Sero-Prevalence of Brucellosis in Occupationally High-Risk Groups in Three Different Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives: Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease in Pakistan, but it causes immense impact on livestock and public health.  This study was done to determine the prevalence of Brucellosis in occupationally high-risk groups encompassing butchers, milkers, and cattle caretakers in district Swabi, Mardan, and Peshawar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 blood samples were collected through a non-probability purposive sampling technique from occupationally high-risk groups including butchers, milkers, and cattle caretakers at district Swabi, Mardan, and Peshawar from December 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018. All the blood samples were centrifuged and the serum was separated for further testing. Serum agglutination test was used for the detection of Brucellosis and the reagents used for this method were purchased from Biosciences PTE Ltd, Singapore. Results: Out of 300 blood samples, 111 samples were positive and the overall prevalence of Brucellosis was 37% in occupationally high-risk groups. The overall 37% prevalence of Brucellosis comprised of 70% of B. abortus, 21.6% of B. melitensis, and 8.1% of both B. abortus and B. melitensis simultaneously. The prevalence of Brucellosis in butchers was 27.6%, milkers 13.3%, and cattle caretakers 45.7% while prevalence in males was 33% and in females 39.6%. The prevalence of Brucellosis in district Swabi was 45%, Mardan 33.3%, and Peshawar 30%. The socio demographic factors including age group, occupation, and locality showed statistically significant results. Conclusion:  The prevalence of Brucellosis is considerably higher in occupationally high-risk groups in district Swabi, Mardan, and Peshawar, Pakistan.