Brucellosis: A Threat to Human Population of District Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to detect cases of brucellosis among shepherds and to identify risk factors associated with human brucellosis. Study Design: Case control study
Methodology:  A descriptive study followed by case control study was conducted during the month of August, 2016 at Village Hassar tehsil Taxilla, district Rawalpindi. A case was defined as “intermittent fever, profuse night sweats, headache and positive brucella antibodies on ELISA in a resident of Hassar from August 21-25, 2016. Epidemiological information was recorded on structured questionnaire. Cases and controls were matched by age and sex (1:4). Blood samples were collected from sheep/goat handlers (n=30) and small ruminants (n=144). Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) was used for testing of  serum samples. Frequencies were calculated, odd ratios were determined at 95% confidence interval with p value less than 0.05.
Results: A total of six cases of brucellosis were identified. Among cases 42% were having direct  contact with small ruminants and 60% were raw milk consumers. Animal handler (OR =12 CL=1.19-123.6: p<.026) were likely to have brucellosis as compared to those who were not directly involved in animal handling. Persons consuming raw milk are more likely to have brucellosis (OR=11: Cl= 1.3-95: p<0.04) as compared to those consuming pasteurized milk. Among small ruminants tested, 52%  were found positive for brucellosis. Conclusion: Animal handlers/shepherds of district Rawalpindi were infected with brucellosis. Animal handler and raw milk consumer were more likely to get brucella infection. Infected small ruminant are potential source of infection for human. Presence of brucella infection in animal handlers/shepherd of Rawalpindi is suggestive of brucella infection all across the country.