Prevalence of Bovine and Human Brucellosis in Pakistan–A Review

Brucellosis is one of the neglected widespread zoonoses around the globe affecting animals as well as humans. The purpose of the current review is to illustrate a report on the seroprevalence of bovine and human Brucellosis and associated risk factors in Pakistan. A total of 29 articles on Brucellosis from 2000 to May 2020 were selected and reviewed for the estimation of Brucella incidence in cattle, buffaloes and humans of Pakistan. The current study is based on the research articles in which Brucella prevalence is primarily determined through the following serological tests: Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), milk ring test (MRT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Due to diversity in sensitivity and specificity of applied serological tests, it was found a vast divergence in the prevalence of Brucellosis. The seroprevalence of bovine Brucellosis is also varied due to geographical and environmental conditions, different breeds, sexes, and the difference in ages as within cattle varied from 2.05% to 28.90%, and found in buffaloes ranged from 1.6% to 21.73%. The Brucellosis in humans was reported in livestock workers, butchers, veterinary professionals, and those people who have direct contact with animals or using raw milk and Brucellosis has been found in them from 14% to 17.74%. The published reports portray that Brucellosis does affect both humans and animals in Pakistan. A proper surveillance system, effective vaccination plan and execution of segregation and culling strategy regarding Brucella infected animals, are desperately needed for the eradication of Brucellosis in Pakistan.