Investigation of Brucella Seroprevalence in Human and Livestocks in Igdýr, Turkey

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide and still remains endemic in some developing countries, especially in Turkey. Milk is the main food product serving as a vector for Brucella. In this study we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of human and animal brucellosis.
METHODS: The study group consisted of 358 subjects who had high risk occupations of animal breeder and farmer. The test results were interpreted and titers equal or in excess of 1/40 were considered significant. 189 farm animals were incorporated to our research. Among these animals, 104 of them were sheep and goat and 85 of them were cattle. The Brucellosis Milk Ring Test (BRT) was used to test raw milk samples collected the selected herds in the study area.
RESULTS: The seroprevalence of human brucellosis was 6.7%. Seroprevalence of animal brucellosis was found as 22.75 % in livestocks. This study is important for being the first study in recent years that demonstrates the Brucella seropositivity rates in Iðdýr Province
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This high seropositivity in our region may depend on the high rates of animal brucellosis; those of which were inadequate under control by veterinary and by vaccination and people who consuming the milk by without boiling.