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Human brucellosis: Six years retrospective study on seropositivity in Malaysia
S A Nik Mazlan1, F S Abdul Hadi Sabri1, J Mohamed Zahidi1
1National Institutes of Health, Institute for Medical Research, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Bacteriology Unit, Selangor, Malaysia.
Introduction:
Human brucellosis is a zoonotic disease in Malaysia. This study analysed six-year retrospective seropositivity trends of human brucellosis cases from 2014 to 2019.
Methods And Materials:
A total of 1,281 serum samples were obtained from suspected brucellosis patients were included. The sera were tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgM and IgG antibodies for Brucella spp. Samples with equivocal or positive antibody index were confirmed with an immunocapture agglutination.
Results:
During the study period, 5.8% (n=74) of suspected cases showed seropositivity for human brucellosis. The central region has the highest seropositivity cases of human brucellosis. Consumption of unpasteurised milk was significantly associated with human brucellosis in this study with adjusted odds ratio ((AOR) = 4.56, 95% CI = 2.6, 8.02, p-value < 0.001). The age group of less than 15 years old was more likely to contract brucellosis ((AOR) = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.01, 7.84 p-value < 0.048).
Conclusion:
Serological tests have been widely used for the diagnosis of human brucellosis. However, diagnosis using serology is often challenging without the presence of a convalescent sample. In conclusion, even though human brucellosis has a low prevalence rate, the disease has serious public health implications. The usage of effective diagnostic tools as well as implementation of 'One Health' approach are the way forward to prevent and control of brucellosis in the country.
Insights
Human brucellosis, a zoonotic disease, shows low prevalence in Malaysia but has public health implications. Consumption of unpasteurised milk and younger age increase risk, highlighting the need for effective diagnostics and a One Health approach.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease in Malaysia.
- This study examines six-year retrospective seropositivity trends from 2014 to 2019.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze seropositivity trends of human brucellosis in Malaysia.
- To identify risk factors associated with human brucellosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,281 serum samples from suspected brucellosis patients.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgM and IgG antibodies against Brucella spp.
- Confirmation of positive or equivocal results using immunocapture agglutination.
Main Results:
- Overall seropositivity rate for human brucellosis was 5.8% (74/1281).
- The central region exhibited the highest number of seropositive cases.
- Consumption of unpasteurised milk (AOR=4.56) and age under 15 (AOR=2.81) were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Human brucellosis, despite low prevalence, poses serious public health concerns.
- Effective diagnostic tools are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Implementing a 'One Health' approach is vital for prevention and control.
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