Seroagglutination pattern of brucellosis among high risk occupational groups

ABSTRACT

This investigation was conducted to study the pattern of brucella agglutination titre [BAT] among workers in some occupations with possible exposure to infected animals, and to study some factors that might be related to the development of brucellosis. It was found that 9.94% of the exposed workers [no. = 483] had BAT >/= 1/200, and 10.14% had BAT >/= 1/100. Veterinarians, butchers and abattoir workers had the highest prevalences of [BAT] [>/= 1/100 and 1/200]. Age of the workers had no relation with the level of BAT, A difference between males and females was detected concerning the agglutination titre, but it was not a true one. Male workers were involved in violent jobs [Slaughtering and Skinning] which were characterized by high titres, these jobs could not be tolerated by the females. The percentage of rural residents with high [BAT] was higher than that among urban residents [23.26% and 15.38%, respectively]. Duration of exposure to the infected animals had no relation with [BAT] or with the development of manifestations of brucellosis. Use of protective measures and regular periodic medical examination were effective tools in protection against occupational brucellosis. It was revealed that 84.16% and 95.05% respectively of the exposed workers who used protective measures and were regularly examined, had low BAT, in comparison with 15, 84% and 4.95%. respectively, who had high titres. Constitutional symptoms were the most prevalent manifestations of brucellosis among the exposed workers [9.94%]. Arthritis and orchitis were detected in 4.55% and 3.31%, respectively. The highest BAT were recorded among the exposed workers who had symptoms and signs of brucellosis. The study concluded that type of job and severity of exposure to infected animals regardless of the duration of exposure were decisive in the development of brucellosis with high brucella agglutination titres. The results pointed to the importance of using the protective measures and regular medical examination as effective steps in minimizing the problem of occupational burcellosis