Punjab, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a bacterial pathogen belonging to the genus Brucella. It is one of the most frequent bacterial zoonoses globally but unfortunately, it is still considered as a neglected disease in the developing world. Keeping in view, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in large ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan-Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples (n = 490) were collected from the cattle (n = 245) and buffalo (n = 245) population of the study area and subjected to preliminary screening of brucellosis using local and imported RBPT reagents. All the samples were further analyzed using commercially available multi-specie indirect ELISA kit followed by their confirmation by PCR using genus and species-specific primers. Data obtained from lab analysis and questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis for Pearson Chi-square, Odds Ratio and Confidence intervals (95%).

RESULTS

The results showed that the maximum seropositivity was recorded with local RBPT reagent (VRI, Pakistan; 12.45%; 95%CI = 9.72-15.65%) followed by RBPT-IDEXX (12.24%; 95%CI = 9.52-15.45%) and RBPT-ID.vet (11.84%; 95%CI = 9.18-14.95%) however statistical difference was non-significant (P = 0.956). The ELISA results showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.22% (95%CI = 8.59-14.33%) with comparatively higher rate in cattle (12.65%; 95%CI = 8.82-17.44%) as compared to buffaloes (9.80%; 95%CI = 6.49-14.15%). The PCR analysis confirmed the presence of genus Brucella in all seropositive samples whereas frequency of B. abortus and B. melitensis in seropositive samples was 80% and 20%, respectively. The co-existence of both species was also observed in 5.45% samples. The statistical analysis showed a significant association of bovine brucellosis with herd size, breed, reproductive disorders, mode of insemination, educational status and farmers' awareness about brucellosis (P < 0.05). Conversely, locality, age, weight, gender, pregnancy status, parity and puberty status had no associations with brucellosis (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in large ruminants of district Multan, Pakistan. It is suggested to devise and implement stringent policies for the effective control and prevention of brucellosis in the region. Further, the current situation also warrants the need to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination among veterinarians and physicians in one health perspective to ensure and strengthen the human and animal health care systems in the region.

Brucellae as resilient intracellular pathogens: epidemiology, host-pathogen interaction, recent genomics and proteomics approaches, and future perspectives

Brucellosis is considered one of the most hazardous zoonotic diseases all over the world. It causes formidable economic losses in developed and developing countries. Despite the significant attempts to get rid of Brucella pathogens in many parts of the world, the disease continues to spread widely. Recently, many attempts proved to be effective for the prevention and control of highly contagious bovine brucellosis, which could be followed by others to achieve a prosperous future without rampant Brucella pathogens. In this study, the updated view for worldwide Brucella distribution, possible predisposing factors for emerging Brucella pathogens, immune response and different types of Brucella vaccines, genomics and proteomics approaches incorporated recently in the field of brucellosis, and future perspectives for prevention and control of bovine brucellosis have been discussed comprehensively. So, the current study will be used as a guide for researchers in planning their future work, which will pave the way for a new world without these highly contagious pathogens that have been infecting and threatening the health of humans and terrestrial animals.

Zoo-Sanitary Situation Assessment, an Initial Step in Country Disease Prioritization Process: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from 2000 to 2020 in Cameroon

To prevent and/or control infectious diseases in animal and human health, an appropriate surveillance system based on suitable up-to-date epidemiological data is required. The systematic review protocol was designed according to the PRISMA statement to look at the available data on infectious diseases of livestock in Cameroon from 2000-2020. Data were searched through online databases. Grey literature was comprised of dissertations and theses from veterinary higher education institutions in Cameroon. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Based on disease prevalence, major infectious diseases of livestock in Cameroon were gastrointestinal parasitosis (57.4% in cattle, 67.2% in poultry, 88% in pigs), hemoparasites (21.6% in small ruminants, 19.7% in cattle), bovine pasteurellosis (55.5%), fowl salmonellosis (48.2%), small ruminant plague (39.7%), foot-and-mouth disease (34.5% in cattle), and African swine fever (18.9%). Furthermore, other important endemic zoonoses in the country included: Rift Valley fever (10.9% in cattle, 3.7% in small ruminants), brucellosis (7% in cattle, 8% in pigs), bovine tuberculosis (4.7% in cattle), hepatitis E virus (8.4% in pigs) and bovine leptospirosis (2.5%). Most of the retrieved research were carried out in the Adamawa, Northwest, and West regions of Cameroon. The evaluation of existing data as evidence, albeit publication-specific, is an important step towards the process of prioritizing animal diseases, including zoonoses.

