title: Serological, Clinical, and Epidemiological Profile of Human Brucellosis in Rural India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Brucellosis is an important but neglected zoonotic disease in India. Due to frequent animal contact, high prevalence of this disease, though expected in rural population, has not been much studied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study was carried out to determine serological, clinical, and epidemiological profile including associated risk factors for human brucellosis in rural India.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, serum samples from 1,733 individuals residing in rural areas were screened for the presence of anti-brucellar antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination test (SAT), and 2-Mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). Clinical symptoms, epidemiological data including risk factors and knowledge about brucellosis were evaluated by personal interview using a structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 1,733 individuals, 998 had direct contact with animals, whereas 735 had no direct contact. The overall positivity rates by RBPT, SAT, and 2-ME test were 10.50% (182), 7.32% (127), and 5.88% (102), respectively. Clinical symptoms resembling brucellosis were seen in 151 (8.71%) subjects. Animal contact especially during milking, parturition/abortion was the major risk factor, followed by raw milk ingestion. None of the participant knew about brucellosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regular surveillance of the disease with awareness programs emphasizing prevention and control are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Bijapur Liberal Development Education University, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Smita S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Mangalgi
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Bijapur Liberal Development Education University, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Annapurna G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Sajjan
authors.affiliation: Professor of Microbiology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Shivajirao T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Mohite
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Satish V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Kakade
keywords: 2-Mercaptoethanol test; Human brucellosis; Rose Bengal Plate test; risk factors; serum agglutination test