First report on the Sero-molecular prevalence of Brucella melitensis in local small ruminants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Background Globally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. It plays a staple role in the northern area. Brucellosis is an important infectious and zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of animals and is caused by different species of brucella, such as Brucella abortus, Brucella mellitensis, etc. Brucellosis is diagnosed in humans and animals using a variety of serological and molecular assays, with varying degrees of effectiveness.Methods This study aimed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, namely Mohmand, and Charsadda. For this study, 400 blood samples (n = 200 each from sheep and goats) were collected in gel tubes, along with a detailed history of the animals examined.Results The overall prevalence of brucellosis was 13, 9.75, and 6.5% through the Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), i-ELISA, and PCR, respectively. In sheep, the incidence rate of brucellosis was 13.5 and 7% through RBPT and i-ELISA while PCR confirmed 5% B. abortus and 2% B. melitensis. In goats, the incidence rate of brucellosis was 12.5 and 12.5% while PCR confirms 2% B. abortus and 4% B. melitensis.Conclusions Collectively, these results suggested that B. melitensis was found to be more prevalent in goats as compared to sheep whereas B. abortus was detected in higher numbers of sheep compared to goats through PCR. PCR is a more sensitive, efficacious, and time-saving test for the diagnosis of brucellosis.

Regional epidemiology of brucellosis infection in modern conditions of animal husbandry technology in Kazakhstan (by the degree of spread and incidence)

“…The study results obtained by A. Shehzad et al (2021) and S.U. Hassan et al (2023) highlighted the significant correlation between total population and number of infected animals, revealing a significant correlation of 0.66 for cows (p ≤ 0.004) and 0.49 for sheep and goats (p ≤ 0.02). These results emphasise that regions with a higher prevalence of infection foci have an increased probability of brucellosis.…”

“…The findings from this study prompted S.U. Hassan et al (2023) to advocate a modification of the existing methodology for epidemiological surveillance. The proposed changes include the use of spatial (geographical) analysis techniques to improve the accuracy of disease monitoring.…”

“…Thus, the recommendations of S.U. Hassan et al (2023) recommendations are valuable for choosing an effective strategy to study and control brucellosis infection, given the similarity of the situations observed in both regions.…”

Untitled

“…The study results obtained by A. Shehzad et al (2021) and S.U. Hassan et al (2023) highlighted the significant correlation between total population and number of infected animals, revealing a significant correlation of 0.66 for cows (p ≤ 0.004) and 0.49 for sheep and goats (p ≤ 0.02). These results emphasise that regions with a higher prevalence of infection foci have an increased probability of brucellosis.…”

“…The findings from this study prompted S.U. Hassan et al (2023) to advocate a modification of the existing methodology for epidemiological surveillance. The proposed changes include the use of spatial (geographical) analysis techniques to improve the accuracy of disease monitoring.…”