Version 1: Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of Brucellosis among Dairy Farmers in Aligarh Region of North India: Creating awareness of a Neglected Disease

INTRODUCTION Brucellosis, a worldwide spreading zoonotic disease, is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria known as Brucella. Humans acquire infection through direct contact with blood, urine, the placenta of animals, inhalation of dust or aerosol in infected animal farms, and raw milk and meat intake. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh region of North India, to document various clinical signs and symptoms in Brucella-positive individuals, and to create awareness in dairy farmers aware about brucellosis and ways to prevent it.

METHODS This was an observational study that comprised 125 dairy farmers in and around the Aligarh Region. Serum Samples were taken from this high-risk group after taking informed consent. Also, a pre-designed proforma was used to collect information about their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about brucellosis and assess the risk factors of the disease. Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were done to detect the seroprevalence of brucellosis.

RESULT Brucella infection was diagnosed in 65 (52%) cases by Indirect ELISA (IgM+ IgG), 41 (32.8%) by RBT, and 4 (3.2%) by SAT. Significant clustering of patients was seen in the 20-55 years age group. The most common symptom in ELISA IgM-positive patients was joint pain prevalent (16.07%), Fatigue (14.28%), Anorexia (12.50%), weight loss (8.92%), Malaise (5.35%), Undulant fever (3.57%), Night sweats (3.57%) and headache (1.78%). The findings of this study indicate that ELISA (IgM + IgG) exhibits great sensitivity as compared to SAT and RBT. KAP was very poor among dairy farmers.

CONCLUSION In India, Brucella is a frequent but severely underreported illness. ELISA is the most sensitive serological test for diagnosing Brucellosis. No potential vaccine has yet been introduced for humans against Brucellosis. Thus, it is necessary to impart awareness and sensitize the high-risk groups about Brucellosis.