Brucellosis among High-Risk Occupational Population at Sylhet City of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. The occurrence in humans is usually associated with occupational or domestic exposure to infect animals or their product. It is a major public health concern worldwide.

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and factors associated with human brucellosis.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected during the period of July 2016 to June 2017. Participants who were in high-risk professionals were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed for anti-Brucella IgG and IgM in the serum were determine by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.

Results: A total of 90 participants among which 65 participants were high risk professionals were recruited for this study. The seroprevalence of anti-Brucella IgG was found to be 32 (49.2%). Concerning occupation, the highest seropositivity was seen in dairy farm workers 3(16.7%). According to type of animal handled highest seropositivity was found 9 (56.3%) in 16 participants of both cow and goat handlers. There was no statistically significant association between seropositivity and type of animal handled, duration of occupation (p>0.05). The participants with history of raw milk consumption seropositivity were seen in 11(55.0%) cases. Participants having symptoms suggestive of brucellosis showed seropositivity in 13(59.1%) cases.

Conclusion: In conclusion our study revealed that the brucellosis is still an occupational health hazard in Bangladesh. Consumption of raw dairy milk appeared to be one of the most important risk factors for human brucellosis.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, January 2024;18(1):11-16