Seroprevalence, and molecular detection of Brucella abortus in cattle tissues from an abattoir in Namibia

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonosis that is endemic in Namibia. This study estimated seroprevalence of brucellosis, and determined the presence of Brucella infection in slaughtered cattle using the genus-specific 16-23S rRNA interspacer PCR (ITS-PCR), and the species-specific AMOS-PCR. Between December 2018 and May 2019, sera (n = 304), pooled lymph nodes (n = 304), and individual spleen (n = 304) were collected from slaughtered cattle from 52 farms. Sera were tested for anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test (RBT), and the complement fixation test (CFT). Seroprevalence was 2.3% (7/304) (RBT) and 1.6% (5/304) (CFT). Prevalence of positive herds was 9.6% (5/52). Lymph node (n = 200) and spleen (n = 200) samples from seronegative cattle tested negative for Brucella spp. DNA on ITS-PCR, but Brucella spp. DNA was detected in lymph nodes (85.7%, 6/7) and spleen (85.7%, 6/7) from RBT positive cattle. ITS-PCR confirmed isolates from lymph node (51.4%, 4/7) and spleen (85.7%, 6/7) as Brucella spp.; while AMOS-PCR and Brucella abortus species specific (BaSS) PCR confirmed the isolates as Brucella abortus, and field strains, respectively. Provision of adequate protective gear, and the promotion of brucellosis awareness among abattoir workers is recommended to prevent zoonotic infection.

Gendered asymmetry of access to knowledge for brucellosis control among pastoral communities in north-west Côte d'Ivoire

Brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease considered as a threat to public health and pastoralist livelihoods. Symptoms of the disease can lead to gender-specific ailments such as abortions in women and orchitis in men. Pastoralists and their families are at high risk of contracting the disease. Access to health information reinforces existing knowledge and contributes to disease prevention. However, in developing countries, interventions for knowledge sharing on zoonotic diseases predominantly target men. This study aimed to describe mechanisms of knowledge production and transfer on brucellosis according to gender, by assessing the way knowledge affects behaviours of pastoral communities. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among a pastoral community (PC) of the Folon region in north-west Côte d’Ivoire. The study included transhumant pastoralists, sedentary livestock owners, shepherds and their wives. By using mixed methods, 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted, and 320 questionnaires were completed. Statistical analysis with chi-square (χ²) comparison tests was performed to compare variables between men and women. Findings were interpreted through the concept of specialisation of the social exclusion theory. We found that gender influences access to information on brucellosis and transfer of knowledge on brucellosis appeared gender-biased, especially from veterinarians towards men in the community. The social labour division and interventions of veterinarians through awareness reinforce the knowledge gap on brucellosis between men and women. Men and women consume raw milk, whilst only men in general handle animal discharges with bare hands. To improve the control of brucellosis, knowledge on best practice should be shared with pastoral communities using the One Health approach that encourages mutual learning. Innovative strategies based on gender daily tasks such as safe dairy processing by women and safe animal husbandry to expand their herd for men can be the entry point for the prevention of brucellosis.

