(Africa Health Sciences, 2018) Muloki, Harriet N.; Erume, Joseph; Owiny, David O.; Kungu, Joseph M.; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ogeng, Duncan; Nasinyama, George W.
Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease
remain problematic.
Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify mod-
ifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facili-
ties in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured
questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk
factors were measured using the Odds Ratio.
Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate
Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75 - 8.24), rearing livestock
(p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were
factors associated with brucellosis.
Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate
action on human brucellosis control.