Author/Authors :
Ashraf Muhammad نويسنده , Aslam Muhammad Rizwan نويسنده , Ali Sultan نويسنده Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan , Nawaz Zeeshan نويسنده Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan , Akhtar Azeem نويسنده Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan , Zahoor Muhammad Asif نويسنده Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Abstract :
[Background]Human brucellosis is a neglected and zoonotic disease also known as Malta fever or undulant fever.[Objectives]A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and to access the role of risk factors associated with this disease in humans of Punjab, Pakistan.[Methods]A total of 250 serum samples were collected and subjected to Rose Bengal Plate Test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for screening of Brucella. A predesigned questionnaire was filled prior to sampling to collect data regarding socio - demographic and suspected risk factors of human brucellosis. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed using the STATA software version 12.[Results]The study showed 16% seroprevalence of brucellosis. The prevalence was statistically higher in males (24%), age group of 20 to 30 years (26.92%), rural residents, (23%) and individuals with animals at home (22.50%). Among the related risk factors, exposure to animals (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 0.9459, 3.6973) and consuming raw milk (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.1713, 4.7760) were strongly associated with the disease.[Conclusions]Awareness programs in the rural population should be provided about the disease and its associated risk factors. Consuming unpasteurized milk and products should be avoided to control this disease.