Occurrence and risk factors of brucellosis among domestic animals: an artificial neural network approach

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease with a worldwide distribution. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the occurrence of Brucella in milk and blood samples of ruminants and the importance factors associated with animal brucellosis in Eastern Iran. A total of 200 paired samples, including blood (100) and milk (100), were obtained from the goats, sheep, and cows in Eastern Iran. Serum agglutination (SAT) and 2-mercapto ethanol (2-ME) tests were performed on the sera. A multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) assay was performed to identify the following species of Brucella, including B. abortus biovar 1, 2, 4, 3b, 5, 6, and 9, B. abortus S19, B. melitensis, and B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine strain. B. abortus RB51 vaccine strain was also investigated in a second PCR assay. Risk factors for infection with Brucella spp. including the effect of abortion, contact with the wild animals, herd type, age, and previous vaccination in predicting blood contamination with B. abortus biovar 1, 2, and 4 were modeled by use of the artificial neural network. A total of 23 samples were seropositive regarding SAT and 2-ME tests. In total, B. abortus was detected in 35% and 15% of blood and milk samples, respectively, by the m-PCR assay. One sample of each of milk and blood was detected to have B. melitensis. Some samples were simultaneously contaminated with two Brucella species or two biovars of B. abortus. B. abortus S19 and B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine strains were also detected in milk and blood samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the ANN model were 81% and 62%, respectively. In conclusion, B. abortus had higher frequency than B. melitensis in blood and milk samples. ANN determined herd type, previous vaccination, and age of the animal as the largest predictors of blood contamination with B. abortus.

Selected Livestock-Associated Zoonoses as a Growing Challenge for Public Health

The aim of this paper is to review the most significant livestock-associated zoonoses. Human and animal health are intimately connected. This idea has been known for more than a century but now it has gained special importance because of the increasing threat from zoonoses. Zoonosis is defined as any infection naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. As the frequency and prevalence of zoonotic diseases increase worldwide, they become a real threat to public health. In addition, many of the newly discovered diseases have a zoonotic origin. Due to globalization and urbanization, some of these diseases have already spread all over the world, caused by the international flow of goods, people, and animals. However, special attention should be paid to farm animals since, apart from the direct contact, humans consume their products, such as meat, eggs, and milk. Therefore, zoonoses such as salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, tuberculosis, swine and avian influenza, Q fever, brucellosis, STEC infections, and listeriosis are crucial for both veterinary and human medicine. Consequently, in the suspicion of any zoonoses outbreak, the medical and veterinary services should closely cooperate to protect the public health.

Seropositivity rates of zoonotic pathogens in small ruminants and associated public health risks at informal urban markets in Zambia

Informal livestock markets are an important source of animal-derived proteins for growing urban populations in countries such as Zambia. In parallel, they can also constitute pathways of zoonotic pathogen transmission to humans. This risk is aggravated by limited disease monitoring and poor control systems with regards to biosecurity and public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the risks for spread of zoonotic diseases in Zambia's two largest informal small ruminant markets, located in Lusaka and Kasumbalesa, through combining seroepidemiology with interviews and observations. In April, May and September 2018, serum samples (n = 237) were collected and analysed for antibodies for the zoonotic pathogens Brucella spp., Coxiella (C.) burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In addition, slaughterhouse activities were observed and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions held with slaughterhouse workers and small ruminant traders, focusing on the handling of animals and meat, and the perceptions of zoonotic disease risks at slaughter and consumption. The study found seropositivity rates of 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.60-14.7) for Brucella spp., 5.9% (95% CI 3.27-9.71) for C. burnetii, and 0.8% (95% CI 0.10-3.01) for RVFV. Interviews with value chain members and observations at the slaughterhouse revealed unsanitary procedures and multiple occupational hazards for slaughterhouse workers. This study showed that the Zambian informal small ruminant trade system poses risks to public health, and that these risks are exacerbated by a lack of information about food-borne diseases and how associated risks can be mitigated amongst value chain actors. The results of this study can be used to formulate preventive measures to improve informal meat markets and reduce the risks to public health.

