Seroprevalência da Brucelose bovina e avaliação do risco de transmissão zoonótica aos trabalhadores em Matadouros de Maputo

Abstract

1.752 / 5.000 The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis and the risk associated with zoonotic transmission of the disease to workers in slaughterhouses in Maputo. An observational cross-sectional analytical study was carried out, in which blood samples were collected from 315 cattle, 192 of which were from the Maputo Municipal Slaughterhouse and 123 from the Machava Slaughterhouse, during the months of May to September 2023. The serum samples collected were subjected to the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and the indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA). The slaughter and inspection process was monitored and a survey was administered to workers to assess their knowledge about brucellosis and prevention practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test and Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval were used to assess the association between categorical variables. A seroprevalence of brucellosis of 18.4% (58/315) was observed by RBT and 23.1% (73/315) by iELISA. Twenty-two workers were surveyed, of which 50% (11/22) were aware of zoonotic diseases, 81.4% (18/22) used some type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and approximately 77.3% (17/22) of the workers washed their hands when handling each animal. Activities such as throat cutting, evisceration and inspection pose a risk for zoonotic transmission to workers. The results obtained in this study highlight the need to reinforce disease prevention and control measures in the country, the risk of zoonotic transmission of brucellosis to workers and the need to raise awareness among workers about zoonotic diseases.