Seroprevalence Of Brucellosis In Davangere, Karnataka.
41-44
Correspondence
Dr. Metri Basavaraj C, M.D
Assistant professor, Dept. of microbiology,
B L D E A ‘S , B.M. Patil Medical college,
Bijapur- 586103. Karnataka. India
Ph: 9964106980
Mail-basucm@rediffmail.com
Context: Brucellosis is chronic, contagious and zoonotic disease. It is usually difficult to diagnose clinically in the absence of specific clinical features. Hence serological testing forms the mainstay of diagnosing the disease.
Aim: The present study was done to know the seroprevalence of brucellosis in Davangere (Karnataka) and to compare Rose Bengal plate test with Standard tube agglutination test.
Materials and Methods: Three hundred eighty Blood samples received at Microbiology Department for various serological tests and 45 Blood samples collected from veterinary staff were used for study. Serum was separated from samples and Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and Standard tube agglutination test (STAT) were done.
Results:The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in the study was 3.3%, it was 2.4% in general population and 11.1% in veterinary staff. Prevalence was more among males than in females . 20-40 years age group was more affected (3.6%). Shepherds had the highest prevalence rate (5.9%), followed by farmers (5.2%). Sera received for Widal test and Brucella agglutination test, showed a prevalence of 1.6% and 6.0% respectively. When compared with STAT, RBPT showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99%.
Conclusion: Prevalence of brucellosis in Davangere was found to be significant. It was fairly common among the veterinary personnel in this area. Shepherds and farmers were found to be largely affected. RBPT is highly reliable and has a close relation with STAT in the diagnosis of human brucellosis.