Brucella Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Occupationally Exposed Humans in Selected Districts of Southern Province, Zambia

Background: Brucellosis is a neglected debilitating zoonosis widely recognized as an occupational health hazard. The seroprevalence of human anti-Brucella antibodies in high-risk populations, as well as their risk factors, have not been well-documented in Zambia. This study aimed at estimating the Brucella seroprevalence in herdsmen and abattoir workers and assess the associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was carried out between May and December 2020 among abattoir workers and herdsmen in Namwala, Monze and Choma districts of Southern Province in Zambia. Seroprevalence was assessed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) or competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) while a questionnaire was administered to obtain epidemiological data. Results: A total of 153 individuals were recruited in the study. The overall Brucella seroprevalence was 20.3% (95% CI: 14.6-27.5). Seropositivity among herdsmen and abattoir workers was 14.4% (95% CI: 9.2-21.8) and 46.4%, (95% CI: 28.8-65.0), respectively. Comparable seropositive results among districts showed Namwala with 26.9%, which was the highest, seconded by Monze 19.0%, and the least was Choma with 11.36%, seropositivity. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that occupation, age category, and district of residence were predictors of being seropositive to Brucella spp. antibodies. The odds of abattoir workers being seropositive to Brucella antibodies were 8.6 (95% CI: 2.6-28.2) higher than that of herdsmen being the reference group. The odds of age category 17-50 years being seropositive to Brucella antibodies were 7.0 (95% CI: 0.7-72.2) higher than being <16 years as the reference group. The odds of one having attained primary level of education being seropositive to Brucella were 1.3 (95% CI: 0.1-14.7) or secondary level of education were 6.2 (95% CI: 0.5-72.6) or tertiary level of education were 5.1 (95% CI: 0.2, 113.3) higher than that of no level of education as the reference group. Furthermore, the odds of a respondent being seropositive to Brucella antibodies were 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3-15.7) for Namwala and 4.9 (95% CI: 1.1-21.7) for Monze higher than that of Choma as the reference group. Conclusion: Anti-Brucella antibodies are prevalent among herdsmen and abattoir workers in the study areas of Zambia (20.26%), a sign of exposure to Brucella pathogens. Type of profession, age and level of education seem to influence the exposure to Brucella pathogens. This zoonosis should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in humans presenting intermittent fever, malaria-like signs and general pain in humans.

Prevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Anti-Brucella Spp. Antibodies in Pregnant Women From Mogadishu, Somalia

Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are zoonotic diseases of worldwide distribution. They both cause abortion and infertility in human and animals. Limited data are available about these pathogens in Somali people and their animals. Hence, this study has evaluated the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Brucella spp. antibodies in pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia. Serum samples from 307 pregnant women from Mogadishu, Somalia were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies by Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) and anti-Brucella spp. antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and a commercial competitive-ELISA (cELISA). A total of 119/307 (38.76%) pregnant women had a prior history of abortion. A total of 159/307 (51.79%; 95% CI: 46.2–57.35%) pregnant women were seroreactive for T. gondii by LAT at different stages of pregnancy. For Brucella spp., when RBPT and cELISA were combined 4/307 (1.30%; 95% CI: 0.36–3.30%) pregnant women were seroreactive to anti-Brucella spp. antibodies, being 2/307 (0.65%; 95% CI: 0.18–2.34%) by RBPT and 3/307 (0.98%; 95% CI: 0.33–2.83%) by cELISA. Two women were seroreactive for both agents. A high seropositivity to T. gondii and low seropositivity to Brucella spp. have been found in pregnant women from Mogadishu, Somalia. Considering the high number of abortions in the country associated to the fact that awareness on other zoonotic abortifacient pathogens in Somalis is very low, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the potential causes of abortions.

Factors Associated with Human Brucellosis among patients Attending in Ayu Primary Hospital, North Showa, Ethiopia: ACase Control Study

BACKGROUND

Brucellosis is a disease of domestic and wild animals commonly caused by Brucella species and can be transmitted to humans (zoonosis). Susceptibility to Brucellosis in Humans depends on immune status, routes of infection, size of the inoculums, and to some extent, the species of Brucella. Globally more than 500,000 new cases are reported each year. In sub-Saharan Africa, Brucellosis prevalence is unclear and poorly understood with varying reports from country to country, geographical regions as well as animal factors.

