SEROPREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN ABBATOIR WORKERS IN DISTRICT D I KHAN, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Background:
Brucellosis is an emerging and frequently neglected zoonotic disease that remains a significant occupational and public health concern, particularly among individuals working in close contact with livestock. Abattoir workers are at increased risk due to repeated exposure to infected animals and contaminated animal products. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and identify associated demographic and occupational risk factors among abattoir workers in Dera Ismail Khan district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted across three tehsils of Dera Ismail Khan district. A total of 300 male abattoir workers were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured and modified questionnaire covering demographic and occupational variables. Blood samples were obtained and initially screened using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), followed by confirmation using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect IgG and IgM antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed to estimate seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 35.33% (106/300). Kulachi Abattoir showed the highest seropositivity (60.0%), followed by Dera Ismail Khan (30.0%) and Parova (27.8%). Workers aged 21–30 years had the highest seropositivity (35.0%), while prevalence declined in older age groups. Married workers demonstrated higher seropositivity (71.4%) compared to unmarried workers (28.6%). By occupation, slaughterers had the highest seropositivity (44.4%), whereas livestock sellers had the lowest (4.2%). ELISA results indicated that 67% of positive samples contained both IgG and IgM antibodies, suggesting evidence of both past and recent infections. Significant risk factors included slaughtering animals (OR 2.5), working with open wounds (OR 2.5), assisting in animal parturition (OR 2.5), and eating while working (OR 2.7). The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was associated with reduced odds of seropositivity (OR 0.4).  Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high seroprevalence of brucellosis among abattoir workers in Dera Ismail Khan district, with clear associations between infection and specific occupational exposures. Strengthening workplace biosecurity, promoting consistent PPE use, and implementing targeted health education programs are essential to reduce occupational transmission and protect workers in high-risk settings.

Keywords: Human brucellosis, Public Health, abattoir workers, risk factor