Ahmad M Al-Majali1, Mahmoud Shorman. 1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan. almajali@just.edu.jo
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the seroprevalence of childhood brucellosis in Jordan and to elucidate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella. METHODS: Between January 2001 and October 2006, a cross-sectional study of children aged < or = 15 years was conducted; a total of 1282 serum samples were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Brucella antigens using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens were identified by constructing a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 1282 serum samples tested, 119 (9.3%) were positive by both RBPT and ELISA tests. When adjusted for the sensitivities and specificities of the two tests, the true seroprevalence was 11.6%. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Ma'an and Mafraq governorates was significantly higher than in the other governorates. The logistic regression model identified male gender (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1), age older than 10 years (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.9), living in a village (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9), and assisting in raising small ruminants (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) as risk factors for childhood Brucella seropositivity in Jordan. CONCLUSION: This study documents the importance of brucellosis in children and further emphasizes the role of small ruminants as an important source for human infection.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the seroprevalence of childhood brucellosis in Jordan and to elucidate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella. METHODS: Between January 2001 and October 2006, a cross-sectional study of children aged < or = 15 years was conducted; a total of 1282 serum samples were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Brucella antigens using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens were identified by constructing a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 1282 serum samples tested, 119 (9.3%) were positive by both RBPT and ELISA tests. When adjusted for the sensitivities and specificities of the two tests, the true seroprevalence was 11.6%. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Ma'an and Mafraq governorates was significantly higher than in the other governorates. The logistic regression model identified male gender (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1), age older than 10 years (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.9), living in a village (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9), and assisting in raising small ruminants (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) as risk factors for childhood Brucella seropositivity in Jordan. CONCLUSION: This study documents the importance of brucellosis in children and further emphasizes the role of small ruminants as an important source for humaninfection.
Authors: Waleed M Sweileh; Samah W Al-Jabi; Alaeddin Abuzanat; Ansam F Sawalha; Adham S AbuTaha; Mustafa A Ghanim; Sa'ed H Zyoud Journal: Infect Dis Poverty Date: 2015-02-02 Impact factor: 4.520
Authors: Beatrice Chipwaza; Ginethon G Mhamphi; Steve D Ngatunga; Majige Selemani; Mbaraka Amuri; Joseph P Mugasa; Paul S Gwakisa Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2015-05-08