Seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated risk factors among abattoir workers in Bauchi State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is a reemerging and neglected zoonotic disease. It is an occupational bio-hazard and a public health problem. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors among abattoir workers in Bauchi state. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the three senatorial district abattoirs of Bauchi State. Abattoir workers (n=284) were selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire. Serum samples collected, were screened for brucellosis with Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), tested with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Seropositive participants were positive for both RBPT and ELISA. Data were described in proportions and analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Participants were all male, age range: 18-70 years (mean 35 ±13 years). Ninety-five participants were seropositive (seroprevalence 33.5%) after laboratory testing. Following bivariate analysis, using personal protective equipment (PPE) [OR: 0.5 CI95%=0.3>OR: 0.5 CI95%=0.3-0.9] was significantly protective against brucellosis. Slaughtering of animals (OR: 2.19 CI95%= 1.2-3.7), assisting in animal parturition (OR: 2.25 CI95%= 1.3-3.7), working with an open cut/wound (OR:2.1 CI95%= 1.1-3.9) and eating while working in the abattoir [OR:2.4 CI95%= 1.1>OR:2.4 CI95%= 1.1-4.9] were risks of brucellosis. Multivariate analysis showed that slaughtering of animals: Adjusted Odds-Ratio (AOR) = 1.92; CI95% = 1.03 - 3.59) and assisting in animal parturition (AOR = 2.43; CI95% = 1.40 - 4.23) remained significantly associated with brucellosis. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of brucellosis among abattoir workers in Bauchi state is high. Workers should use PPEs and animal parturitions should be handled by trained personnel alone.