METHODS

Facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted on 167 patients with human brucellosis and 332 controls from February 27/2019 to May 20/2019 in AYU primary hospital, North Showa Zone, Ethiopia. descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages were used to describe the profile of case and control and analytical statistics such as bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of human brucellosis.

RESULT

A total of 499 participants were included with a response rate of 99.60%. The mean age of participants was 45.46 years with a standard deviation (SD) of ±12.96 years. Human brucellosis had a statistically significant association with raw milk consumptions (AOR 5.75[95%CI 1.97-16.76]), slaughtering of animals at home(AOR 14.81[95%CI 3.63-60.38]), having contact with animal manure(AOR 2.87 [CI 1.08-7.62]), having contact with aborted cattle's fetus (AOR 3.01[95%CI 1.34-9.13]) and knowledge about brucellosis(AOR 0.29 [95%CI 0.08-0.83].

CONCLUSION

Generally in this study knowledge about Human Brucellosis, contact with animal manures, practicing animal slaughtering at home, having contact with animal ruminants, and consuming raw milk were identified as determinants for human brucellosis infection.

The epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses in pastoral and dairy cattle in Cameroon, Central Africa

Previous work identified that bacterial zoonoses (Brucella species, Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira hardjo) were present in Cameroonian pastoral cattle. To assess the characteristics of this zoonotic risk, we analyse seroprevalence of each pathogen and the associated management, herd and environmental factors in Cameroonian pastoral and dairy cattle. Cross-sectional samples included pastoralist herds in the Northwest Region (NWR n = 750) and Vina Division (VD n = 748) and small holder dairy herds in the NWR (n = 60). Exposure to Brucella spp., C. burnetii and L. hardjo were screened for using commercial ELISAs and population adjusted estimates made. In addition, individual, herd and ecological metadata were collected and used to identify risk factors associated with animal-level seropositivity. In the pastoral cattle, seroprevalence to Brucella spp. was relatively low but was higher in the NWR (4.2%, CI: 2.5%-7.0%) than the VD (1.1%: CI 0.5%-2.4%), while L. hardjo seroprevalence was much higher though similar in the NWR (30.7%, CI 26.3%-35.5%) and VD (35.9%, CI 31.3%-40.7%). No differences were noted in C. burnetii seroprevalence between the two study sites (NWR: 14.6%, CI 11.8%-18.0%. VD: 12.4%, 9.6%-15.9%). Compared to pastoral, dairy cattle had lower seroprevalences for L. hardjo (1.7%, CI: 0.0%-4.9%), C. burnetii (0.0%, CI 0.0%-6.0%) but similar for Brucella spp. (5.0%, CI 0.0%-10.6%). Increased odds of Brucella spp. seropositivity were associated with owning sheep or rearing sheep and fencing cattle in at night. Adult cattle had increased odds of being seropositive for both C. burnetii and L. hardjo. Additionally, exposure to C. burnetii was associated with local ecological conditions and L. hardjo was negatively associated with cattle undertaking transhumance. This work highlights that exposure to these 3 important production diseases and occupational zoonoses are widespread in Cameroonian cattle. Further work is required to understand transmission dynamics between humans and livestock to inform implementation of effective control measures.

