Abstract

Background and Aim: Brucellosis caused by Brucella species is a zoonotic disease prevalent in Nigeria. Data on this disease in humans and its risk factors in Lafia, Nasarawa State, are lacking. This study was, therefore, designed to determine the prevalence of brucellosis and the risk factors among individuals most at risk in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on high-risk individuals in the area using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and questionnaire. Results: Out of the 160 respondents tested for seropositivity to brucellosis, 10% (16/160) prevalence was recorded with the RBT. None of the factors evaluated was found to be significantly associated with the seroprevalence of brucellosis in the area. On the other hand, final logistic regression analysis found the knowledge of brucellosis to be significantly associated with the profession (OR=11.52; 95% CI=1.47-90.46; p=0.02) and age (OR=2.6; 95% CI=1.11-4.19; p=0.023). Furthermore, practices that expose to Brucella infection were found to be significantly associated with the site (OR=4.02; 95% CI=5.29- 333.33; p=0.000) and marital status (OR=2.44; 95% CI=1.03-5.75; p=0.042). Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent among occupationally exposed individuals in Lafia. There should be continued surveillance for the disease and education of high-risk individuals in the area.

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