Title : Seroprevalence and potential risk factors of brucellosis in camels in KPK, Pakistan
Abstract:
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with profound impacts on livestock productivity and public health. This study aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in camels and evaluate associated risk factors in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, including Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, and Kohat. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2025, and a total of 100 camel blood samples were collected and analyzed using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) for preliminary screening and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) for confirmation. The overall sero-prevalence was found to be 13.00% by RBPT and 9.00% by iELISA. District-wise sero-prevalence using RBPT showed the highest in Tank (15.79%), followed by Kohat (14.29%), D.I. Khan (12.12%), and Lakki Marwat (10.00%); however, these differences were not statistically significant (χ² = 1.29, p = 0.731). According to iELISA, Kohat (10.71%) and Lakki Marwat (10.00%) had slightly higher prevalence than D.I. Khan (9.09%) and Tank (5.26%). Risk factor analysis using the chi-square test revealed significant associations between age group (χ² = 3.85, p = 0.050) and abortion history (χ² = 5.00, p = 0.025) with brucellosis seropositivity (RBPT). Camels aged >5 years showed higher prevalence (16.36%) compared to those ≤5 years (8.89%), and camels with a history of abortion had significantly higher positivity (25.00%) than those without (9.21%). Sex was also significantly associated (χ² = 4.10, p = 0.043), with male camels (14.29%) showing slightly higher prevalence than females (12.31%). Other variables like body condition, herd size, mating practice, water source, and contact with other species showed epidemiological relevance but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The study confirmed that brucellosis is moderately prevalent in camel populations of southern KP and is strongly associated with reproductive factors such as abortion and age. The use of both RBPT and iELISA highlighted differences in diagnostic sensitivity, underscoring the need for combined diagnostic strategies in camel brucellosis surveillance. In conclusion, age, sex, and abortion history were key risk factors for brucellosis in camels. Effective control strategies should include routine serological screening, biosecurity improvement, regulated breeding practices, and awareness programs. A One Health approach is recommended to address the zoonotic risk and economic burden associated with camel brucellosis in Pakistan. The study confirmed that brucellosis is moderately prevalent in camel populations of southern KP and is strongly associated with reproductive factors such as abortion and age. Results from both RBPT and iELISA revealed, that when used alone, neither method was more sensitive than the other. Abortion history, being a certain age or gender and the condition of the camel were the greatest risk factors for brucellosis. Effective control requires serological screening, improved biosecurity, regulated breeding, and a One Health approach.
Keywords: Brucellosis, Camels, Sero-prevalence, Risk Factors, iELISA, RBPT, Chi-square, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