Slaughter Conditions and Slaughtering of Pregnant Cows in Southeast Nigeria: Implications to Meat Quality, Food Safety and Security

The increase in the slaughter of pregnant cows (SPCs) for meat (except as may be approved by veterinarians on health grounds to salvage the animal) is unethical. SPCs for meat is also counterproductive, detrimental to food security, and may enhance zoonotic disease transmission. In this context, therefore, this current study examined slaughter conditions and the slaughtering of pregnant cows, and the implications for meat quality, food safety, and food security in Southeast Nigeria. The direct observational method was employed to examine the slaughterhouse activities, from when the cattle arrived at the lairage to the post-slaughter stage. A pre-tested and validated closed-ended-questionnaire was used to elicit information on causes of the SPCs and the method of disposal of eviscerated foetuses. Pregnancy status of cows slaughtered was determined by palpation followed by visual examination of the eviscerated and longitudinal incised uteri. The study lasted for six months during which 851 cows out of 1931 slaughtered cattle were surveyed. Assessment/decision-making protocol of slaughterhouse conditions, welfare conditions of slaughter-cattle, reasons for sale or slaughter of pregnant cows, distribution of pregnant cows slaughtered, method of disposal of eviscerated foetuses, and estimated economic losses of SPCs were delineated. Of the 851 cows examined, 17.4% (148/851) were pregnant while 43.2% (64/148) of the total foetuses recovered were in their third trimester. Major reasons adduced for SPCs by proportion of involved respondents were: ignorance of the animals' pregnancy status (69.7%, 83/119), high demand for beef (61.3%, 73/119), preference for large-sized cattle (47.9%, 57/119), economic hardship (52.1%, 62/119) and diseases conditions (42.9%. 51/119). The conduct of SPCs for meat would not be profitable. This is because within six months, an estimated loss of about 44,000 kg of beef, equivalent to ₦ 70.1 million or $186,400 would be associated with SPCs and the consequential foetal wastages. If losses were to be replicated nationwide across slaughterhouses, 4.3 tons of beef estimated at ₦ 8.6 billion or $23 million would be wasted. Improving slaughter conditions and the welfare of slaughter-cattle in Nigerian slaughterhouses through advocacy, training of slaughterhouse workers, and strict implementation of laws promoting humane slaughter practices is imperative. Preventing SPCs for meat and inhumane slaughter practices at the slaughterhouse would enhance the welfare needs of slaughter cattle, grow the national herd size, and improve meat safety as well as food security.

Serological Prevalence Survey Among the High-Risk Populations of Brucellosis-Endemic Areas - China, 2019-2020

What is already known about this topic?

Timely screening of high-risk population is important to improve the early detection of brucellosis among the endemic areas during the high incidence seasons, which is also required by the National Brucellosis Prevention and Control Plan (2016-2020) (NBPCP).

What is added by this report?

Seroepidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in high-risk populations were obtained and special occupational populations were found. The seroprevalence of brucellosis has been decreasing compared with that reported in the recent years due to the ongoing implementation of control measures in endemic areas.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Special occupational populations could be promptly detected using routine screening, which makes it possible to initiate standardized treatment for infected patients as early as possible. It also reminds us to pay attention to special occupational populations to improve their knowledge of brucellosis and reduce the risk of infection.

Brucellosis Knowledge and Personal Protective Equipment Usage Among High-Risk Populations in Brucellosis-Endemic Areas - China, 2019-2020

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?

According to the National Brucellosis Prevention and Control Plan (2016-2020) (NBPCP), the awareness rate of high-risk populations in brucellosis-endemic areas should reach 90% by 2020. But the updated results have not been reported.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?

This report determined the awareness rate of brucellosis (17.74%), utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) (20.13%), and their relationship with seroprevalence, which provides evidence for the effectiveness of the implementation of NBPCP.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?

The results suggest that health education should be conducted for high-risk populations to improve their brucellosis and protection knowledge.

Scoping review of brucellosis in Cameroon: Where do we stand, and where are we going?

