Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans population of Charsasdda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Brucellosis caused by Brucella spp, is an infectious and zoonotic disease of wild and domestic animals of worldwide distribution. Aim: The present research was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans, Homo sapien (L, 1758) population in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan during August 2014-January 2015. Methods: Blood samples (n=200) were collected randomly during February-December 2014. They were screened for brucellosis by using Serum Plate Agglutination Test (SPAT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Two species, B. abortus and B. melitensis were present separately or in the same sample by SPAT while only separately by PCR. Out of 200 samples of humans 10% and 7.5% were positive by using SPAT and PCR, respectively. The prevalence of the disease in males were, 12% by SPAT while 9% by PCR, in female, 8% by SPAT (males to females’ ratio of 3:2) while 6% by PCR(males to females’ ratio of 4:3). In different age groups of humans, i.e., 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, and 60 were as 10.38, 9.52, 12.00, and 7.14% by SPAT while 7.79, 8.33, 4.00, and 7.14% by PCR, respectively. In professional groups of humans, i.e., farmers, animal keepers, servants, house-wives and others, the prevalence was 11.42, 12.5, 0, 8.75 and 10.71% by SPAT while 8.57, 6.25, 0, 7.5, 7.14 and 3.75% by PCR, respectively. Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans is existed in the study area.Recommendation: An effective control programme of the disease is recommended.