• Harriet N Muloki, Joseph Erume, David O Owiny, Joseph M Kungu, Jesca Nakavuma, Duncan Ogeng, and George W Nasinyama.
• Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University. P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
• Afr Health Sci. 2018 Mar 1; 18 (1): 22-28.

BackgroundBrucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic.ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify modifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facilities in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio.ResultsBrucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75 - 8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis.ConclusionControl of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.

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