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease known to be endemic to parts of western and sub-Saharan Africa. However, the epidemiology for humans and animals remains largely unknown in many of these countries with Cameroon being a typical example. Despite common knowledge that brucellosis affects livestock, the actual number of infected animals remains unknown. Through a scoping review, the current known status of the disease is described. The aim is to ascertain relevant and publicly accessible research and knowledge of human and animal brucellosis in the country, and to provide an overview of the factors associated with its known persistence. Seroprevalence has been estimated and published in 12 separate instances (1 human; 9 cattle; 1 human and cattle; and 1 that includes cattle, pigs, and small ruminants), between 1982 and 2020, in 9 of the country's 10 geopolitical regions. In 1983, Brucella abortus and B. melitensis were isolated in cattle, but no further bacterial isolation has been published since. The seroprevalence from 196 total humans has ranged between 5.6% and 28.1%, and between 3.0% and 30.8% for 14,044 total cattle. As there is no ongoing surveillance program, it is not currently possible to identify the specific Brucella spp. that are endemic to the country and its regions. There are sufficient agricultural systems of cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep to sustain the presence of multiple Brucella spp. Surveillance information is the cornerstone of epidemiologic decision making, and is needed to direct policy makers, public health authorities, and veterinary services to appropriate actions. A combination of serological and molecular based diagnostics for surveillance is necessary to identify, quantify, and direct the appropriate public health interventions. Cameroon has an opportunity to build public and animal health infrastructure, leading the way for central Africa in the management and future eradication of brucellosis.

Detection of Brucella antibodies in domestic animals of southern Cameroon: Implications for the control of brucellosis

Brucellosis is one of the world's most widespread bacterial zoonoses caused by Brucella. It leads to considerable economic losses as a result of low productivity of infected animals and the long debilitating illness in humans. Despite its impact on human and animal health, little attention has been paid on Brucella infections in domestic animals. It is in this light that the prevalence of Brucella antibodies was determined in domestic animals with the overarching goal of improving our knowledge on brucellosis in southern Cameroon. During cross-sectional studies conducted from December 2016 to August 2018 in five sites of southern Cameroon, blood samples were collected in cattle, sheep, goat, pig and dog. Plasma was obtained from each blood sample and Brucella antibodies were detected using the Rose Bengal test and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From 1873 animals that were sampled, the overall prevalence of Brucella antibodies using Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) was 6.35% (118/1873): 9.12% (78/855) in cattle; 8.04% (30/373) in sheep; 6.06% (2/33) in dog, 1.87% (3/160) in pig and 1.1% (5/452) in goat. Between animal species (p-value < .0001, x2  = 33.63) as well as sampling sites (p-value = .0001, x2  = 18.97), significant differences were observed in the prevalence of Brucella antibodies. Yoko and Noun localities have shown the highest prevalence of 8.6% (30/348) and 7.2% (78/1070), respectively. This prevalence was significantly higher (p = .03, x2  = 1.25) in female than male cattle. Between adult (16.923%) and young cattle (7.8%), significant difference (p = .04, x2  = 6.42) was observed in the prevalence of Brucella antibodies. This study shows that the prevalence of Brucella antibodies varies between animal species and localities. It also shows several domestic animals of southern Cameroon that have been in contact with Brucella. It enabled to identify villages where investigations on the transmission dynamic must be focused for the final goal of developing control measures for this neglected zoonotic disease.

Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire on Brucellosis Prevention Behaviors Based on the PRECEDE Model Among Rural Farmers and Their Family Members

Introduction

Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent diseases in Torbate Heidarieh, Iran; it is a common disease between human and animals. The present study aimed to review the psychometric properties of a questionnaire on brucellosis prevention behaviors based on the PRECEDE model among rural farmers and their family members (PRECEDE-QBPB).

Materials and Methods

The study was a combination of qualitative and quantitative stages. In the qualitative stage, an 86-item questionnaire including interviews with 30 farmers, their family members and other effective people, as well as literature review, was designed. In the quantitative stage, psychometric properties of the PRECEDE-QBPB including the face, content, and constructs validities, as well as reliability measurement of the questionnaire were evaluated. Item impact, content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) for all items were calculated. Besides, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done to evaluate the construct’s validity; AMOS 20 was used for this purpose. In this stage, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 rural farmers and their family members. To estimate the internal consistency of this questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha was used for each variable. Further, descriptive statistics and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were used to describe the characteristics of the participants and collect samples, respectively.

