Burden of human brucellosis and risk factors in animal-human interface: A case study in Mikumi-Selous ecosystem, Morogoro Tanzania

Abstract

Fever causing zoonoses such as brucellosis are common in sub-Saharan countries and rarely routinely diagnosed in patients with febrile conditions. The aim of this cross sectional study was to establish the burden and risk factors of human brucellosis in animal-human interface areas in Mikumi-Selous ecosystem, Tanzania. The study was undertaken from January 2011 to February 2012. Brucellosis screening was carried out by Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) in serum from fever (n=1509) and none fever (n=298) patients attending at selected health facilities. The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in human was 20.5% (95% CI: 18.7-22.5, n=1807). A highly significant (P = 0.0001) infection rate was found in fever group 23.9% (n = 1509) than individuals in non-fever group (3.7%). Mvomero district had higher prevalence (P = 0.0001, OR = 1.42) (36.1%) than other districts. Questionnaires were administered to 369 brucellosis screened respondents in their households. It was found that contact with cattle manure, milking work, and contact with placenta during assisted parturition and home slaughter were the significant risk factors for transmission of brucellosis by direct contact. However, consumption of raw unpasteurized milk, undercooked or raw meat and raw blood constituted a major threat of brucellosis to the community in the study area. Brucellosis is prevalent in human distributed in all districts posing a health threat to pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Participatory intervention through One-Health approach coupled with effective mass vaccination program in animals is vital for control and eradication of the disease.

Keywords: Brucellosis, humans, animals, Mikumi-Selous Ecosystem, risk factors