Abstract

Objective: This investigation has been planned in order to complete the lack of information about seropositivity of brucellosis in veterinarians and veterinary technicians in non-endemic counties of Muğla, Turkey.

Methods: The study was carried out in districts (Yatağan, Köyceğiz, Marmaris, Milas, Fethiye, Bodrum) and the city center of Muğla. A total of 125 veterinarians and veterinary technicians were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was applied to the volunteers and their approximately 10 ml blood samples were collected. Serum samples were investigated using rose Bengal test, and positive samples were investigated via standard tube agglutination test. Samples ≥1/160 titers in the tube agglutination test were accepted as positive, whereas results <160 titers were investigated using Coombs test. Samples ≥1/320 titers were accepted as positive in the Coombs test.

Results: At the end of the evaluation, we found Brucella seropositivity in 3 of 125 subjects and the seroprevalence in veterinarians and veterinary technicians was found to be 2.4% in Muğla region. There was no statistically significant relationship between seropositivity and different age groups or lengths of time in the occupation (p>0.05). History of brucellosis treatment were reported by 7.2% (n=9) and exposure to Brucella vaccines by needle-stick injuries or splashes or injuries to mucosal surfaces were reported by 8.8% (n=11) of participants.

Conclusions: This study is important for being the first study in recent years that demonstrates the seropositivity rates in veterinarians in Muğla. We believe that more comprehensive well-controlled studies are required in order to further explain seroprevalance and epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in professions at risk in Muğla.