Results

Based on the results of face validity and content validity (CVR, CVI and CFA 9), 19 and 22 items were removed, respectively, leaving the final questionnaire with 36 items and eight subscales including knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, social support, enabling factors, environmental factors, behavioral factors, and reinforcing factors. The Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was calculated for the total questionnaire (α= 0.92, 0.69–0.87 for subscales). The evaluation of model fit indices showed that all indices confirmed the suitability of the final model fit; therefore, the questionnaire has suitable construct validity.

Conclusion

A questionnaire, as a valid tool, was designed in the present study. Healthcare providers, policymakers, planners, researchers may use this tool to find a comprehensive understanding of enabling, reinforcing, environmental and behavioral factors that affect brucellosis before implementing health education and health promotion programs.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated risk factors among abattoir workers in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Introduction

Brucellosis is a reemerging and neglected zoonotic disease. It is an occupational bio-hazard and a public health problem. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors among abattoir workers in Bauchi state.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the three senatorial district abattoirs of Bauchi State. Abattoir workers (n=284) were selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire. Serum samples collected, were screened for brucellosis with Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), tested with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Seropositive participants were positive for both RBPT and ELISA. Data were described in proportions and analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Participants were all male, age range: 18-70 years (mean 35 ±13 years). Ninety-five participants were seropositive (seroprevalence 33.5%) after laboratory testing. Following bivariate analysis, using personal protective equipment (PPE) [OR: 0.5 CI95%=0.3>OR: 0.5 CI95%=0.3-0.9] was significantly protective against brucellosis. Slaughtering of animals (OR: 2.19 CI95%= 1.2-3.7), assisting in animal parturition (OR: 2.25 CI95%= 1.3-3.7), working with an open cut/wound (OR:2.1 CI95%= 1.1-3.9) and eating while working in the abattoir [OR:2.4 CI95%= 1.1>OR:2.4 CI95%= 1.1-4.9] were risks of brucellosis. Multivariate analysis showed that slaughtering of animals: Adjusted Odds-Ratio (AOR) = 1.92; CI95% = 1.03 - 3.59) and assisting in animal parturition (AOR = 2.43; CI95% = 1.40 - 4.23) remained significantly associated with brucellosis.

Conclusion

Seroprevalence of brucellosis among abattoir workers in Bauchi state is high. Workers should use PPEs and animal parturitions should be handled by trained personnel alone.

Epidemiological features of human brucellosis in Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia province, China: a cross-sectional study over an 11-year period (2007-2017)

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the past decade and provide evidence of disease control in Tongliao city, which is one of the highest-risk areas of human brucellosis in Inner Mongolia province, China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Clinically and bacteriologically confirmed human brucellosis cases.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

An analysis of the reported cases of human brucellosis during 2007-2017 was carried out to describe the age, sex and occupational distributions of the cases. The time series analysis model and the geographical information system were explored to describe the seasonality and spatiotemporal distribution, respectively, at the county level.

RESULTS

A total of 13 938 cases of human brucellosis was collected in Tongliao from 2007 to 2017; the majority was aged 25 years to 59 years (85.4%) and the male-to-female ratio was 2.64:1; most of them were agriculturalists (81.9%) and pastoralists (12.4%). The incidence rates increased dramatically from 9.22/100 000 in 2007 to 69.16/100 000 in 2011 with an annual increase of 14.99%. They decreased during 2012-2016 (annual decrease of 8.37%) and rose again in 2017 (44.32/100 000). The disease peaked during March-July, with a clear periodicity and trend of monthly anterior displacement since 2012. Jarud Banner, the region located in the north-west of Tongliao, had the highest accumulated incidence rate (130.1/100 000) compared with other counties. The high-risk regions were spread from the north-west to the south and east of Tongliao during the past decade.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of human brucellosis in Tongliao was aggravated during the past decade and peaked during March-July. High-risk areas were mainly concentrated in the counties with extensive prairies and livestock.