Seroprevalence of human brucellosis community awareness and practices on its zoonotic importance in Jimma town and Chora Botor district, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Jimma town and Chora Botor district of Jimma zone to determine sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans from February to May 2014. A total of 48 blood samples; 24 from Chora botor and 24 from Jimma town were collected. The collected sera samples were screened using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive reactor were further subjected to complement fixation test (CFT). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20 software. The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans was 2.1% and 0.0% by RBPT and CFT, respectively. The majority (97.6%) of the respondents reported to have no awareness on brucellosis. Social habit of consuming raw milk and meat, unsafe handling of placenta, and assisting births were common practices among the community. These practices may predispose people to brucellosis in the study areas. Therefore, collaborative action is needed to exploit through educating communities and creating awareness to prevent and control the disease.