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. 2018 Mar;18(1):22-28.
doi: 10.4314/ahs.v18i1.4.

Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda

Harriet N Muloki  1   2 , Joseph Erume  2 , David O Owiny  2 , Joseph M Kungu  3 , Jesca Nakavuma  2 , Duncan Ogeng  1 , George W Nasinyama  2
Affiliations

Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda

Harriet N Muloki et al. Afr Health Sci. 2018 Mar.

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; Uganda; fever; human; prevalence; zoonosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of study patients by gender and age group
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