Zoonotic Tuberculosis in Occupationally Exposed Groups in the Adama Municipal Abattoir, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Considering the socio-economic-cultural connection with livestock in African countries, zoonotic tuberculosis remains a public health threat for the public and abattoir workers.
Objective: To assess the prevalence, awareness, and associated risk factors for zoonotic tuberculosis among the Adama Municipal Abattoir workers in Central Ethiopia.
Methods: Interviews were conducted among 113 Abattoir workers, in Adama, Central Ethiopia, to assess the awareness level and predisposing factors for Zoonotic Tuberculosis. Sputum samples were collected from 54 consenting workers was for laboratory testing. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square/Fishers’ Exact test were employed for analysis.
Results: Four out of the 54 abattoir workers tested positive for Mycobacteria by culture and acid-fast staining. One out of the four isolates were M. bovis while three were not members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) by PCR analysis. Seventy-three (63.71%) respondents had no knowledge regarding the main hygiene practices in the abattoir. Most of the respondents (>90%) had the habit of consuming raw milk/meat and had contact with live animals and animal products for more than eight hour’s daily. Among the considered risk factors, only age (χ2=3.3074; P=0.0003) had a significant influence over the culture's positive status of the workers.
Conclusion: Isolation of M. bovis with limited awareness and high-risk behavior for acquiring zoonotic tuberculosis is a concern. This warrants further investigation into the role of M. bovis with regards to the burdens posed by human tuberculosis in the area.