Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Health Sciences
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.
Description
Keywords
Brucellosis, human, fever, prevalence
Citation
Muloki HN, Erume J, Owiny DO, Kungu JM, Nakavuma J, Ogeng D, Nasinyama GW. Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Afri Health Sci 2018;18(1):22-28. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v18i1.4