use of ELISA for diagnosis and epidemiology of brucella infection in humans in Assiut governorate

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of brucella infection among hyumans in Assiut Governorate was stimated busing Rose Bengal plate test [TAT], and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The seroprevalence of brucellosis among humans in Assiut Governorate was 32.3%. Subjects professionally exposed to livestock including farmers [40.3%] and veterinarians [18.2%] represent a high risk group for brucella infection. The positive butcher case recorded in our study reflects the possibility of abattoir workers to attain the infection. Infections of the occupational groups including students [44.4%], children [40%], manual workers [14.3%] and others [66.7%] explain the role of consumption of raw milk and milk products as well as inadequately cooked meat, liver and spleen in spreading of that zoonosis among humans. A higher brucella prevalence was recorded in men [36.6%] than in women [26.8%]. Also, the rural population shows a higher infection rate [38.7%] than the urban one [14.7%] and this may be attributed to the local dietary customs and habits. Intensification of the infection [40%] among the age group less than 16 years gives a spot light on the serious role of raw milk and milk products in the epidemiology of brucellosis among humans in Assiut Governorate