Cross sectional epidemiological investigations of human brucellosis in pregnant women of Punjab, Pakistan

Human brucellosis is an acute febrile illness responsible of causing serious threats to pregnant women and their developing fetus. It is a neglected disease having zoonotic potential resulting in variety of complications. The present study aimed to detect sero-prevalence of brucellosis in pregnant women and to find out the role of various demographic and potential risk factors associated with this disease during January to July 2024. In this cross-sectional study (n=300) blood samples were collected from pregnant women ranging from 18 to 45 years of age. The information about personal data, demographics and risk factors was gathered via pre-designed structured questionnaire. The anti-Brucella antibodies were detected using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) followed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seropositive samples were subjected to qRT-PCR for molecular detection of Brucella. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics, Chi square test and Odds ratio using Minitab version 18. The result of study showed the sero-prevalence of brucellosis 9.33% among pregnant women with higher 11.36% in age group (18-28 years). Among the demographic factors, the occupation of farming (P =0.005; OR = 3.51, 95%CI: 1.56-7.85) and absence of education (P = 0.001; OR = 7.20, 95%CI: 2.79-18.59) showed significant association with human brucellosis. Additionally, of the potential risk factors analyzed, keeping animals at home (P =0.001; OR = 4.64, 95%CI: 2.05-10.50), and lack of knowledge about brucellosis (P =0.047; OR = 3.53, 95%CI: 1.03-12.03) were found statistically significant. A comprehensive awareness should be given to females regarding risk factors and spread of brucellosis. Consumption of pasteurized dairy products and adopting personal protection while dealing with animals will prevent pregnant women and their unborn from human brucellosis and its complications.