Abstract:

Introduction: Brucellosis is among the most widespread zoonotic infections. The
disease is transmitted from infected animals by direct contact with blood, fetuses and
fetal membranes, uterine secretions, and aborted material or through consumption of
infected, raw animal products. In Uganda, a study done among hospital patients
estimated prevalence of the disease to be 18-24%. There is no information available to
the public domain on prevalence of this important disease among abattoir workers in
Uganda. The objective of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis
and associated risk factors among abattoir workers in Kampala and Mbarara districts.
Methodology: A survey with nested cross-sectional study was done in Kampala City
Council and Mbarara Municipal Council abattoirs. Current abattoir workers aged 18
years and above who had worked for at least three months and who consented to
participate in the study were included. A sample size of 232 participants was studied.
Socio-demographic, occupational and health-related data was captured using a pretested
and pre-coded questionnaire. Blood was obtained from the cephalic vein of
vaccutainer system. This was assessed for malaria
parasitaemia a common misdiagnosis for brucellosis using a Giemsa stained thick
blood smear while brucellosis was tested using Microplate Agglutination Test and
Standard Tube Agglutination Test. Twelve key informant interviews were also
conducted including a manager, a meat inspector, a health worker from each district
and six participants with a history of brucellosis. Data was double entered in Epidata
and analyzed in SPSS version 12.0. Risk factor analysis was done by binary logistic
regression.
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each participant using a
Results: The proportion of people with antibodies to brucella was 10% (95%CI 6 -
16; n-232), that of malaria was 3% (95%CI 0-6; n=232). One case of dual infection
of brucellosis and malaria was found and malaria was due to Plasmodium falciparum.
Although bi variable analysis identified duration of exposure, district with abattoir and
keeping animals at home as important factors, the final regression model showed only
use of protective gear OR 0.3 (95%CI 0.02 - 0.8) as a significant risk factor.
Conclusions: This study has clearly shown that brucella infection is a real risk among
abattoir workers. The use of full protective gear when working reduces risk
significantly. Dual infection of brucella and malaria is low. This calls for sensitization
and increased public health care programs by the authorities in the control of this
emerging problem.