First report on the Sero-molecular prevalence of Brucella melitensis in local small ruminants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background Globally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. It plays a staple role in the northern area. Brucellosis is an important infectious and zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of animals and is caused by different species of brucella, such as Brucella abortus, Brucella mellitensis, etc. Brucellosis is diagnosed in humans and animals using a variety of serological and molecular assays, with varying degrees of effectiveness.Methods This study aimed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, namely Mohmand, and Charsadda. For this study, 400 blood samples (n = 200 each from sheep and goats) were collected in gel tubes, along with a detailed history of the animals examined.Results The overall prevalence of brucellosis was 13, 9.75, and 6.5% through the Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), i-ELISA, and PCR, respectively. In sheep, the incidence rate of brucellosis was 13.5 and 7% through RBPT and i-ELISA while PCR confirmed 5% B. abortus and 2% B. melitensis. In goats, the incidence rate of brucellosis was 12.5 and 12.5% while PCR confirms 2% B. abortus and 4% B. melitensis.Conclusions Collectively, these results suggested that B. melitensis was found to be more prevalent in goats as compared to sheep whereas B. abortus was detected in higher numbers of sheep compared to goats through PCR. PCR is a more sensitive, efficacious, and time-saving test for the diagnosis of brucellosis.