Seroprevalence of brucella antibodies in horses in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in horses reared in Sokoto metropolis using the rapid-plate test, serum agglutination test and Competitive ELISA. A total of 347 horses were sampled comprising of 329 males and 9 females within the age range of 1 to above ten years. The serum samples were harvested and subjected to Rapid Plate Test, CompELISA and Serum Agglutination Test. Out of the 347 horses sampled, 48 were found to be positive for the Rapid Plate Test and CompELISA while 41 were positive for Serum Agglutination Test. Thus, an overall prevalence of 13.83% was realized. Also, 7 horses had antibody titre of 1:40, 12 had 1:60 titre, while 29 had 1:80. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies was highest in males (14.28%) compared to females (0%). The seroprevalence to brucella antibodies was found not to be statistically significantly associated with sex of the horses as observed in this study. Horses between the age of 6 to 10 years had a higher prevalence of Brucella antibodies 24 (16.32%) as compared to those 0 to 5 years 21 (12.5%) and those above ten years 3 (9.37%). Age was also not a significant factor for brucella antibody seropositivity (p = 0.588). This study indicates that Brucellosis is prevalent in horses in Sokoto. Hence, horse attendants and livestock reared together are at risk of contracting brucella infection