Harriet N Muloki1,2, Joseph Erume2, David O Owiny2, Joseph M Kungu3, Jesca Nakavuma2, Duncan Ogeng1, George W Nasinyama

1. Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University. P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
2. College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Current Address: Kampala International University, P.O Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
3. National Livestock Resources Research Institute, P.O.Box 96, Tororo.

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic.
Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify modifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facilities in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio.
Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75 – 8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis.
Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.

Keywords: Brucellosis, human, fever, prevalence, Uganda, zoonosis.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v18i1.4

Cite as: Muloki HN, Erume J, Owiny DO, Kungu JM, Nakavuma J, Ogeng D, Nasinyama GW. Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Afri Health Sci 2018;18(1):22-28. https://dx.doi.org

Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients.pdf