Prevalence of brucellosis among meat handlers at Uganda Meat Industries Limited, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

A study was done to determine the prevalence of brucellosis among meat handlers at Uganda Meat Industries Limited, Nakawa, Kampala district. Also the meat handler’s knowledge concerning the brucellosis clinical features and social economic factors contributing to persistence of brucellosis were assessed. Respondents from aging 18-55years regardless of their sexes were randomly selected for the study. All consented clients were interviewed and venous blood samples taken. Serum samples were analyzed for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. The prevalence of brucellosis was found to be 18.9% (n = 111). The highest proportion (11.7%) of the meat handlers had both B. melitensis and B. arbotus. Brucella melitensis occurred in 7.2% of the meat handlers. Majority (88.3%) of the meat handlers had informal knowledge about brucellosis. There was occurrence of brucellosis in meat handlers was lower than what was observed elsewhere. Majority of the meat handlers had knowledge related to brucellosis. Meat handlers should take precautionary measures like wearing of gloves when handling meat in abbatoirs.