Factors associated with <i>B</i>.<i>melitensis</i> seropositivity among study participants between May and July 2017.

<p>Factors associated with <i>B</i>.<i>melitensis</i> seropositivity among study participants between May and July 2017.</p

Seropositivity of <i>Brucella</i> spp. and <i>Leptospira</i> spp. antibodies among abattoir workers and meat vendors in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania: A call for one health approach control strategies

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Brucellosis and leptospirosis are among neglected tropical zoonotic diseases particularly in the resource limited countries. Despite being endemic in these countries, there is paucity of information on its magnitude. This study investigated seropositivity of <i>Brucella</i> spp. and <i>Leptospira</i> spp., and associated factors among abattoir workers and meat vendors in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania.</p><p>Methodology</p><p>A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mwanza city from May to July 2017. Socio-demographic and other relevant information were collected. Detection of <i>Brucella</i> spp. and <i>Leptospira</i> spp. antibodies were done using slide agglutination test and microscopic agglutination test, respectively. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13 Software.</p><p>Findings</p><p>A total of 250 participants (146 abattoir workers and 104 meat vendors) were enrolled with median age of 31 (IQR: 25–38) years. The overall, seropositivity of <i>Brucella</i> spp. antibodies was 48.4% (95% Cl: 42–54). Seropositivity of <i>B</i>. <i>abortus</i> was significantly higher than that of <i>B</i>. <i>melitensis</i> (46.0%, 95%Cl: 39–52 vs. 23.6%, 95% Cl: 18–28, P<0.001) while seropositivity of both species was 21.2% (95%Cl: 16–26). The seropositivity of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. was 10.0% (95% CI: 6–13) with predominance of <i>Leptospira kirschneri</i> serovar Sokoine which was detected in 7.2% of the participants. Being abattoir worker (OR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.06–4.54, p = 0.035) and long work duration (OR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.014) predicted presence of both <i>B</i>.<i>abortus</i> and <i>B</i>. <i>melitensis</i> antibodies. Only being married (p = 0.041) was significantly associated with seropositivity of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. Primary education was the only factor independently predicted presence of <i>Brucella</i> spp. antibodies among abattoir workers on sub-analysis of occupational exposure. None of factors were found to be associated with presence of <i>Brucella</i> spp. antibodies among meat vendors on sub-analysis.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Seropositivity of <i>B</i>.<i>abortus</i> antibodies among abattoir workers and meat vendors is high and seem to be a function of being abattoir worker, having worked for long duration in the abattoir and having primary education. In addition, a significant proportion of abattoir workers and meat vendors in the city was seropositive for <i>Leptospira kirschneri</i> serovar Sokoine. There is a need to consider ‘one health approach’ in devising appropriate strategies to control these diseases in the developing countries.</p></div

Boxplot showing the median work duration (years) between <i>Brucella</i> spp. seropositive and seronegative participants.

<p>Boxplot showing the median work duration (years) between <i>Brucella</i> spp. seropositive and seronegative participants.</p

Seropositivity of <i>Leptospira</i> serovars among abattoir workers and meat vendors in Mwanza city.

<p>Seropositivity of <i>Leptospira</i> serovars among abattoir workers and meat vendors in Mwanza city.</p

Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants conducted from May to July 2017.

<p>Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants conducted from May to July 2017.</p

Factors associated with <i>B</i>.<i>abortus</i> seropositivity among study participants between May and July 2017.

<p>Factors associated with <i>B</i>.<i>abortus</i> seropositivity among study participants between May and July 2017.</p