A study on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in caprine in Balochistan

An investigation on seroprevalence of brucellosis in 200 goats of both sexes with different ages by different conventional techniques i.e. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and Milk Ring Test (MRT). The overall seroprevelance of brucellosis was recorded as 4%, 3% and 3.33% by RBPT, SAT and MRT respectively. 100 male and similar number of female goats were examined by RBPT and SAT, 150 milk samples were also examined by MRT. The prevalence of brucellosis in females was recorded as 6%, 4% and 3.33% by RBPT, SAT and MRT respectively, while in males it was observed as 2% and 2% by RBPT and SAT respectively. Furthermore, 100 adult goats (above 12 months) were observed by RBPT, SAT and 150 adult female goats by MRT while 100 young goats (up to 9 months) by RBPT and SAT. The positive cases of brucellosis in adult goats were recorded as 8%, 6% and 3.33% by RBPT, SAT and MRT respectively. While in young goats, no one was det ected positive by RBPT and SAT. A total of 100 adult female goats (above 12 months) were examined by Rose Bengal Plate Test, Serum Agglutination Test and 150 by Milk Ring Test, detected 6%, 4% and 3.33% brucellosis in adult female goats respectively. Similarly, same number of young female goats (up to 9 months) were examined by Rose Bengal Plate Test and Serum Agglutination Test, no brucellosis was recorded. In the present analysis, 100 adult male goats (above 12 months) and similar number of young male goats (up to 9 months) were tested by RBPT and SAT techniques, the seroprevalence of brucellosis was recorded as 2% by each RBPT and SAT in adult male goats. In young male goats, no any single goat was found to be positive for brucellosis by RBPT and SAT. The serum samples of 50 adult female goats were titrated, 2 sera of the 50 adult female goats showed positive interaction at serum dilution 1:20, while serum 1 at dilution 1:40 where 1 at dilution 1:80. Similarly, 50 sera fro m young female goats were also titrated, no one serum sample was found to be positive. A total of 50 adult male and similar number of young male goats sera were tested by the Tube Agglutination Test (SAT), 2 samples were detected positive, only 1 serum sample interacted and showed 1:20 serum antibodies whereas 1 serum sample from adult male showed antibody titer which was recorded as 1:40 and no any positive interaction between antigen and antibody was found at any serum dilutions in young male goats. Brucella abortus antigen interacted with 6 serum samples contained the antibodies of Brucella abortus species while with simple modification in the procedure, where two drops of sera were added to antigen, showed the characteristics of Brucella melitensis and recorded as positive for Brucella melitensis. Further, that 8 sera showed the presence of Brucella melitensis antibodies, however the incidence of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis was recorded as 3% and 4% by RBPT, whereas 2.50% and 3% by SAT in the sera of goats. It is concluded that the Brucellosis is prevailing in the area. It was relatively higher in females as compared to males as determined by various techniques. Further, a higher prevalence of brucellosis was present in adult females (above 12 months) than in males. Overall study showed that the incidence of brucellosis was higher in adult of both sexes as compared to young animals of both sexes. The higher incidence of Brucella melitensis (4%) was recorded as compared to Brucella abortus (3.33%) in goats. The serum antibody titers of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis were also determined which interacted with antigen at serum dilutions of 1:20, 1:40 and 1:80 however, beyond these dilutions no interaction between antigen and serum antibody was observed. It was also concluded that the Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) technique is highly specific, sensitive and relatively more accurate in determining brucellosis in goats as co mpared to Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Milk Ring Test (MRT) which some times produced false results.