Gynaecological disorders associated with Brucella melitensis in goat flocks with potential risk of occupational zoonoses in Central India.

Brucellosis is an occupational infectious disease affecting both animals and humans. It causes abortions, retention of placenta, stillbirth and infertility in small and large ruminants. It is considered as a disease of economic importance to the society engaged in animal husbandry. The present study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis in goats exhibiting abortions, retention of placenta and still births and in occupationally exposed individuals, to type the circulating Brucella species in Central India and risk factors for its spillage to human host. Seroprevalence of 34.72% (RBPT), 33.33% (SAT and S-LPS ELISA) was recorded in goats and 2.38% (RBPT, SAT and S-LPS ELISA) in occupationally exposed individuals. The clinical samples revealed three Brucella melitensis isolates as confirmed by bcsp31, IS711 and AMOS PCR. Early diagnosis, general awareness, restricted animal movement, hygiene, secure handling and disposal of infectious waste is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]