Human brucellosis: Seroprevalence and associated exposure factors among the rural population in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is a recognised occupational threat among animal handler and raw animal product consumers. In India, there is a likelihood of missed diagnoses and under-reporting cases by physicians causing an extended debilitating illness. We steered research to conclude the seroprevalence and risk factors allied with Human Brucellosis (HB) among the rural population in Nagpur District, Maharashtra, India. METHODS: Closed-ended questionnaires used for a cross-sectional study to collect data for demographics and risk exposure variables. 382 subjects' serum-samples were tested by using Rose-Bengal (RBPT) and ELISA technique. An odd ratio calculated for risk factors for HB reported positive or negative. Data were analysed by using SPSS. RESULTS: The brucellosis seroprevalence in rural Nagpur was 1.83%. The mean age was 42.32 years, 78.5% were male, and 21.5% were female. Prevalence was higher among males [85.7%] than females [14.3%]. The risk for brucellosis among males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.19–13.92, P = 0.64) was more than females. Handling raw meat had more risk (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 0.40 – 28.6, P = 0.23) than those not handling raw meat. Milking animal was protective (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80 – 0.96, P < 0.001) for brucellosis than those not milking animal. Subjects reported more likely to be a seropositive to human brucellosis those involved in assisted animal delivery (P = 0.001), drinking unpasteurised milk (P<0.001), consuming milk products made from raw milk (P<0.001) and eating raw meat (P = 0.001) CONCLUSION: Health education program is essential to generate awareness for brucellosis in the rural community to prevent animal to human disease transmission.