Human brucellosis at a pig slaughterhouse

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, posing occupational risks to individuals handling infected animals.
• Slaughterhouse environments present unique challenges for disease transmission control due to the nature of animal processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cases of brucellosis in pig slaughterhouse workers.
• To determine the genetic relatedness of isolated Brucella suis strains.
• To assess the prevalence of swine brucellosis in pigs destined for slaughter.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination and serological testing of 17 symptomatic workers.
• Isolation and genetic characterization (VNTR analysis) of six Brucella suis strains.
• Serological testing (BPAT, SAT, MET) of 200 adult pigs.

Main Results:

• Six Brucella suis strains were isolated from workers, with three of biovar 1 and three atypical. VNTR analysis showed significant genetic heterogeneity among strains.
• Prevalence of swine brucellosis in pigs was 11% in males and 18% in females.
• The genetic diversity of isolates indicated no single common source for the worker infections.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights occupational risks of Brucella suis exposure for packing plant workers.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced worker education on containment measures and active surveillance of animals for swine brucellosis.