Serological and Molecular Detection of Dual Brucella and Toxoplasma Gondii Infections and Plausible Risk Factors Among Abattoir Workers and Livestock Sellers in Uyo-Nigeria

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are global public health zoonoses, but scarcely is dual infection reported  in Nigeria. This study  investigated the occurrence of dual brucella/Toxoplasma gondii infection and  associated factors in abattoir workers and livestock sellers  in Uyo, Nigeria. This was a descriptive  cross-sectional study of abattoir workers and livestock sellers in Uyo. Sociodemographic  information was  collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Serological and molecular detection  of Toxoplasma  gondii, brucella species, and HIV were conducted using standard methods. Out of 339  participants, 14 (4.1%) and 189 (55.8%)  were seropositive for anti-brucella IgG and anti-T. gondii IgG  antibodies, respectively. Of these, PCR positives were 9 (64.3%) and 166  (87.8%), respectively. Brucella  abortus and Brucella melitensis accounted for two-thirds (66.7%) and one-third (33.3%) of brucella  infections  as detected by PCR. Nine (5.4%) of the 166 participants with toxoplasmosis were HIV seropositive. Of the 175 participants with  the zoonoses (9-brucella and 166-T. gondii), 6 (3.4%) had dual  brucella/T. gondii infection, mostly among butchers/meat sellers, while  one (16.7%) had ocular  complications. Consumption of raw/unpasteurized raw milk and/or drinking of raw egg were significant  risk  factors associated with dual brucella/T. gondii infection (OR=6.4, 95% CI: 0.74,55.42). Higher  frequency of infection was noted in  participants with >5 years of work duration. Dual brucella/T. gondii  infection among butchers/meat sellers is of serious public health  concern. Prolonged occupational  exposure and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products were the plausible risk factors. Awareness  creation about these zoonoses among butchers, meat sellers, livestock traders and other at-risk  populations is paramount.