[Human brucellosis in Benin: results of a serological survey among exposed workers]

A serological survey was carried out in Bénin in order to assess the rate of brucellosis infection among exposed workers (workers in slaughtering-houses and breeders). 221 sera were tested with rose Bengale test, Wright sero-agglutination test, indirect immunofluorescence test and counter-immuno electrophoresis (brucelline). The percentage of positive sera among exposed workers is 17,7%. The rose Bengale and immunofluorescence tests combination permits complete detection of positive sera. These results suggest the existence of human brucellosis in Bénin and shows the necessity of a national control programme adapted to the socio-economic problems of this country.