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A total of 250 participants (146 abattoir workers and 104 meat vendors) were enrolled with
median age of 31 (IQR: 25–38) years. The overall, seropositivity of Brucella spp. antibodies
was 48.4% (95% Cl: 42–54). Seropositivity of B. abortus was significantly higher than that of
B. melitensis (46.0%, 95%Cl: 39–52 vs. 23.6%, 95% Cl: 18–28, P<0.001) while seropositiv-
ity of both species was 21.2% (95%Cl: 16–26). The seropositivity of Leptospira spp. was
10.0% (95% CI: 6–13) with predominance of Leptospira kirschneri serovar Sokoine which
was detected in 7.2% of the participants. Being abattoir worker (OR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.06–
4.54, p = 0.035) and long work duration (OR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.014) predicted presence of both B.abortus and B. melitensis antibodies. Only being married (p = 0.041)
was significantly associated with seropositivity of Leptospira spp. Primary education was
the only factor independently predicted presence of Brucella spp. antibodies among abattoir
workers on sub-analysis of occupational exposure. None of factors were found to be associ-
ated with presence of Brucella spp. antibodies among meat vendors on sub-analysis.
Conclusion
Seropositivity of B.abortus antibodies among abattoir workers and meat vendors is high and
seem to be a function of being abattoir worker, having worked for long duration in the abat-
toir and having primary education. In addition, a significant proportion of abattoir workers
and meat vendors in the city was seropositive for Leptospira kirschneri serovar Sokoine.
There is a need to consider ‘one health approach’ in devising appropriate strategies to con-
trol these diseases in the developing countries. |
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