title: Seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in Cattle, Molecular Characterization in Milk, and the Analysis of Associated Risk Factors with Seroprevalence in Humans, Egypt.
abstract: The objective of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in humans and cattle at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. In addition, identification of Brucella spp. in milk samples by PCR and culture with the evaluation of the risk factors associated with Brucella spp. seroprevalence in humans were carried out. Overall, the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in the examined cattle was 23.8%, while in human participants it was 21%. The examination of 205 milk samples using PCR revealed that 6.3% were positive for B. abortus biovar 1 and the results were confirmed by culture methods. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, occupational contact with animals, and knowledge about the disease are risk factors associated with infection in humans. This study documented the endemic status of brucellosis in Egypt. Hygienic measures and increased awareness about the disease are recommended to minimize the spread of infection from animals to humans.
authors.affiliation: 1 Animal Health Research Institute , Mansoura Provincial Lab., Mansoura, Egypt .
authors.forename: Mohamed M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: El-Diasty
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University , Zagazig, Egypt .
authors.forename: Heba A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: 3 Brucellosis Unit, Animal Health Research Institute , Dokki, Egypt .
authors.forename: Ashraf E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Sayour
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University , Benha, Egypt .
authors.forename: Fatma I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: El Hofy
authors.affiliation: 5 Department of Food Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University , Zagazig, Egypt .
authors.forename: Asmaa B M B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Tahoun
authors.affiliation: 1 Animal Health Research Institute , Mansoura Provincial Lab., Mansoura, Egypt .
authors.forename: Saleh M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Shafik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002002:Brucella / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D002417:Cattle; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008892:Milk / Q000382:microbiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult; D015047:Zoonoses
keywords: B. abortus; PCR; milk; risk factors; seroprevalence